Beverage company hosts employee barbecue

Hazel Dell — Craig Stein Beverage hosted its employee appreciation barbecue on Sept. 8, bringing together employees for a day of food and raffles. Stein, the company’s owner, served as the emcee at the barbecue, presiding over prize giveaways throughout the day. The barbecue was catered by Jazzy John’s Barbecue of Vancouver. The prizes given away ranged from a variety of collectible coolers to electric turntables, inflatables, chairs, mini fridges, backpacks and fire pits. There were also thousands of dollars in gift cards raffled off to places like Fred Meyer, Sears and Wal-Mart. There were also a few grand prizes, giving employees a chance to win a stay of Heathman Lodge, snowboards, skateboards, concert tickets, a guitar and four custom cruiser bikes. The event also celebrated the retirements of Bill Fortino and Jay Roberts, who have been salesmen at the company for a combined 32 years. Earlier this year, Craig Stein Beverage bought Click Wholesale Distributing and merged with Bellevue-based distributor The Odom Corporation.