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Posted by MFish

I saw the Canlis Restaurant was having a "Drive In" event, $50 per car for
food and munchies and as I recall a movie. Clever way to offset the loss of business.

This reminded me of a long ago event, in another time and another life.
I worked for a large Corporation who would have Sales Events for "Big Ticket" appliances.
Big ticket in this explanation probably related to the Selling of Washers and Dryers, or in
Department 26, which all the Laundry products were in.
Our organization would set up sales quotas by Region. Ours was the Seattle Region. The
awards for these kind of events was National recognition with a special Award Dinner for the
participating staff. Best performance, etc. These would generally be for Sales Staff, Buyers of
the merchandise and other support staff.

I recall one such event, that did involve Laundry equipment. Seattle won the National Award
and we were to arrange for a nice celebration with cocktails, appetizers, dinner and desserts.
The National Merchandiser would be present to award the Winning staff. The restaurant of
choice, was the Canlis.

My immediate Boss, the Regional Sales Superintendent, (we like long worded job descriptions)
informed me that I as the Operations Manager, to go to the Cashiers office and get $3500, in
in cash and pay the bill after the dinner. There were approximately 40 staff in attendance.
Please keep in mind that this was in the late 60's or early 70's and prices were a lot
lower.

I went to the Cashiers office with the appropriate, Funds Request and received the cash, which I
put into a safe place. The time arrived and off to the Canlis went the 40.
There was an open bar, with appetizers.

Eventually we went to the tables for the excellent Canlis Dinner. After dinner, before the awards
and congratulatory speeches, the National Merchandiser, said, " After dinner drinks and cigars
for all those who desire. That was probably everyone in the building.

After all of the congratulations and awards were done a waiter appeared at my
Boss' shoulder with the bill. My Boss pointed at me and said, "He'll take care of it."
I reviewed the bill, cleared my throat and said, " I believe I am a little short" for the
bill was approximately $4500. The waiter, without hesitation, said, "Not a problem, Sir,
we will just bill you." I signed the bill and returned home with all the cash. Driving
carefully on the way to our home on the Eastside. I only had to drive back to Seattle
in the morning and hand the $3500 back to the Cashier.

Great memories for me. I hope you enjoyed this little story.

A Comment by Carl

Your avatar
Carl • 06/27/2020 at 11:43AM • Like 1 Profile

Nice story. When I moved to Seattle in 82, Canlis was recommended and went there a few times. I remember the car attendants did not ask you for a name but always knew which car was yours when you came out.

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