By Sue McMurray, College of Business
PULLMAN, Wash. – “Serving those who serve others” is the mission of Bargreen Ellingson’s vice president and owner Rick Ellingson (’75 marketing) who will present “Sneezing Nickels, Costing Dimes,” during the annual Burtenshaw Lecture at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, in the CUB auditorium at Washington State University. The public is invited.
Based in Tacoma, Wash., Bargreen Ellingson offers a broad array of elements necessary to design, fabricate, equip and supply any foodservice entity. Showrooms house glassware, china, silverware, ranges, kitchen supplies, bar supplies and janitorial supplies that can be shipped anywhere in the world.
“We refer to culmination of these services as the ‘full spectrum’ concept and developed it to meet the growing diversity and scope of the needs of our clients in the restaurant, hospitality, supermarket and healthcare industries,” Ellingson said. “Our customers enjoy this convenience and can choose the services that are most beneficial for their operation.”
Ellingson joined the family business in 1976 after a short stint with Proctor and Gamble. He has helped the company grow to 23 locations in nine states and Canada. Under his leadership, the business was voted Restaurant Supply Company of the Year in 1991 and 2008 by Foodservice Equipment and Supplies Magazine.
He received a Distinguished Alumni Award from WSU in 2007 and was voted Oregon’s Business Person of the Year in 2008. He serves on various advisory boards and is past president of the Foodservice Equipment Distribution Association, a national trade association.
The Burtenshaw Distinguished Lecture Series is sponsored by alumnus DeVere Jerry and Angelina Burtenshaw in memory of their son, Calvin Brett. The lecture is presented annually by the WSU School of Hospitality Business Management.
Contacts:
Anita Young, WSU College of Business, 509-335-3931, youngaf@wsu.edu
Sue McMurray, WSU College of Business communications, 509-335-7578, sue.mcmurray@wsu.edu