Briefs: Golden Paw Gala planned at Everett Golf and Country Club

Golden Paw Gala planned at Everett Golf and Country Club

The Animal Rescue Foundation of Everett will host the third annual Golden Paw Gala on from 6 to 9:30 p.m. May 21 at the Everett Golf and Country Club. Proceeds benefit the animals of the Everett Animal Shelter. Tickets must be purchased prior the event. Go to www.everettarf.org or call 425-257-6273.

UW Bothell tops Money magazine list of colleges with room for this fall

For the second year in a row, University of Washington Bothell tops Money magazine’s list of great colleges that still have room for the fall. The list is a resource for graduating high school seniors and transfer students. This follows Payscale.com recently ranking the University among the top colleges in the nation — and first in the state — in return on investment.

Lynnwood chamber plans May meeting

The May meeting of the Lynnwood Chamber of Commerce is from 7:30 to 9 a.m. May 26 at Fairwinds Brighton Court, 6520 196th St. SW, Lynnwood. This month’s speaker will be Max Collinge on Keys to Social Smarts in Stressful Situations. Feel free to bring business cards, a door prize to promote your business and a guest.

Governor to speak at Work Force Development Center in Mukilteo

Gov. Jay Inslee will be the keynote speaker at the Work Force Development Center’s 2016 Graduation ceremony. Work Force Development Center is a nonprofit vocational training center to prepare at-risk and disadvantaged high school juniors and seniors for the work force. The ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m. May 26 at 11215 47th Ave. W, Mukilteo.

Learn about new permits for fresh fruit packing industry

A general wastewater permit for the fresh fruit packing industry is being updated for 191 facilities across Washington. The Department of Ecology permit provides assurance that fruit packers are protecting nearby lakes, rivers and groundwater when managing the wastewater coming from their facilities. Download a copy of the draft permit and fact sheet at this site.

Businesses report 8.4 percent increase in taxable retail sales

Businesses in Washington state reported $135 billion in taxable retail sales in 2015, an increase of 8.4 percent over calendar year 2014, according to the Washington State Department of Revenue. Sales made in the retail trade sector helped drive the increase, jumping 5.9 percent to nearly $60 billion. The construction sector also rose significantly in 2015, with $24.5 billion in taxable sales.

$3.16 million in grants for employing, mentoring youths

The 21st Century Conservation Service Corps is set to receive $3.16 million in grants to support conservation employment and mentoring opportunities for youth at 60 projects on public lands nationwide this summer. The organization is part of an initiative to inspire young adults and veterans to engage in hands-on service to public lands and waters.