Monk Office Supply helps with back to you-know-where

The days are shorter (though I pretend not to notice) and flip flops, tanks, and bathing suits are facing their annual deep discounts. This can only mean one thing: back to school season is looming ever nearer. 

I get nostalgic for my school days at this time of year. Of course, now that my student days are behind me, it’s easier to look back and yearn for what was. I recall with fondness everything involved with getting ready for another year, from purchasing school supplies (I loved the smell of the new, pointy crayons) to clothes. In those days, there wasn’t anything more cool than showing up in a pair of jeans with flared bottoms. They’re back in style, I believe, but somehow they seem less necessary now. But I still buy new running shoes around this time of year as well as socks and a binder, preferably with pockets.

Watch the local newspapers over the next couple of weeks for first day procedures, which grades attend at what times, when the bus will be zooming by your local stop, and a list of important dates throughout the school year, including Pro D days (a perennial favorite with students).

This is a great time of the year to stock up on household essentials. You know, the stuff you use constantly but don’t think much about until you realize you’re out. I’m talking toothpaste, paper products (aka toilet paper!), Bandaids – you get the picture. And this can also be a wise time to think about buying small appliances. There are deals to be had if you hunt around. Pay attention to the flyers, compare prices, and saving coin could be in your future.

A huge part of readying kids young and old for the classroom is buying school supplies. It can be a stressful undertaking. A nifty, not to mention free, service from Monk Office Supply makes this inevitable task as convenient as it can possibly be. Simply call them, give your child’s grade and school and they’ll happily put together everything your child needs, from pens and pencils to notebooks and everything in between. All you do is “pick up and pay” .Give them a call at 25o-287-7193. Murray, Jeff or Amanda will be pleased to help you. Monk is located at 976 Shopper’s Row, between People’s Drug Mart and On Line Gourmet. They’re open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm.

Tweet This Post

Campbell River Chamber honours Business Awards Winners

The Campbell River Community Centre was the place to be last night, Saturday May 30, as a broad range of Chamber members, family, and friends gathered to learn the 2009 winners of the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Awards of Distinction.

Congratulations to these eight winners:

Microbusiness of the Year: Stonehouse Teas, Tanya Hofer Owner.

Other finalists in this category were Two Hills Ventures (Denise Mitchell-Hills Vice President), and Kim Jarvis’ Shadoe Intimates.  This was the first year for this category.

 The finalists for Small Business of the Year were the Campbell River Volunteer Society, ably coordinated by Louise Howes, Needle and Arts Centre, owned and manger by Inga Kettler, and Rehabilition in Motion, Tanya Yardley, CEO.

The award went to Rehabilitation in Motion for Small Business of the Year.  

Next up was Intermediate Business. Chan Nowosad Boates Chartered Accountants took this award for 2009.

Coast Realty Group, Janet Scotland Manager Broker, and Ketza Pacific Construction, with Wayne Schofield leading, were the other finalists. 

 Always a popular category, the finalists for Large Business were John Howard Society, Tanya Storr, Communications Director, Pioneer Home Hardware under the guidance of owner Gary Thulin, and Quality Foods.

The winner of Large Business? Cyriel DeBruyne, Manager, and the gang at Quality Foods.

A new category this year was Family Friendly Business of the Year. The three finalists were Chan, Nowasad Boates, London Drugs, and Rehabilitation in Motion.

It was a two-award evening for Rehabilition in Motion as they made their second trip to the official picture area, this time for Family Friendly Business of the Year.

The importance of  both Young Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders in Campbell River was recognized by the nine member judging panel with the introduction of these categories.

Crowne Pacific Homes owner Brett Giese, Candice Martel of Eden Street Salon, and LA Smith Productions owner Laurie Smith vied for this award.

The Young Entrepreneur Award was in fact brought home by Crowne Pacific Homes AND Eden Street Salon.

Three individuals competed for the title of Business Leader last night. They were Roy Grant, realtor and City Councillor, Doug Preston, the Executive Director of NIEFS and Gary Thulin of Pioneer Home Hardware.

There can only be one winner and for 2009, the first winner in this new category was Doug Preston.

Councillor Andy Adams and Chamber President Andy Leitch provided a highlight of the evening as the former pushed the latter through the crowd to show the snazzy office chair donated by Monk Office Supply. Bill Matthews once again worked his live auction magic, bringing in almost $200 for the chair and more than $150 for two gorgeous hanging baskets donated by Campbell River Garden Centre.

Appetizers, desserts, and hot beverages were provided by a variety of local businesses including The Royal Coachman, Starbucks, Cheesecake 101, and The Willows.

 Silent auction donors included The Mirror, Chameleon Creative, Marine Harvest Canada, Moxie’s Classic Grill, Sonora Forestry, Triumph Vocational Services, and Gina Forsyth (that’s me!).

 Thanks to the judging committee, awards committee, Chamber staff and board, volunteers, and of course emcees Ryan and Brianna from 97.3 The Eagle for a successful event.  See you next year.

Tweet This Post