Honor Local Bookstore Award

Senate Resolution No. 3577 BY: Senator RANZENHOFER HONORING Monkey See, Monkey Do Children's Bookstore upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the achievements of those individuals and businesses that contribute substantially to the economic vitality of their communities, thereby enhancing the economic well-being of the entire Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long- standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Monkey See, Monkey Do Children's Bookstore upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce, to be celebrated at its 46th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at Samuel's Grande Manor, Clarence, New York; and WHEREAS, Bringing books to life through interactive learning experiences, Monkey See, Monkey Do Children's Bookstore fosters a love of reading, sparks curiosity and imagination, encourages independent thinking and promotes healthy, active lifestyles for children of all ages; and WHEREAS, Kim Krug began her professional career in healthcare after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Buffalo School of Management, and a Master's degree from D'Youville College in 2001; and WHEREAS, In 2002, Kim Krug left the corporate world to create a loving home for her two children, Parker and Kathryn; two years later, her son Henry arrived, and her life was centered around her family, friends and volunteer services; and WHEREAS, Monkey See, Monkey Do Children's Bookstore was established in June of 2009, by Kim Krug and her mother, Kathleen Skoog, with the tagline, "the little bookstore with big ideas"; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, thousands of families have visited Monkey See, Monkey Do Children's Bookstore to participate in literacy-based camps, interactive princess tea parties and book-themed birthday parties; and WHEREAS, In 2013, Monkey See, Monkey Do Children's Bookstore was selected to launch internationally-known children's author, Jan Brett's new release, Cinders; the event brought more than 700 families to Clarence Middle School, and was one of the most successful launches in Brett's history; and WHEREAS, One year later, Monkey See, Monkey Do Children's Bookstore was recognized by New York Times best-selling author, James Patterson, in recognition of its first ever Western New York Children's Book Expo during which time

1,500 young families met nearly 40 local and national authors; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to community outreach, Monkey See, Monkey Do Children's Bookstore has fostered partnerships with such Western New York organizations as Buffalo Museum of Science, Theater of Youth, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and Boulevard Buddies Pre-K program; and WHEREAS, In addition, this extraordinary business has collaborated with Discover Clarence to promote Shop Local and other joint community partnerships; and WHEREAS, Each year, Monkey See, Monkey Do Children's Bookstore donates 75 custom storybook programs/parties to local charities whose primary emphasis is children's issues; furthermore, in 2014, the bookstore donated more than 400 books to Buffalo's PS 99 Stanley M. Makowski Early Childhood Center; and WHEREAS, The success of Monkey See, Monkey Do Children's Bookstore is in direct correlation to the efforts of Kim Krug and Kathleen Skoog, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals and businesses of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Monkey See, Monkey Do Children's Bookstore upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Kim Krug and Kathleen Skoog, Monkey See, Monkey Do Children's Bookstore, Clarence, New York.