Assembly Resolution No. 791

BY: M. of A. Norris

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.