THINKING DIFFERENTLY - Ussco.com

REcognizing SuccessSmall Company Gives BigSimon Lee started EIS Office Solutions, Inc., in August 2004with the commitment to donate 50% of its profits to make adifference in the lives of people. At $6 million a year and growing,EIS is positioned not only to give significantly, but also tolead other companies to join it in fighting against the cycle ofpoverty. The recently established Simon and Faye Lee Foundationfocuses on leadership development, elimination of the povertycycle, and educational opportunities. Currently EIS helpspeople in Sudan through partner organization Aid Sudan —as well as assisting students in Houston, Texas, through arelationship with the Houston Independent School District.Faison wins top honorsFaison Office Products, Aurora, Colo., was given a Spirit ofExcellence Award by the Rocky Mountain Minority SupplierDevelopment Council. Faison was presented Supplier of theYear: Class 2 - $1 million to $10 million at the 2008 BusinessOpportunity Awards Gala held on March 21, 2008. The Supplierof the Year Award recognizes the top certified minority supplierswho distinguish themselves and their businesses by demonstratinggrowth in sales and employment while overcoming significantobstacles; consistently providing high-quality products and servicesat competitive prices; and significantly contributing to the growthand development of society in their community. Jared Casey,Faison president, accepted the award at the Gala.Still Going Strong at 1002008 marks the 100th anniversary of Wirick Office Productsof Grand Haven, Mich. In 1970, Salesman Sherman Wirickbought Reichardt Office Supply and renamed it Wirick OfficeProducts. Sherm’s two daughters and their husbands (Steveand Sherri Kosanicand Tim and PamBullerdick) joinedon in the late 70sand run the businesstoday. The workforceof eight goesbeyond the big boxstores and helpscustomers withhard to find itemsand still sells eacheson many products.A new on-line ordering system with GOPD has enhancede-commerce businesses and contributes to the dealership’s ongoingsuccess. To celebrate 100 years, in part, Wirick’s hosteda vendor table top show and an event with the Grand HavenChamber of Commerce in August. (Pictured from left are:Steve and Sherri Kosanic, Sherm Wirick (previous owner andfather to Sherri and Pam), and Pam and Tim Bullerdick.Serving Imperial Valley Since 1907The McManus family is excited about the 100 years of successthe Office Supply Company has had. Today Office SupplyCompany, El Centro, Calif., represents Xerox, works closelywith United Stationers, and has partnered with McDowell CraigOffice Furniture. “We save customers money across the board,we provide innovative solutions which drive down procurementcosts and increase efficiency, and offer service and conveniencethat far exceed expectations,” said Paul McManus, CEO andthe third generation of the McManus family to run the business.Working as a family and as business partners, the McManus’continue to make Office Supply Company a community orientedorganization set to build on its success in the Imperial Valley foryears to come.36OFFICELINE | www.ussco.com