After 15 years of shredding documents in the Alberni Valley, Shredder has new owners, but the inspiration behind the company is staying on staff.
Shredder was started in 2003 by Rob and Monika Johnson to provide an adult day program for their son Anthony after he graduated high school. Over time, the business has grown to a full-time job for the family. After retiring from the mill in February, Monika found the shredding business too demanding.
“It was time to pass the torch to local businessman Kenner Reite,” says Monika. “Kenner will be running the business and Anthony will continue shredding as his day program.”
Reite has located the business to 4429 Victoria Quay and has plans to acquire a larger shredder in the future.
Reite started in business where he was just 14, landscaping at a trailer park. In 1990, he owned two memorabilia shops in Port Alberni, then for 13 years ran a charter service out of Ucluelet. Then he moved on to Gabriola Island where he operated a pub for seven years.
With Shredder, Reite will continue to offer the same confidential pick-up and shredding as has been the company practice for 15 years. Reach them at 250-724-4055 or 250-816-7565.
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Rumours have been growing for some time and now they are confirmed: Linda Bowers, owner of Boutique Belles Amies, is retiring the end of the year.
“After enjoying Boutique Belles Amies for 21 years (working with Sandra for seven years, then owning it for 14 years) I have decided to join the ranks of the retired,” Bowers told her customers in a newsletter the end of July. “I do plan on retiring by the end of the year, so Boutique Belles Amies is now listed for sale with Sandra Lamoureux of RE/MAX Mid-Island Realty. I think we are all ever-hopeful it will sell to the right person.”
Call Boutique Belles Amies (250) 723-0966, www.boutiquebellesamies.ca or find them on Facebook.
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RE/MAX Mid-Island has moved to temporary digs, while their offices at Johnston and Ian are under construction. The realtors have moved to Alberni Mall, between The Brick and Dollar Tree for about eight months, says owner Carl Scott. Once completed, the new building will be larger, provide private offices for realtors and have an updated façade. Call (250) 723-5666, www.midislandrealty.com
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Staples has started their annual Stock the Lockers campaign to provide essential school supplies for children in need. There are three ways to donate: purchase a promotional tote bag, sticky notes or lip balm, bid on an auction item or just make a donation at the cashier. Either way, your support goes to students in our local School District 70. (250) 720-2460 , www.staples.ca
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Rayner and Bracht is celebrating a big anniversary this year. Started 70 years ago in Port Alberni, the company is responsible for having a part in literally building the community, including the construction of Stamp Avenue to Trans Canada Highway specifications.
Rayner and Bracht has been a part of many large projects in the Valley and all around Vancouver Island over 70 years and have seen many changes in equipment and technology. Despite the changes, they are still located as they always have been, at 4442 – 10th Ave, once the site of a WW2 army base. www.raynerandbracht.ca
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Sugar Shak in Harbour Quay is celebrating 10 sweet years in business in 2018. The shop, owned by Karmyn Akerley, offers handmade chocolates and confections, ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt and gift items. Come by on Wednesday nights in the summer for live music with band Highway 4. Call (250) 731-5587 or find them on Facebook.
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Also celebrating a milestone is Cheryl Ianowski of Blue Fish Gallery, who opened the doors of the little blue house on 2nd Avenue and Mar five years ago. The shop features pottery, glass, jewelry, clothing and more from local and other talented artisans. (778) 419-3474, www.bluefishgallery.info or find the latest treasures on Facebook.