Mr. and Mrs. Kool

Meet Ken and Lora Perrine of Kool Change Printing in Monroe. Since opening their doors in 1992, just about every organization in town has benefited from their expertise and generosity.

Ken and Lora have provided free or at-cost flyers, banners, newsletters, announcements, brochures, forms, business cards and more to nonprofit groups. The East County Senior Center, Monroe Chamber of Commerce, Sky Valley Food Bank, Monroe Gospel Women’s Mission, Downtown Monroe Association, Monroe Public Schools Foundation and the historical society are just a few that have received support from Kool Change Printing over the years.

“Our desire is to give back to a community that makes our business successful.” Through their contributions, Ken and Lora support the positive purpose of these groups. The business also donates to Purrfect Pals, a cat rescue center in Arlington, and to Homeward Pets in Woodinville, as well as other smaller organizations.

Northwest natives with experience and training in printing, Ken and Lora met while working for Carnation Printing, when it was in Duvall. They purchased 4.5 acres of land, built a home and moved to Monroe in 1990, then set up shop.

Kool Change, a song by the Little River Band, seemed like a good name for their new venture and for the services they offered to the community. They immediately joined the chamber of commerce, and continue to support chamber events, including the Fair Days Parade. As involved residents, Ken and Lora have served on several information-gathering panels for the Monroe School District.

The chamber recognized Kool Change with a Small Business Excellence Award in 2010, for their outstanding support.

“The community has always been generous with their appreciation,” Ken said.

In addition to their successful business and community activities, Ken and Lora participate in the PNW O-Mok-See, a local saddle clubs association-sponsored event held at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds. Horses and their riders compete at pattern horse racing, such as pole bending, barrel racing and other events that show off their skills. Ken and Lora not only are active participants, but also support the event with printing services and by storing event equipment at their business site.

The Perrines are also dog lovers. Lora enjoys taking her two Schnauzers, Zena and Newman, to the Barn Hunt. This is an event in which dogs are trained to search a maze to find a rat. It is great fun for dogs and their owners. Events are open to the public, and the next will be held at the fairgrounds the first weekend in April. Ken and Lora like to hike and camp with their canine buddies when they get a chance.

When asked about the future of printing in this electronic world of “want it now” consciousness, Ken assures us there will always be those who prefer to have their printing projects done by professionals.

Kool Change is a full-service commercial print shop that offers a wide range of personalized products. In the printing biz, the three watchwords are fast, cheap and quality.

Ken says Kool Change does not take a cookie cutter approach.

“We strive to provide uniquely suited products and services of the best quality, at a good price, and in a timely manner. And we are continually upgrading to embrace the latest technology.” He adds, “We intend to be here to serve Sky Valley for many years to come.”

Kool Change now is offering a bulk mailing service, which is ideal for newsletters, appeal letters and notices.

You can meet Ken at Lora at the Swingin’ to Summer at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 10, at the East County Senior Center. They will be volunteering their time to serve the beer and wine, as well as enjoying the sounds of the Moonlight Swing Orchestra along with the crowd. This event is open to the public, so come and share in the fun.