Iqaluit (Nov 06/06) - Anyone looking for a custom pen or high-backed desk chair in Iqaluit won't have far to go thanks to Helen Klengenberg's latest venture.

The owner/operator of Akhaliak promotional products and printing services is set to open a sister store called Akhaliak office products and supplies on Nov. 24.

Helen Klengenberg, left, president and owner of Akhaliak Consulting, and general manager Paul Murphy stand inside their new store, Akhaliak office products and supplies. The new business will stock items ranging from pens to furniture and is slated to host a grand opening Nov. 24 - Terry Dobbin/NNSL photo

Located on Tasilik Street, the new store will be a perfect complement to the existing promotions and custom print business, said Klengenberg.

"It was time to expand - the opportunity was there," she said.

The office supply store will feature products ranging from pens and paper to computers and office furniture, she said.

For communities outside of Iqaluit, the company will offer catalogue ordering services, she said.

"Any products you want, you name it and we can get it," Klengenberg added.

Both stores will run under their parent company, Akhaliak Consulting, and together will employ five people, said Klengenberg.

Even the consulting business has been expanding and recently took over the Xerox dealership in Iqaluit from Thomas Associates.

She hopes capture even more of the Xerox service market in the Arctic by extending support to businesses outside the capital in the near future.

Klengenberg said the new venture will allow the parent company to provide a trio of services to customers.

After operating a consulting business in Rankin Inlet since 1996, Klengenberg moved to Iqaluit in 2003 to open the promotional product and custom printing service.

Three years later, the Saint Mary's University MBA grad, along with her husband and company general manager, Paul Murphy, feel they have worked diligently to earn their customers respect in Iqaluit and around Nunavut.

Running a successful business is within reach of many Inuit, she said, adding that success doesn't come without the commitment and many long hours.

"People have to be willing to put in 50 or 60 hours a week," she said.

"It takes a lot of hard work."

Providing quality service is something Murphy said he knows will continue to be a priority at the new office supply store.

"I know this store will work," he said.

With the addition of the new business, he said Akhaliak has created a well-rounded business supply source for companies and government agencies operating in the territory.

"We are a total package now," he said.