Walking into Thim Choy’s business on the corner of 95 Street and 102 Avenue is a trip down memory lane. I am pretty sure Thim has never sold the antique registers lining the wall at the top of the entrance staircase, but perhaps he acquired them when he upgraded his customers’ equipment.

In addition to the array of computers, machines, and products, such as the flashing OPEN signs, paper products, money counters, printers, and much more, there is also ample evidence of the cultural diversity of which he is a part. There is a picture of Thim with former Premier Ralph Klein, next to a dream catcher, next to a wide range of Asian cultural icons.

This business opened in 1973, three years after Thim came to Canada. His products and services have changed to match the needs of his customers, many of whom are immigrants themselves. Thim talked about giving a newly established Somalia businesses along 118 Avenue a helping hand through generous credit and he also talks of supporting the House of Refuse kitty corner from his business.

Thim seems to know everyone in this neighbourhood. He has lived, been an active volunteer, and maintained his business in the area. When asked why he set up in Boyle Street, he gave a long list of reasons explaining why this is the best neighbourhood in which to do business. While many reasons were sound business reasons – inexpensive rent, central location, close to Chinatown – the majority of his reasons were in one way or another his love for the area. In this neighbourhood, he says people are friendly and approachable. It is multicultural and diverse.

Edmonton Cash Registers (www.edmcash.ca) is a business which currently employs five people and does business from the Northwest Territories to central Alberta. The business is both retail and wholesale and sells as well as services equipment. The company works with large companies, such as the now closed Woodwards and the City of Edmonton, to small businesses in small towns throughout northern Alberta.

When asked what makes his business a success, Thim said it is due to “looking after it like a baby and taking care of the people in the business – the employees and customers. I have high expectations of my employees. I expect them to work hard and I care about them as if they were family. My customers too, they have become my friends.”