The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

The Bridge City Chamber of Commerce presented William (Bill) Smith, of Central Office Supply (COS Printing) in Bridge City, as the August Employee of the Month. The award was presented at the Chamber’s Monthly Networking Coffee hosted by Tiger Rock Martial Arts, located at 1955 Miller Drive in Bridge City. Mr. Smith actually opened the Central Office Supply business in Bridge City in 1975. Through the years, Mr. Smith would bring his grandson Eric to the store with him, teaching him the family business. In 2005, Eric purchased the business from his grandfather.

Mr. Smith has been a long time resident of Bridge City. Not only is he a Life-time Member of the Chamber, he is also a former Chamber Board President, City Councilman, and Vice President of the Bridge City/Orangefield Rotary Club. At the young age of 80-something, Mr. Smith has retired three times, but continues to work in the store. He always has a ready to go attitude and a smile on his face. He is Central Office Supply’s own door greeter. Mr. Smith truly loves to work and loves what he does, everything from screen cleaning/printer, promoter to helping with odd jobs and daily functions and whatever may come up that needs to be done.

“You have to make him take a break or he “keeps on trucking” until the job is finished. He is absolutely the engine that got COS to where it is today” states his grandson, Eric. Mr. Smith has always taken time to get to know his customers and develop lasting friendships. Still today, he enjoys visiting with the long-time customers/friends he has made through the years. He is a devoted Christian and leads his life by God’s teachings and guidance. Mr. Smith is a true “friend of Bridge City” and an outstanding employee in our community.

Mr. Smith received a plaque sponsored by David Self Ford honoring him as the Employee of the Month as well as gift certificates to The Record Newspaper, Luv Lingerie, DuPuis Tire and Service Center, Sonic Drive-In, Total Impressions Salon, Peggy’s on the Bayou, Trendz, Tiger Rock Martial Arts of Bridge City, and David Self Ford.

Pictured: William (Bill) Smith, of Central Office Supply, was named Bridge City Chamber of Commerce’s Employee of the Month. His grandson, Eric Andrus and Chamber Ambassador Shirley Zimmerman present Smith with a plaque and several gift certificates from local businesses.