Morrison Chamber of Commerce honored Stephanie Mann, Manager of Fitzgerald’s Floral & Gifts, with a Because Nice Matters award, on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. At 12:15 p.m., Chamber members and Board members gathered at Fitzgerald Pharmacy, 124 E. Main Street, Morrison, IL, for the presentation. Community State Bank sponsored a personalized, laser-etched, drink container; Chamber Director LeAnn Schaefer read the certificate.
It stated, “Presented to Stephanie Mann…in appreciation for your efforts in creating the best experience for our community, the Morrison Chamber of Commerce proudly recognizes and congratulates you as the recipient of the Because Nice Matter Award. We certainly appreciate your outstanding commitment to our community!”
Schaefer then read the complete nomination, “Stephanie did funeral flowers in recent weeks. She is so caring and takes the extra time to make sure all of the flowers are special for the family. In addition to the beautiful flowers, she made dinner for both sides of the family, after the passing of their sister and mother. [She] then made dinner for the entire, extended family, the night of the Visitation and Funeral. Just out of the blue, or just because, Stephanie surprises individuals and businesses in town with muffins, just to brighten their day. Stephanie was very easy to work with and understanding when we had to postpone the Funeral due to COVID-19 issues. Stephanie cares about her customers and treats them like family. She is very deserving of this award!”
Mann began her life’s fragrant career as a teenager, working after school and on Saturdays for Wilson Greenhouses & Florist. Her mother purchased the business in July 1976 and trained Stephanie.
“Hands on is the best way to go,” in this business, she said.
She became the florist shop owner in April 2005; sold the business in November 2019; was hired at Fitzgerald’s Florals & Gifts the next month.
Although her work space is considerably smaller, in the back of the pharmacy, she has noted improvements since December 2019. The former garage now has shelves, a sink, and a walk-in cooler. In the area near greeting cards, Mann has counter space and seating for customers, to plan life’s important events–celebrations, weddings, graduations, and funerals.
She is content in her functional, scaled-down, new location. The same beautiful plants and florals are available. Call her at the familiar number, 815-772-2126.
Sharing the tribute were, left-to-right, Chamber Director LeAnn Schaefer, Stephanie Mann; Stephanie Vavra; Meridith Layne; Lori Matlack; Mark Musselman; Chamber Board President Kevin Schisler.
