Shortly after 1:00 p.m., Wilson Greenhouses & Florist owner Stephanie Mann was honored, on Friday, February 23, 2018, with a double nomination, for the Chamber of Commerce Because Nice Matters award. Mann has worked at the business for 43 years; her mother, Ruthie Hayenga, was the previous owner. It began in 1922 and was a 2005 Sesquicentennial “Golden Business” honoree, for at least 50 years of enterprise.
Located at the west terminus of Main Street, the address is 103 N. Heaton Street, Morrison, IL. Hours are Monday-through-Wednesday and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., plus half-days Thursday and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to noon. See Mann’s Classified Ad for more information.
Shown presenting and receiving, respectively, the Because Nice Matters customer service award are, left-to-right, Chamber Coordinator Meridith Layne and business owner Stephanie Mann.
Nomination 1 stated, “They go above and beyond to help fill everyone’s order, if it’s for Love, Illness, Funeral, Wedding, Anniversary, or whatever the special occasion may be. They are the business to go to. They always have a happy and inviting voice on the phone. And if you visit their store, they go out of their way to make your needs important. I nominate Wilson Greenhouse[s & Florist] for their spectacular service.”
Nomination 2 stated, ” A little boy wanted to buy some flowers for his mom, so she took him to Wilson’s. When they walked in, [a staff member] asked how they could help….The mom said the little guy was the customer. He went to the counter and bought his mommy some flowers for her birthday. [They] treated him with as much respect as if he were booking flowers for a large event. Both the mom and son will go back to Wilson’s. [It was] a beautiful tribute to how to teach someone young [that] kindness matters, and so does customer service.”
Photographer Jerry Lindsey made an amusing comment to those sharing Mann’s recognition. Left-to-right are City Administrator Barry Dykhuizen; Layne; Mann; florist/designer Patti Wiemken; Chamber Board member Dana Verdick; Chamber member Stephanie Vavra.
Wilson Greenhouses & Florist is a multifaceted business with recent broadening of its merchandise. In the past, four greenhouses nurtured “vegetables, flowers including carnations and football mums, and annuals,” such as geraniums. “About ten years ago” Mann discontinued growing these plants. Two, roofless greenhouses remain in place.
Weddings and funeral work continue as important design services, along with the vast array of occasions that are brightened by fresh or silk florals and live plants. Ready for spring, seasonal silk garlands, wreaths, and arrangements adorn the shop, nestled among engraved lawn stones, lanterns, and timer candles. She sells Dutch House caramels, chocolates, and Woody’s caramel and cheese corn. Silvery jewelry sparkles in the north room, and woven scarves and ponchos hang near the entrance. “The spring line will be here the week of February 26,” Mann noted.
Collectors of Willow Tree and Isabel Bloom will find ample options.
In summer 2017, Mann hired Becky Damhoff. In the fall they launched an additional product line of accessories to create the simple “Farmhouse look.” Damhoff’s transformation is evident in the south end “Farmhouse Room.” An old door became a plant display piece, as did her beautiful wringer washer. Tin washtubs are for sale as wall shelves; barn wood was made into a bed frame to hold merchandise. Damhoff painted canning jars and tied the rim with twine: instant country vases; spoon, brush, or candle holders.
A John Deere tractor owner would enjoy this rustic toy.
