RIBBON CUTTING … Employees from Blooms Flower Company cut the ribbon for the opening of their new shop. Numerous other employees, friends, family, local business representatives, and Wauseon Chamber of Commerce representatives stand with them as well in support.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The Blooms Flower Company held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, September 26th. The new business is part of an initiative by Triangular Processing, a local non-profit that works to provide support and encouragement to people with developmental disabilities through a variety of services.
This includes using their recycling facility to employ and provide vocational skill-building, as well as providing adult day services, supported employment, and non-medical transportation.
The facility was donated to the organization by F&M Bank, its previous owner. An F&M ATM will remain in the front of the building within the vestibule.
Triangular Processing Director Kathy Shaw explained that this donation from F&M helps the organization to continue highlighting the talents of those they serve.
Blooms is a full-service flower shop that specializes in retail sales, special events (weddings, proms, dances, and more).
Additional hours are also offered for consultation and an art program will be called “The Studio” will be held onsite for individual art pieces and consignment art pieces.
The money collected through Blooms will all go to providing programming and wages for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Director Kathy Shaw explained that the wages provided by both Blooms and The Table, which is also part of the Triangular Processing family, are a fair wage.
“We do not pay piece rate, which is a way that could be used to pay them less. With support from our Board of Directors, we got rid of that. The Table and Blooms help to provide fair wages.”
Blooms is located at 119 North Fulton Street in downtown Wauseon. The phone number is 419-330-4445 and the company will be open Monday – Friday from 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Renea can be reached at renea@thevillagereporter.com