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Saturday:
8 – 5
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Local: 262-542-8152
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Hi,
While you appreciate the beautiful floral arrangements you may have purchased from us over the years, you may never have thought about the team that brings those fresh designs to your table. Our multi-talented designers have been working especially hard to keep on top of the trends so that you have the most fashion-forward floral designs we can offer. This month, we thought you might like to have a sneak peak behind the curtain to see just how that all comes together for you!
Sincerely,
Marty Loppnow, Vice President
Waukesha Floral & Greenhouse
_____________________________________________________________
Denise Gehrke, AIFD, Creative Design Manager:
Over the last few years Denise has decided to further her education in the art of floral design by seeking accreditation in the American Institute of Floral Designers, AIFD. We are very proud to announce that Denise has achieved this milestone and was inducted into this prestigious organization just this month.
The AIFD places Denise in the creme de' le' creme of floral professionals around the world. Testing took place over three years in Washington D.C., New York, and Seattle, and she received her accreditation in Palm Springs, California. Next time you're here, give Denise a hearty "Congratulations!!" for Wisconsin's newest AIFD member.
Marty Loppnow, Vice President,
co-owner
&
Jane Loppnow, Office Manager:
Jane and Marty have been busy this year with many trips to source all the great finds that make Waukesha Floral & Greenhouse such a unique place. Marty started his year in Cleveland to get a jump start on Christmas 2007 at a large import company. Later in January Jane joined him to attend the Dallas Gift and Home Market to wrap up all the great looks for the holidays. In June Marty flew off to San Francisco to purchase a wonderful line of home decor, candles, and pottery. Our last gift show of the year will be this month in Atlanta. Believe it or not, this is when we order all of our 2008 spring and summer items. We are always a year ahead to find the newest in gifts and home decor.
On another note, Marty and Jane attended the Society of American Florists Congressional Action Days in Washington D.C. this past March. This is our chance to talk with our representatives on Capitol Hill to raise issues that affect us in our own small business. It is quite an adventure getting through security to speak with Senators Kohl and Feingold, and Representative Sensenbrenner. Many small voices can make a big change. Marty is also on a national committee for the Society of American Florists and is asked to weigh in on many small business concerns.
Tom Loppnow, President, co-owner.
Tom continues to grow a vast selection of gorgeous bedding plants and poinsettias for all your gardens and holiday enjoyment. Tom yearly attends the Ball Seed Field Trials in Illinois, and the Michigan Growers Association Field Days in Kalamazoo to learn what will be the newest and most beautiful plants and flowers for the upcoming season. Tom also belongs to the Commercial Flower Growers Association, where he was a board member for 11 years.
Mary Jo Van Natta,Floral Design Manager:
Mary Jo has had a busy year ordering all of our fresh flowers for weddings, proms, everyday needs and all of the calendar's holidays. When you need just the right shade of hydrangea for your party, she's your go to girl! Mary Jo is chair person for The Center for Education through the Wisconsin Upper Michigan Florist Association. She helps coordinate teaching advanced methods of floral design to florists in Wisconsin and the U.P. She also enters their annual design competition and has taken home many ribbons over the years. This year she placed second in the category "Bouquet-IN-Glass". This featured a new design concept of sheltering the flowers within the confines of the glass vase. Mary Jo is well on her way to achieving her points needed to earn her "Wisconsin Master Florist" certificate. Way to go Jo!
Our Team:
The rest of our talented design staff hasn't been sitting on their hand for the past year either. Each designer is asked to take at least one continuing education class per year with many designers taking two, three, or four. Some of the offerings include: Prom Perfect, Advanced Wedding Design, and New Trends in Floral Design. Our designers pride themselves on keeping abreast of the hottest new looks in floral design.
