Absolutely Flowers Receives Chamber Award

Absolutely Flowers Receives Chamber Small Business Spotlight Award

 Hutchinson, Kansas (July 9, 2008) - Congratulations to Absolutely Flowers for being the July 2008 Small Business Spotlight Award Recipient.

Absolutely Flowers began in November 2004, as a new and exciting floral boutique in Hutchinson. Owners Mitzi Alexander AIFD and Karen Maness had the experience and vision to create a unique floral boutique unlike Hutchinson had seen. “We wanted to create something completely different,” said Karen Maness, owner. “We wanted our store to be a little more fun and modern.”

Having worked in the industry for nearly 20 yrs, Alexander and Maness were acquaintances. “We have a lot in common,” said Maness. “We both grew up in south-central Kansas, have the same work ethic, values and passion. With our combined experience and drive, we were able to create a boutique that we both had only dreamt of.”

Absolutely Flowers, located at 1328 N. Main, is really a family business, according to Maness. “When we first saw this building we knew it was the perfect location and the ideal size, however, needed extensive remodeling. Luckily our husbands offer tremendous support and helped us create the boutique you see today,” said Maness.

Absolutely Flowers offers a wide variety of services; fresh and permanent floral arrangements, weddings, funerals, corporate gifts, home décor and home-made fudge. “We are committed to offering the freshest and most creative floral arrangements,” said Mitzi Alexander, owner. “We have an amazing variety of wonderful candles, delicious homemade fudge, and an incredible selection of permanent florals.”

The homemade fudge has proven to be a popular item at Absolutely Flowers, by selling approximately 72 pounds of fudge per week, according to Maness. “The homemade fudge has been a fun part of our business. We make the fudge here in our kitchen. It’s a pleasure to offer our traditional flavors as well as our seasonal flavors,” said Maness. Absolutely Flowers has 13-15 regular flavors and 3-5 seasonal flavors, some of the popular flavors this summer, include; strawberry, lemonade, root-beer float, sherbet and cheesecake fudge.

When asked about their success, Maness attributed it to many things, “We pride ourselves in customer service and providing the best quality products. We also have an awesome staff that is dedicated to offering impeccable customer service and share our commitment to quality.”

In addition to providing quality products and service, Absolutely Flowers understands the importance of giving back to the community. “We support numerous charitable organizations, local schools and other community projects when we can,” said Maness. When asked why Absolutely Flowers joined the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, Maness stated, “We joined the Chamber because we wanted to be involved in promoting Hutchinson and appreciated the networking opportunities that are available. We enjoy learning from our peers and visiting with other small businesses in our community.”

The Small Business Council selected Absolutely Flowers from nominations made by Chamber members. The award is given monthly to a Chamber business that exemplifies community spirit and superior business practices. Nominees must be a Chamber member in good standing, been in business for at least three years, and employ fewer than 25 people.

The Small Business Spotlight Award is proudly sponsored by First National Bank of Hutchinson and Hutchinson Credit Union.

RELEASED BY:
Holly Schmidt, Director of Communications/Special Events
hollys@hutchchamber.com