Finally, after 4 tries to give a program, our very own Rotarian, Buzz Widmer, put on a very nice program.  He provide many interesting facts and fun tidbits about his business and the industry.  Widmer Floral has been operating in the same location in Highland for 140 years.  It is a family owned business that started with his great grandfather and continued to be passed through the generations.  His grandfather came to the United States and bought the current ground, where it is now, back in 1869.  His father took it over in 1905 and Buzz and his brother took over in 1949.  When Buzz was 62yrs old, he bought his brother out. 

 

Since the time his grandfather started the business, many things about the industry have changed.  The government became involved in the industry and made a deal with Columbia that they would import flowers from them if they would agree not to export marijuana into the U.S.  Most of Widmer's flowers are grown in Columbia and Mexico. 

 

Another big trend has to deal with the phone book.  Is it just a coincidence that in the phonebook, next to flowers, are funerals???  But besides that, if you call a 1-800 # in the phone book, you will probably end up with a local florists' flowers.  Those numbers aren't actual florists.  They simply call the local shops and haggle over the prices and delivery fees.  According to Buzz, they will sometimes accept the offer or turn it down, depending on their temperament that day. 

 

By the way gentlemen, Harvard did a study that men should bring their wives flowers more often!  I agree!  At the end of the presentation, both Henry Metzger and Jack Klaus won a really nice plant, and everyone received beautiful roses.  Thank you Buzz!