Floristry is about more than flowers—it’s about people. Every arrangement tells a story, and every design connects us to the celebrations, milestones, and emotions of our community. But behind every thriving flower shop is a network of support that makes growth possible. For many florists, one of the best ways to strengthen that support is through the Chamber of Commerce.
When we first joined the Chamber, our goal was simple: connect with local businesses, attend events, and join the conversations shaping our town. What we didn’t realize at the time was just how many doors that involvement would open.
In 2023, through our Chamber membership, we received notice that applications were open for the Small Business of the Year Award. With encouragement from the Chamber network, we decided to apply—and to our delight, we won! That recognition not only celebrated our hard work but also put a spotlight on the floral industry in our community.
Our Chamber connections didn’t stop there. By staying connected through resources like our local economic development newsletter, we discovered an even bigger opportunity: the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Top 100 Small Businesses of the Year. We applied, and this year, we were honored to be recognized among the top small businesses in the country out of the 12,500 businesses that applied.
One of the greatest lessons we’ve learned is that consistent involvement leads to recognition, and recognition opens doors. A wonderful example of this comes from one of our customers, Wellington Florist in Palm Beach.
Owner J.P. Varvarigos has been an active member of the Chamber of the Palm Beaches, and that involvement has paid off in a big way. He was recently voted Small Businessman of the Year by the Chamber, a tremendous honor that celebrates his leadership and dedication. Wellington Florist has also been recognized by their local paper as Best Florist for many years.
The community support they’ve cultivated by showing up, celebrating others, and staying engaged has created incredible opportunities. Today, Wellington Florist provides services to high-caliber clientele in Palm Beach County—doors that were opened because of the trust and reputation they’ve built through community involvement.
Their story is a perfect example of how florists can flourish when they’re present in the industry and their local community.
Another shining example of how Chamber involvement can open unexpected doors comes from our customer, Karin’s Florist. In 2024, they were honored as a U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO—100 award recipient, standing among the top small businesses in the nation. That recognition was a huge achievement in itself, but the story didn’t end there.
This year, Karin’s Florist was selected to provide the floral designs for the U.S. Chamber’s CO—100 event. Even more exciting, they use Details Flowers Software to plan, organize, and execute their designs for this momentous occasion. The proposal they created helped secure the opportunity, showcasing their professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail. That level of polish and organization not only impressed but ultimately landed them the job. This full-circle moment beautifully illustrates the power of showing up and staying involved. What started as recognition for their business evolved into the chance to showcase their artistry on a national stage, while also gaining a prestigious client.
Their journey highlights an important truth: Chamber involvement isn’t just about awards or accolades. It’s about the connections, visibility, and opportunities that continue long after the recognition is given. Sometimes, the biggest reward is the new doors that open for your business—and the clients you never imagined serving.
For many florists, Chamber membership is more than just a line in a directory—it’s essential to building visibility and long-term success. Carrie Moore, owner of Petals & Pages, has experienced this firsthand. Since opening her shop, she has been an active member of the Custer, South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and now serves as secretary on the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
Carrie explains that the Chamber has been invaluable in helping her business thrive. They promote her events, include her in town-wide celebrations, and bring traffic to her door. They advocate for small businesses when issues like sign ordinances or sidewalk clearing come before the city council. Staying informed about the business environment and having that advocacy in her corner makes membership more than worthwhile.
As a florist in a tourist destination, Carrie sees the Custer Chamber involvement as even more vital. Many businesses in her community close during the off-season, but her year-round flower shop plays a consistent role in the local economy. Through the Chamber, she can keep her name visible and remind decision-makers that her work contributes to the community through celebrations and the local taxes and revenue her business generates. “Being active in your community matters,” Carrie says. “We all want to better our communities, and investing in that effort naturally drives more support and business your way.”
Carrie’s story mirrors what many florists discover: Chamber involvement is a catalyst for growth. It creates opportunities to form lasting business relationships, builds credibility, and positions a florist as a trusted leader in the local economy. Chambers also provide resources—from workshops to economic development updates—that help businesses stay strong in a changing market. And perhaps most rewarding of all, Chamber participation opens doors to recognition. Awards, press features, and shared celebrations highlight the success of individual shops and the vital role florists play in the fabric of community life.
Florists often feel too busy to add another commitment to their plates—but the truth is, Chamber involvement isn’t another task, it’s an investment. Every meeting, newsletter, or handshake has the potential to lead to something bigger.
When florists show up for their communities, those communities show up for them. That’s the real beauty of Chamber membership—it’s a cycle of support that helps both businesses and neighborhoods flourish. And just like flowers, when given the right care and attention, those connections will continue to bloom.