Tonight on our news I saw Bennett Wholesale Florist in Bangor burned flat to the ground within minutes of the alarm. Staff had left at 3:30 (with an order sent to me, phew) and no one was in the building. The alarm was reported around 4:15 and within minutes the metal structure's roof had caved in and the sides had buckled.
I was just there yesterday and they were preparing for their annual open house next Saturday and the place was full with Christmas poly, twig wreaths, full stock of spray paints, ribbons and silks. This is a devastating blow to a great many northern Maine florists as they are the only wholesaler to service above Millinocket where I am. Having lost a wholesaler to closing from financial problems already in the past month, this puts a very big loss on Maine florists. There are debates as to whether the owner will rebuild or reopen. It would be devastating to a great many small town florists. Also, this wholesale house was the place where all our classes for our PCF and mmfd are held. They are the most accomodating staff and a treat for Maine State Florists Association to be able to have classes in their building.
I was just there yesterday and they were preparing for their annual open house next Saturday and the place was full with Christmas poly, twig wreaths, full stock of spray paints, ribbons and silks. This is a devastating blow to a great many northern Maine florists as they are the only wholesaler to service above Millinocket where I am. Having lost a wholesaler to closing from financial problems already in the past month, this puts a very big loss on Maine florists. There are debates as to whether the owner will rebuild or reopen. It would be devastating to a great many small town florists. Also, this wholesale house was the place where all our classes for our PCF and mmfd are held. They are the most accomodating staff and a treat for Maine State Florists Association to be able to have classes in their building.
