In a year when most florists are scouring the budget for every opportunity to cut costs, Bice’s Florist added another line item to the expenses — and not a single cent of the $1,000 will be spent in the shop. But company president Keith Riewe is confident the two $500 “What better time to say we’re still here, we are still strong?” Bice’s Florist will award the scholarships annually. Riewe worked
scholarships given to local high school students will pay off in the
long run for the shop with deep roots in the communities in and around
Fort Worth, Texas. The shop has been in operation for 22 years; Riewe
bought it six years ago from Buddy Bice.
said Riewe. “It’s an investment in this community’s future and a
testament to the fact that we’re not going anywhere.”
with a local education foundation this first year to administer the
application process and set the standards. To qualify, each had to be
in the top 20 students in their respective classes, be involved in
community activities and submit a written essay.
The foundation selected the winners and the students can apply the
funds to the college and program of their choice. Although neither
recipient this year chose horticulture or business majors, Riewe said
the scholarships were meant to show the shop’s stake in the community,
not recruit future Bice employees.
“Our community has supported us in good times and bad, so we wanted
to do something that clearly showed we are there for them, with no
other motive than just that,” Riewe said.
That said, Bice’s still wants to cultivate interest in creative
pursuits, floral design included, and next year’s scholarship criteria
will include a passion for and interest in the arts.
The scholarships are also a subtle reminder of Bice’s strong
performance in weak times. Riewe said an emphasis on customer service
that keeps customers loyal and a renewed focus on getting labor in line
with sales have helped the shop stay profitable. He’s handed over labor
budgeting to managers in delivery, sales and design who operate on a
“if the phone’s not ringing, we’re not staffing,” mentality. Although
sales are down about 10 percent compared to last year, Bice Florist’s
profits are up 15 percent.