Ms. Ralston has been featured in numerous floral magazine publications, including the Florist Review.
VIRGINIA, MN, October 13, 2022 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Mary Jo Ralston has been inducted into Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Starting out in the industry in 1970 at the age of 15, Ms. Ralston has owned and operated a third-generation floral business, the Virginia Greenhouse & Floral Company, in Virginia, Minnesota, as the president since 2011. Well-known in her community for her exceptional skills as a professional floral artist, she collaborates with local and world-wide vendors to acquire some of the most exquisite fresh flowers and plants for her customers. Ms. Ralston also sells various gift items in-store, including plush animals, home décor items, jewelry and more.
In addition to making individual bouquets for customers, Ms. Ralston specializes in arranging flowers for small and large private events, sympathy tributes, birthday and anniversary parties, and other affairs, particularly weddings. Open five days per week, as well as extended days and hours during the holidays, Ms. Ralston and her team deliver to area hospitals, nursing facilities, funeral homes and other locations for a nominal fee.
Virginia Greenhouse & Floral Company was founded over 118 years ago by Ms. Ralston's grandfather, Alfred Johnson, in 1904, who came to the United States as an immigrant from Sweden. Continuing the family tradition, Ms. Ralston is now the third generation family member to own and manage the business. Once just a small and modest greenhouse near Chestnut Street, the family business has grown, expanded, progressed, and adapted to the ever changing demands of each decade. It has been at its current location for over 37 years.
The key to Ms. Ralston's success throughout her career, she noted, has stemmed from her passion for the floral industry and her desire to continue her family's legacy. Ms. Ralston also enjoys interacting with customers and being able to provide them with excellent products and services.
For the past 25 years, Ms. Ralston has graciously given back to her community of Virginia, Minnesota, as the president and treasurer of Giftstock, Inc. A local nonprofit organization, Giftstock raises funds to purchase toys for children during the holiday season.
An alumnus of Mesabi Community College, Ms. Ralston acquired an associate degree in general studies in 1975. She also received certification as a master designer through Florists' Transworld Delivery LLC in 1993. Ms. Ralston continues to participate in training seminars and hands-on training courses in the floral industry to remain abreast of developments in her field. Ms. Ralston also aims to become an accredited member of the American Institute of Floral Designers, an establishment that holds yearly symposiums to educate and support floral professionals.
In light of her outstanding work and commitment as a local business owner, Ms. Ralston has been featured in numerous floral magazine publications, including the Florist Review. Virginia Floral Company was also the recipient of the Century Award from the Society of American Florists in 2005, in recognition of 100 years of service to the floral industry.
About Marquis Who's Who®
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Today, Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® now publishes many Who's Who titles, including Who's Who in America®, Who's Who in the World®, Who's Who in American Law®, Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare®, Who's Who in Science and Engineering®, and Who's Who in Asia®. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who's Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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