Senator Scott Wilk, R- Antelope Valley, honors Antelope Valley Florist as his August Small Business of the Month. Wilk presented AV Florist owner, Chris Spicher with a Senate certificate recognizing the honor at a reception.

“Congratulations are in order to Chris Spicher and everyone in the Antelope Valley Florist family,” said Wilk. “This shop has been an integral part of the Antelope Valley for almost 80 years, which is a pretty amazing statistic when you consider all the lives touched by one of their beautiful floral arrangements over the years.”

California is fortunate to have many large corporations call the Golden State home, but the small businesses are what drive the state’s economy. Two out of three Californians are employed by a small business and almost 97 percent of all businesses in California have 49 or fewer employees. These small shops tend to play an integral role in local communities by sponsoring little league teams, participating in service organizations and donating to charity. As a way to highlight the contributions of our small business community, Senator Wilk recognizes a different small business each month. Antelope Valley Florist is the winner for August 2017.

AV Florist’s roots run deep in the Antelope Valley. Purchased in 1953 by Chris’ parents, it was at the time, the only flower shop within a 100 mile radius of Lancaster. Chris graduated from AVHS and, after college returned home to help run and eventually buy this family business from his parents.

He and his wife, Dr. Lors Spicher, have been active and generous participants in the community. Chris has served as a Toastmaster, Rotarian, Salvation Army Advisor, Lancaster Chamber Director and past President of Antelope Valley Board of Trade. They have raised their family in the AV and remain committed to the community. Currently he is helping Lancaster United Methodist Church rebuild its historic 1964 Moller organ.

“This is a huge honor,” said Spicher. “Flowers are a simple way to convey so many different feelings; it is part of their appeal. Giving back to the community is kind of like giving flowers – just a simple way to say we appreciate and value all our community has to offer. Being recognized today for our efforts is very humbling. Thank you to Senator Wilk and to the great staff at Antelope Valley Florist for making this honor possible.”

“Antelope Valley Florist is well deserving of this honor and I am very pleased to highlight its good work. Frequently Chris has an uplifting message on the shop’s marquee. He even created a YouTube Channel, AV Nice, specifically to focus on positive local stories,” said Wilk. “Maybe someone should do a story about him this week, he deserves it.”