Business News

Wickert Floral honored with Century Award at Chamber Annual Dinner

Minding our own business

Some businesses become so much a part of a community that it’s difficult to imagine the community without them. For more than a century, Wickert Floral has been one of those businesses in Delta County.

The Delta County Chamber of Commerce proudly recognized Wickert Floral as the recipient of the 2026 Century Award, sponsored by the Delta County Economic Development Alliance, during the Chamber’s Annual Dinner held October 8 at the Island Resort & Casino.

The Century Award recognizes a business whose longevity represents an extraordinary achievement and whose contributions have become part of the community’s history.

Founded in Escanaba in 1923 by Walter and Hazel Wickert, Wickert Floral has witnessed more than 100 years of change. When the business first opened its doors, television had not yet entered American homes, and the first moon landing was still nearly half a century away.

Through changing generations, economic conditions, ownership and locations, Wickert Floral has continued to adapt while maintaining something remarkably consistent: its place in the lives of Delta County families.

For generations, Wickert Floral’s flowers have accompanied some of life’s most meaningful moments. From the corsage worn to a first homecoming dance to the flowers carried down the aisle on a wedding day, the business has helped families celebrate milestones large and small.

Its arrangements have marked birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and the arrival of new babies. During life’s most difficult moments, its flowers have also helped express sympathy, comfort and love when words alone were not enough.

In many ways, Wickert Floral has provided a beautiful backdrop to more than a century of Delta County memories.

Beyond its longstanding service to customers, Wickert Floral has earned a reputation as a generous and dependable community partner.

Owner Kurt Almonroeder and the Wickert Floral team have supported countless Chamber events, celebrations and special occasions over the years, sharing their time, talent and creativity to help make each gathering memorable.

Whether providing an arrangement that transforms a table, plants that help congratulate new business owners, flowers that recognize someone special or the finishing touches that make an event feel just right, Wickert Floral has consistently demonstrated what it means to be a community-minded business.

Reaching a second century in business is no small accomplishment. It requires perseverance through difficult economic times, a willingness to adapt to changing customer expectations and generations of employees and owners committed to carrying forward what others began.

Just as importantly, it reflects generations of customers who have continued to choose and support a locally owned business.

The Delta County Economic Development Alliance’s sponsorship of the Century Award underscores an important aspect of economic development. Building a strong local economy is not only about attracting new investment and opportunities. It is equally important to recognize and support the established businesses that have invested in our community, provided employment and contributed to its character for generations.

As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, Wickert Floral’s story offers a meaningful reminder that history is not only recorded in books or commemorated through national milestones. It is also written through the businesses, families and relationships that help define our communities.

The Delta County Chamber of Commerce congratulates Kurt Almonroeder and the entire Wickert Floral team on receiving the 2026 Century Award and extends its appreciation to the Delta County Economic Development Alliance for sponsoring this special recognition.

For more than 100 years, Wickert Floral has helped Delta County celebrate its happiest occasions, find comfort during difficult times and make our community a little more beautiful along the way.

What a wonderful legacy to celebrate!