[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 194 (Thursday, November 4, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S7786]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING REED FAMILY FLORAL

 Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Reed 
Family Floral of Virgie, KY, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
  In January 2020, Evan Sykes founded Reed Family Floral. Evan, who 
grew up in Pike County, was inspired by his family's legacy of 
entrepreneurship. From 1981 to 2003, his great-aunt and great-
grandmother owned and operated a flower shop called Reed Floral. After 
graduating from Shelby Valley High School and earning an AA from Big 
Sandy Community and Technical College, Evan decided to honor that 
legacy and establish his own floral business. Starting with $500, he 
began making and selling wreaths. The business grew rapidly, enabling 
Evan to purchase a small building to house his operation. When Reed 
Family Floral expanded again, Evan had the perfect location in mind. In 
August 2021, Evan moved his business into the same building that had 
housed his family's flower shop decades earlier.
  Today, Reed Family Floral has become a local favorite. As the owner 
and sole full-time employee, Evan handles every aspect of the business, 
from accounting and marketing, to floral design and delivery. He 
prepares flower arrangements for any occasion, including weddings, 
school functions, and funerals. Evan's floral arrangements are in 
demand year-round, especially around Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. 
Notably, Evan balanced his entrepreneurship and education. While 
running a full-time business, he is pursuing a BA in accounting at 
Morehead State University. As a nonessential business, Reed Family 
Floral was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdowns. Evan 
rose to the challenge, working with other small businesses to source 
supplies and adapting his contactless delivery options.
  Like many small business owners, Evan is active in his community. 
Locally, Reed Family Floral has sponsored the Pikeville High School 
tennis team and the Shelby Valley High School cheer team. They provide 
arrangements for school events, and participate in local fairs. From 
day one, Reed Family Floral has valued customer service and high-
quality products. Recently, they were recognized by local news outlet 
Mountaintop Media as one of the best flower shops in the area.
  Reed Family Floral is a remarkable example of the critical role small 
businesses play in every aspect of building community. Small businesses 
like Reed Family Floral form the heart of towns across Kentucky, 
regularly stepping up to support their communities. Congratulations to 
Evan and the entire team at Reed Family Floral. I wish them the best of 
luck and look forward to watching their continued growth and success in 
Kentucky.

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