Makes award presentation on Oct. 6
When Ray and Betsy Sharo were first married, she was working five days a week and he was working six as a superintendent of a golf course. Sitting home alone did not suit the young bride, so she landed a Saturday job with a florist.
The experience helped Mrs. Sharo when the couple moved to Orange County. She got hired by Merritt Florist (on Main Street in Cornwall) in 1990. About a dozen years later she became a partner in the business. And then she and Ray became the sole owners.
On Oct. 6, Assemblyman Colin Schmitt recognized the shop as his Business of the Month. The program has become popular. Since it started two years ago, people have been contacting the Assemblyman with recommendations. His assistant Jenna Knight said they have an impressive backlog of people they intend to honor.
It’s been a surprisingly busy year for Merritt. Mrs. Sharo closed the shop at the start of the pandemic, and then learned that she could continue to do business if she worked by herself and took orders by phone or computer. She just couldn’t open the door for customers. After being closed for three days, she was back on the job.
On Tuesday afternoon, Mrs. Sharo led a brief tour for the assemblyman. She told him, in response to his question, that she works with five wholesalers and that one of her biggest assignments is providing 4,000 roses for an annual dinner at West Point.
In addition to their business involvement, Ray and Betsy are well-known in the area. They were active in youth sports when their daughters were growing up and playing soccer. The Sharo girls played in high school and college. Today they’re both married. Kaitlyn lives near Albany and Kim is in Louisville.
Assemblyman Schmitt had a certificate for the couple. “Merritt is there to provide flowers for the Cornwall community during the happiest times of life and in times of mourning,” he said. “Betsy is a well-regarded Main Street business owner and I am so happy that she continues to serve our community through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Betsy and her husband Ray are heavily involved in community service. I salute them for always giving back to others.”
