Allbaugh’s Florist – A Blossoming Team

BY JACLYN ROSE –

Born and raised in Polk County, Ann McAllister and Pat Copelin are the mother and daughter team that make up Allbaugh’s Florist.  Both are vital parts of the business, each with their own niche, and have been working together since 2009.

For 35 years, Copelin served the students of Mena as the Cafeteria Manager at Mena Middle School (MMS) before her retirement in 2009.  “I fed every kid in Mena,” said Copelin with a smile.  During the last five years of Copelin’s time at MMS, McAllister began working at Allbaugh’s under the previous owners.  When Copelin retired she purchased the business and they have worked together ever since.  “I deal with all the customers and take orders and make the arrangements, mom manages the business and makes all the deliveries.  We both have our area of expertise and it works very well,” explained McAllister.

In addition to McAllister, Copelin has a son, Bobby, who owns Crystal Clear Water Company and has given her a grandson, William.  McAllister has two children, Stephen, her 19-year old son, and Mackenzie, her daughter who is in the 8th grade at Mena Middle School.

Allbaugh’s Florist has maintained a presence in Mena’s historical downtown for at least 50 years.

Located at 709 Mena Street, they are open from 8 am until 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday and from 8 am until 12 pm on Saturday.  They can be reached by calling 479.394.4616.  Allbaugh’s Florist specializes in silk home arrangements and wreaths but also creates custom fresh floral arrangements, stocks a large variety of gift items and plants, and does a lot of funeral sprays and arrangements.

“Polk County has always been my home.  I know the place and the people and I like to leave on vacation but I am always ready to come back.  I love that I know everybody and I can walk down the streets without any fear of being shot or mugged.  It’s a good place to live and raise your family,” said Copelin.  “I couldn’t think of any place else I would call home.  I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.  I’ve always supported Polk County and I always will.  We appreciate all our wonderful customers so much.  I love it when a long time customer calls and specifically wants to talk to me because I know what they want and how they want it and I can fix it up just for them.  It’s so great having that kind of a relationship with our customers and I want to be able to continue to do what I can to help them,” McAllister said.

About Author

Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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