Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The Monticello-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce officially welcomed The Monticello Emporium into the local business community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 16.
Proprietors Keith and Nancy Plese have filled nine rooms within 200 W. Washington St. with a stunning array of antiques, vintage items, mid-century collectibles, jewelry, china, glassware, enamelware, paintings, wall decorations, fascinating lamps and more. The items, tastefully displayed for enjoyable browsing, may be destined for a special place in your own home or office.
Keith and Nancy Plese once had an antique store in Micanopy, Fla., and often came to Monticello to buy items to resell while also visiting family here. For the past 30 years, they have been devoted to an estate sale business in Tallahassee. Now they are beginning to transfer that operation to their daughter while they transition to running their new establishment, The Monticello Emporium. You can meet Keith and Nancy and shop in their store on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The recent ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together family, friends, local business leaders and professionals to celebrate the opening. Roger Champion, president of the Monticello-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, read a proclamation and presented the Pleses with a symbolic framed first dollar. The red ribbon was held by Tami Lester and Geri Ann Driggers as Keith wielded the giant golden scissors to snip the ribbon. Cheers and good wishes rose into the bright blue sky, as those in attendance proceeded to enjoy fellowship, refreshments and the chance to see up close what The Monticello Emporium has to offer.
Interestingly, ribbon-cutting ceremonies have their roots in European wedding traditions, where cutting a ribbon has symbolized beginning a new life in a new home. Newly established enterprises began to use ribbon-cutting ceremonies in the U.S. in the late 1800s to show the public that they were open for business. The practice became more common throughout the 1900s and continues to be an important event for many companies seeking to make their presence known in their community.
It is a longstanding tradition locally as well, and Monticello welcomes The Monticello Emporium with best wishes for success now and into the future.
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