Grizzard celebrating one million customers

A business woman with strong Fayette County ties is being honored this week for her longevity in business. Lola Grizzard,a small business owner at Atlanta State Farmers Market, will be celebrating 45 years of service, her millionth customer and her 85th birthday. Her son is David Grizzard, a Fayette county citizen who manages Lola's Flowers at the Atlanta State Farmers Market.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture has proclaimed June 12-14, 2004 Lola’s Flowers Days at the Atlanta State Farmers Market.

Lola’s Flowers, Inc. will be celebrating three events:

“We are very proud of the accomplishments of the companies doing business at the Atlanta State Farmers Market,” said Tommy Irvin, Commissioner - Georgia Department of Agriculture. “Lola Grizzard owner of Lola’s Flowers has been with us in the same location since we opened in 1959 serving the community,” he added.

Lola Grizzard has worked more than 16,000 days at the Atlanta State Farmers Market. She is a recognized expert on flowers and plants by her loyal legion of customers and suppliers. Born in 1919 before women had the right to vote or held positions of corporate power she grew up with a passion for flowers and plants, turning that love into a small business that has brought smiles to hundreds of thousands. Unpretentious and hard working, Lola’s stated goal is to pass on the joy of gardening through her knowledge of plants and flowers.

“I am really looking forward to serving our one millionth customer,” said Mrs. Grizzard. “The joy of gardening is something that Americans instinctively appreciate. I believe it is part of our national character.”

The Atlanta State Farmers Market is the largest market of its kind in the United States located in Forest Park, Georgia along side Interstate I-75, minutes from the world’s busiest passenger airport.