Local florist lauded by state association
PRESQUE ISLE — The Maine State Florists’ and Growers’ Association recently presented Karen Duncan, the owner of Cook Florist in Presque Isle, the prestigious Edward D. Johnson Award.
Photo courtesy/Dave Allen Graphics
AWARDED — Karen Duncan, owner of Cook Florist in Presque Isle, recently received the Maine State Florists’ and Growers’ Association’s Edward D. Johnson Award. 
Duncan worked with her mother, Margaret Duncan, at Cook’s and has owned the business for 21 years.
The award symbolizes the lifelong contribution the recipient has made to the floriculture and horticulture industries. It recognizes the recipient’s willingness to share skills, time, knowledge and experience with others.
In her acceptance speech, Duncan noted that she began working with the association in 1983, beside her mother, Margaret Duncan, cousins Tom and Debbie Nisbett, and many of her fellow florist friends: Phil’s Florist, Noye’s Florist, and Jim and Jackie’s. And now, 32 years later, she said she considers herself lucky to have maintained her love of the floral industry, while still surrounded by family and friends.
Duncan is the 47th person in the state of Maine to receive this award; her mother received it in 1988.
The owner of Cook Florist for the past 21 years, Karen works alongside her daughter, Megan Soucier Allen, and floral designers Penny Nadeau, Larry Perry, Kathy Swanson, administrative assistant Lynn Hanson and driver David Gordan.
