April 12, 2013 – Morton, IL – Today, the Morton Economic Development Council announced that Paul Grethey Jr., new owner of Johnson’s Floral, is the fourth recipient of the Morton MicroGrant. “We couldn’t be happier for Paul,” said Jennifer Daly, CEO for the Morton EDC. “The extensive remodeling, technology improvements, and staff expansion he is undertaking at Johnson’s Floral is impressive.”

Paul Grethey Jr. recently purchased Johnson’s Floral from his father, Paul Grethey, and Uncle David Grethey. His plans for expansion are now underway. “I have seen how they evolved the business and I think there is still so much potential to grow it further,” said Grethey Junior. “We are going to do some exterior and interior renovations and add some new technologies including a point of sale system and some updates to our website and social media sites.”

The Morton MicroGrant of $5,000 will help Grethey Jr. with the interior renovation costs at Johnson’s Floral including new floors, lighting, dry wall, and new ceilings. “It is our hope that the newly renovated interior will promote more business traffic and allow us to add new services and merchandise to our business,” said Grethey Jr. “Our goal is to expand our indoor and outdoor design services thus the creation of new jobs in those fields.” Grethey Jr. anticipates the business will add at least four new full time jobs over the next year.

The Morton MicroGrant is a special fund created by the Morton Economic Development Council to encourage small business development and job creation for Morton. The Morton MicroGrant fund is made possible through a contribution by Morton Community Bank.