Chamber Networking at Flowers by Gillian Supports Family-Owned Florist Ahead of Valentine's

The Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce drew local business leaders and residents to Flowers by Gillian to bolster a family-owned florist in the run-up to Valentine’s Day. The Business After Hours networking event took place Jan. 29, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m., and invited the community to view houseplants and floral selections, meet other local business people, and support a small, family-operated shop before the holiday shopping surge.

Organizers positioned the gathering as both a social mixer and a timely marketing push. Flowers by Gillian used the evening to spotlight arrangements and plant offerings that shoppers might choose for Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14. Chamber events like this create immediate foot traffic for host businesses and give participating entrepreneurs an opportunity to build referral networks and cross-promotional partnerships.

For Los Alamos County, the event underscored the practical role of local networks in sustaining Main Street commerce. Smaller retail businesses often depend on seasonal holidays for a sizable share of early-year revenue, and pre-holiday exposure can translate into same-week sales and word-of-mouth referrals. The chamber’s Business After Hours format also moves beyond transactional promotion; it helps business owners trade services, plan collaborative events, and coordinate customer referrals that can compound over months.

Community members who attended saw a range of houseplants and floral designs and had a chance to connect with neighbors in a convivial setting. The format is familiar to local chamber members: a brief showcase by the host, informal conversation, and time to make business-to-business introductions. That combination aims to convert casual interest into appointments, special orders, or bulk sales for local customers and organizations planning events.

Beyond immediate sales, the event contributes to a broader resilience strategy for Los Alamos small businesses. Regular Chamber programming maintains visibility for family-owned operations such as Flowers by Gillian, helping them compete with online and regional chains by showcasing personalized service and locally tailored product options. Networking also helps owners manage seasonal inventory and match customers with specialty items like long-lasting houseplants or custom arrangements.

For readers, the clear takeaway is that Chamber-backed events are a practical way to keep money circulating in Los Alamos County while preparing for Valentine’s Day. Flowers by Gillian’s open showcase and the networking that followed make it easier for residents to shop local, and for neighboring businesses to coordinate services in the weeks ahead. Expect similar chamber-hosted opportunities as businesses gear up for spring events and seasonal demand.