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Heart of Glass - Blenko Glass

Blenko Glass is a West Virginia treasure that spans generations. Nothing symbolizes the state of West Virginia better or more beautifully than Blenko Glass. We will discuss current and former craftsmen and designers and how important it is that Blenko and West Virginia glass be appreciated and valued by the younger generation.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

2011 - International Master Gardeners Visit BLenko Glass


Photo of the entry Garden of Blenko GLass - these planting were part of the 2004-2008 Blenko Project Volunteers effort to spruce up the public area of Blkenko with plants and flowers.

2011 International Master Gardener Conference ( http://mastergardeners.ext.wvu.edu/) is being held in Charleston, WV this week.



John Jett from WVU Extension Office is Co Chair.
Gardeners from 50 States are in Charleston for this event.
Today ( Thursday) a group of Master Gardeners will be visiting Blenko Glass. We hope to publish photos of their
visit on the blog tomorrow.



Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com is a West Virginia treasure.
Katie Trippe the VP of Blenko Glass has provided a coupon for each of the Master Gardeners visiting Blenko on Thursday.
Blenko Glass made in the USA. Blenko Glass made in West Virginia. Blenko always hand crafted always made in USA!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

At Fenton we met the Fenton family and several painters and a designer.
Very disappointed no one from management or Blenko family spoke with or welcomed us. One tour guide for 48 people. Not the best of situations.
I will say our bus was given a packet of info about Blenko and Blenko Collecting, including this blog and 10 other websites by the bus host. Financial problems or not Blenko family or admin should have spoken to us.
Briana
Fort Worth
International Master Gardener Conference

Anonymous said...

Cabell County also has a chapter of Master Gardeners.
If I'm not mistaken they take care of the entry way to the city of Milton, WVa.
Susie

Anonymous said...

Briana
Next time go to wismach in the northern part of the state.
They'll not only be friendly they'll offer you snacks and a cup of joe.
If you have time for this trip I'll send a google map to glasslady.
Susie

Anonymous said...

BRIANA
BLENKO IS HAVING FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY.
NO LOCAL BLENKO IS CURRENTLY INVOLVED WITH BLENKO.
WALTER LIVES IN PA.
IN WV THE ECONOMY SUCKS AND BLENKO IS STRUGGLING.
IF YOU HAD A TOUR GUIDE THIS MEANS MOST LIKELY HE WAS NOT DOING IS REAL JOB.
EASE UP.
MOUNTAIN RITA

Anonymous said...

Attitude reflects Leadership

Anonymous said...

If they didn't take you inside theplant you didn't get a tour.
Just going to the observation deck is not a tour.
I can understand your disappointment.
For some reason the new management at BLenko does not value individual customers
and they have no corporation customers as they can't get things done for reasonable price or on time.
Sometimes they just don't return calls.
I work in Huntington for a large agency that has tried time and time again.
Recently we walked away.
Nw we use a Weston Glass company.
Susie

Anonymous said...

We were a part of the
Blenko Project Garden Group. Before the transformation it was a mud hole.
We worked 2-3 hours each week, sometimes several people and often only Mrs. H and one or two.
Garnett

Anonymous said...

Briana
Blenko Glass has been a fixture in Milton for 70+ years. Over the years we've seen a large decline in number of workers and also in the ability to meet customer needs.
Probably 10 years ago Ms Jane left or retired and this was the beginning of the downturn.
Richard Blenko was 'let go' 4 or 5 years ago and with his departure went the last symbol of eloquence and good taste.
Mr. Bill Blenko a remarkable man remains in Milton but has no control of the company at this time.
A young woman who moved from Marshall Student doing an Internship to VP ( age 25 o 26) is currently in charge of the day to day operation.
Longevity is not valued at Blenko Glass. Women with 15-20 years experience have been let go.
Men with a life time of experience have been let go.
Blenko has changed. '
You will never see this statement as Hilary is a believer in the Blenko koolaid where all Blenko workers are family and everyone is loved.
I've heard this was true with Ms Marion was living.
It is not true today.
While I am sorry to learn your Blenko experience as not up to your expectation.
Who ever gave you the info on the bus - gave you info they made, Blenko does not have information about the company, collectors groups or blogs.
Amanda S.

Anonymous said...

The Milton Forumn on Blenko notes only 6 or more employees currently in factory.
Sad