MINNEAPOLIS - It's not business "as usual" these days at Accent Signage Systems, Inc.
In fact, there may never be a "normal" at the family-owned Minneapolis company again.
But on Monday, those who own and work at Accent made it clear they are open for business, and ready to write a new chapter in the wake of unimaginable tragedy.
Flanked by employees and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, the wife of late business owner Reuven Rahamim assured city residents and those who have followed their deadly saga that while the Accent Signage Systems family has been terribly wounded, they are committed to move ahead.
"We lost fathers, husbands and sons, and we feel that in every aspect of our lives," said Sheeren Rahamim. "While we'll never get over it, we will get through it."
Rahamim says her employees have shown amazing resolve in the face of what she calls unimaginable events. They have attended six funerals in the weeks since the fatal workplace shooting, and have still managed to get work done. Some spent the weekend completing a job for a vendor that needed product badly.
As Mayor Rybak told reporters, company founder Reuven Rahamim described the mission of his business with a simple phrase: "We help people find their way." The Mayor asked residents friends and family of the Accent family, and all residents of Minneapolis, to help those who carry the wounds and memories of the deadly rampage to help victims and survivors find their way back to normal.
The message from Monday's press conference was simple and direct: While the wounds are still fresh, employees of Accent Signage Systems, Inc. are back at work, and ready to write a new chapter.
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