After a first go-round in which all members needed to include a $75 fee with their tri-annual report of the fulfillment of their continuing education requirement, the AIFD National Board of Directors, on the recommendation of the Finance Committee, has agreed to eliminate this fee in the future by replacing it with a $20 increase to membership fees (effective with the 2007-2008 membership year).

Since the implementation of the continuing education reporting requirement, many members have requested that this change be made. In order to be fair to all members, the Board agreed to postpone the change until after all members had reported CE at least once.

The Board has also agree that effective with next year’s membership billing that fees, which have not be adjusted for inflation or other cost increases in over five years, be increased to from $225 to $275 ($225 if paid by May 1). This includes the $20 for CE reporting.

For the members of Regional Chapters, an additional $7.50 of their dues will be rebated to their respective Chapter. Internationally, the dues increase barely makes up the difference in raising costs associated with postage and security issues of mailings.

“As we look for ways to better market the members of AIFD and to provide quality floral design education to the floral industry,” said AIFD Treasurer Tim Farrell, “we need to bring our finances in line with our goals and objectives.”