North Central Chapter Bragging Rights...
EXCITING NEWS! Loann Burke AIFD, PFCI of Furst Florist, won Florists' Review's "Best Bouquets" 2008 category in their Picture Perfect Weddings contest. This makes two years in a row she has won the category. Not too shabby, you go girl!
North Central Members active at Great Lakes Floral Expo in Grand Rapids, MI
Submitted by Alice Waterous
Designer of the Year Recipient: Tonja Vander Veen AIFD, MCF emerges victorious at the MFA "IRON CHEF" Run Off!! Designing from a surprise package of products the top five point winners from the MFA design contest faced off before a crowd of spectators to determine who the MFA Designer of the Year would be.
MFA Academy Design winner: Jerome Raska AAF, AIFD, MCF, PFCI was the top dog in the prestigious Academy Division. To be part of this elite group, a designer must have accumulated 50 points through competition in MFA sponsored design contests. Twenty of those points must be from first place awards.
Program Chair: Debbie Royal AIFD, MCF helped to determine the program mix, and, to see everything got onstage and off as planned. And that the featured designers were well taken care of. Debbie is also in line to Chair the GLFE in 2011.
Amazing President's Recognition Banquet decor was the creation of Helen Miller AIFD, CAFA. Helen and her crew transformed the beautiful Pantlind Ballroom of the Amway Grand into an evening of elegance in green and white. Her husband Tom fabricated custom metalwork stands of several styles for the occasion. Get in touch with Helen for more information on custom metalwork. Helen thanks many special helpers, including Bob Friese AIFD and Martin Murdick AIFD.
Working quietly, making fabulous flowers to wear, Gary Wells was the "Corsage Bar" guy. In addition to receiving donations for orders, Gary often has people put money in the jar just for what they learned while watching him work.
The AIFD Designer Showcase was spearheaded by Frank Feysa AIFD. This popular exhibit is set up in a public area for viewing by professionals and the public alike. Since the GLFE takes place at the same time as the Grands Rapids Home & Garden Show, at the other end of the DeVos Place, there is an audience built in.
Another Exhibit open to all is the Michigan Certified Florist display. This year we had five stations for viewing. The largest was a party table with floral, linens and all the trimmings by Robbin Yelverton AIFD, MCF, PFCI and Jerome Raska AIFD, MCF, PFCI. Other North Central members, Tonja VAnder Veen AIFD, MCF and Laura Parker AIFD, MCF created designs appropriate for home or office. Alice Waterous AIFD, MCF chaired this committee.
The always capable Jackie Burrell AIFD, MCF again steered the great ship "Design/Flower Room" through waters choppy & smooth for a successful mooring at the end of the conference. Here's another tidbit: Jackie loaded up unused product at the end of the show and had the Girl Scout Troop she leads make over 300 arrangements to distribute in and around Petoskey, MI to brighten the lives of those who usually do not get flowers. Rock on Jackie!!
Bobbi Ecker Blatchford AIFD, AAF, PFCI did a splendid job leading a "parade" through the Vendors area giving each booth an opportunity to showcase their best items. Bobbi was also awarded the MFA Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor given by the Michigan Floral Association.
Thunderous Applause for all!!
