AIFD
Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry
Rene van Rems AIFD of Rene' van Rems International in Vista, Calif. has been recognized with the American Institute of Floral Designers' (AIFD) Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry. This news was announced on July 13 during the Institute’s 2009 Awards Ceremonies held in conjunction with it’s 2009 National Symposium in Kansas City. This award is presented to AIFD members who have made a significant contribution to the floral industry. Rene was chosen for his continued support of the floral industry through growers, wholesalers, garden clubs, students and members of the institute.
Pictured right: (l-r) AIFD Awards Chair Lori Novak AIFD stands with Rene van Rems AIFD. AIFD Past President Walter Fedyshyn AIFD, PFCI is on his right.
Van Rems is the 32nd individual to be honored with this award. Below is a list of past winners.
Click here to read the press release about this award!
| Talmage McLaurin AIFD | 2008 |
| Cathy Rulloda AIFD and Phil Rulloda AIFD | 2007 |
| Rich Salvaggio AIFD | 2006 |
| Carol Caggiano AIFD | 2005 |
| Kirk Pamper AIFD | 2005 |
| Jim Marvin AIFD | 2004 |
| Marie Ackerman AIFD | 2003 |
| Mary Lee Evans AIFD | 2002 |
| Johnny Childers AIFD | 2001 |
| Joseph E. Smith AIFD | 2000 |
| Jim Johnson AIFD | 1999 |
| James Hynd, Jr. AIFD | 1998 |
| Eulalah Overmeyer AIFD | 1996 |
| Bobbi Ecker Blatchford AIFD | 1997 |
| Arthur Ito AIFD | 1995 |
| Thomas Powell AIFD | 1993 |
| Rocky Pollitz AIFD | 1992 |
| Jim Morley AIFD | 1991 |
| Jean Williams AIFD (deceased) | 1990 |
| Jennie Lee Irey AIFD | 1990 |
| Betty Deprez AIFD (deceased) | 1990 |
| Joyce & Dean White AIFD | 1989 |
| Haskell Eargle AIFD | 1986 |
| Frankie Shelton AIFD | 1985 |
| Frank Joyce AIFD (deceased) | 1984 |
| Jim Moretz AIFD | 1989 |
| Michael Polychrones AIFD | 1987 |
| Haskell Eargle AIFD | 1986 |
| Frank Joyce AIFD (deceased) | 1984 |
| William Kistler AIFD (deceased) | 1978 |
| M. Buddy Benz AIFD (deceased) | 1978 |













