William McKinley AIFD Recognized for Contributions to Floral Industry
William “Bill” McKinley, Associate Dean of Kishwaukee College in Malta, Ill., has been recognized by the American Institute of Floral Designers' (AIFD) National Board of Directors with the Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry. The announcement was made on July 5 during the Institute’s 2010 Awards Ceremonies held in conjunction with its 2010 National Symposium in Boston.
Bill’s continued support of the floral industry through his commitment to floral education is what deemed him worthy of this award which is presented to AIFD members who have made a significant contribution to the floral industry. “I am very honored to receive this award. I believe education is the key to supporting, improving and advancing our great floral industry,” he exclaimed.
McKinley is the 33rd individual to be honored with this award. Below is a list of past winners.
AIFD was established in 1965 and is dedicated to recognizing and promoting the art of floral design as a professional career. It is the floral industry's leading nonprofit organization committed to establishing and maintaining higher standards in professional floral design. With over 1,300 members worldwide, AIFD and its members are in the forefront of the industry in presenting educational and design programs.
The 2011 National Symposium will be held in San Francisco July 3-7.
Past Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry Winners:
| Rene Van Rems | 2009 |
| 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 |
