Outgoing AIFD President Eddie Payne AIFD (left), Awards Committee Chair Kurt Schroeder AIFD, and Wilton Hardy AIFD bestow the AIFD Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD to Derrick Vasquez AIFD..

(Baltimore, MD) - Derrick Vasquez AIFD was honored with the highest honor granted by the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) during ceremonies at the Institute's National Symposium in Seattle (July 2-6). Vasquez, of The NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, Calif., was bestowed with the Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD in recognition of his service as the Institute's president and developing its strategic management plan. As a recipient of this award he now becomes a "Fellow of AIFD" and is granted life membership.

Carol Caggianno AIFD, a freelance floral consultant from Jeffersonton, Va., and Kirk Pamper AIFD, AAF, PFCI of Memphis, Tenn. were recognized with AIFD's Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry. This award is presented to AIFD members who have made a significant contribution to the floral industry. Caggiano and Pamper became the 27th and 28th individuals to be honored with this award.

The Institute also bestowed its Special Award of Recognition upon the Society of American Florists (SAF) for the organization's continued role in promoting flowers to consumers in addition to the services and leadership it has provided to all segments of the floral industry.

AIFD also presented its Award of Merit — Industry to Ocean View Flowers for their superior marketing and development of quality delphinium, larkspur, and stock and their support of professional education programs.

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 non-profit 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.

Accredited Membership in AIFD is selective. To be accredited, a floral designer must fulfill rigid qualifications and demonstrate advanced professional ability. Members are distinguished by the letters "AIFD" used as an addendum to their name. To maintain accreditation, they must meet certain continuing education requirements.

The 2006 National Symposium, "Phenomenon," will be held in Washington, DC (July 4-8).