Bobbi Ecker Blatchford AIFD accepting one of two Awards of Distinguished Service to AIFD presented by the Institute in 2006. Lou Lynne Moss AIFD was presented the other. The award is the highest honor granted by AIFD.

(Baltimore, MD) - White House Floral Director Nancy Clarke was honored with the American Institute of Floral Designers' (AIFD) Award of Merit - Industry during ceremonies at the Institute's National Symposium in Washington, DC (July 4-8). Clarke was recognized for 25 outstanding years of providing floral decor to presidential administrations whether it be for holiday functions or ceremonies hosting foreign dignitaries.

The Institute's Award of Merit - Non-industry went to Barry Humphries, more well known as Dame Edna Everage. The entertainer/comedian has embraced flowers in her television specials, even including a reoccurring role for a gladiola.

Rich Salvaggio AIFD was announced as recipient of the AIFD Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry. With a career spanning four decades and covering just about every aspect of the industry (retail, product development, publishing, and industry relations) Salvaggio embodies this award which is presented to AIFD members who have made a significant contribution to the floral industry. He currently serves as publisher of Teleflora's Flowers & magazine.

Saving the best for last, AIFD also honored Bobbi Ecker Blatchford AIFD and Lou Lynne Moss AIFD with the highest honor granted by the Institute: the Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD. Moss was recognized for her service as the Institute's president, membership chair, and her recent efforts in spearheading the development of The AIFD Guide to Floral Design. The honor was bestowed upon Blatchford in honor of her contributions to the institute as a trend-setting designer and presenter since the Institute's inception in 1965. In all, her career in the floral industry has spanned well over 50 years. As recipients of this award Blatchford and Moss now become "Fellows of AIFD" and are granted life membership.

AIFD 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.

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 2007 National Symposium, "The Edge of Paradise," will be held in Palm Desert, Calif. (July 7-11).