(Baltimore, MD) - Sixty-four floral professionals from across the globe have joined the ranks of those Accredited In Floral Design after induction ceremonies held on Monday, July 9 in Palm Desert, Calif. These ceremonies took place in conjunction with the American Institute of Floral Designers' (AIFD) 2007 National Symposium, "The Edge of Paradise." As Accredited Members of AIFD, the honorees will now be able to use the "AIFD" addendum as part of their professional name.

In all, 115 aspiring floral designers initiated the AIFD membership process this year, but only 64 successfully completed the rigorous demonstration of design artistry. "To receive the AIFD accreditation is a very prestigious honor awarded only to those who are able to achieve a successful AES evaluation and who have indicated their desire to help promote the art of professional floral design," noted Tom Simmons AIFD of Palm Springs, Calif., the new president of the Institute. "AIFD has high standards, and even though we are very anxious to grow membership, we will never lower the standards we have set for Accredited Membership. AIFD strives to hold the bar high and motivate designers to achieve that mark."

Continuing to expand its reach internationally, this year's new AIFD Accredited members came from 25 of the U.S. states and four additional countries including: Canada (1), Indonesia (2), Korea (8), Puerto Rico (1) and the United Kingdom (1).

U.S. states adding the largest group to AIFD were Texas with eight and California with five. Arkansas, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and South Carolina all added three. Other states represented by the new inductees are: Alabama (2), Arizona (1), Colorado (1), Connecticut (1), Florida (2), Georgia (1), Hawaii (2), Illinois (1), Kansas (1), Kentucky (1), Montana (1), Nebraska (2), New Mexico (1), North Carolina (1), Oklahoma (1), Tennessee (1), Virginia (1) and Wisconsin (2).