The Attraction's Only Natural
Where we goin'? Whada' we doin'? I don't know! The main thing is will I learn something? Will it be fun?
The answers to all your questions are about to be revealed. Of course it will be fun, educaitonal, and above all, worth your time and money, for what can be the most exciting Southern Conference that you ever have attended. If you have never been to a Southern AIFD Conference, well then, you do not know what you have been missing!!
Click Here to Read More about the Southern Regional Conference.
Tell Us What You Think!
Southern Chapter has a NEW and exciting way for you to tell us what you think about the Chapter and our events. What do you like? What do you dislike? Are there opportunities that you think we should get involved in? It's important for the chapter to have your feedback. You can do so anonymously or you can tell us who you are. The chance to voice your opinions is now!
Click Here to Comment!
President's Message
"Where has this year gone?" We all hear it, we all say it, and then we really stop to think about the truth of it. You ask yourself: "Where did the time go?" and finally "What do I plan to accomplish this year so I will not be asking myself the same question next year?"
So what have we accomplished? Personally, professionally and as an AIFD member? I hope you have achieved every goal you set. As an AIFD member, my hope is that you have truly practiced the AIFD Codes of Ethics and Professional Practice as we have all pledged to do.
Your leadership team and Southern Board of Directors have worked hard this past year with the help of our members to reach our goals. We had a goal to set down firm plans and develop long term goals for the Southern Region. Because of our outstanding members, who have shared their thoughts with us, many new goals have been developed. Some goals are in the preliminary planning stages, many are in solid planning stages and starting to take off, and many are now in full operation every day.
Our Annual Southern Conferences are always on the docket. This year our Co-Chairmen Jay Borton AIFD and Roger Dennis AIFD have chosen to take us on a new adventure this year. A journey to look at how we do business and design in a new platform, "Going Green." Going green is not a new trend or fashion word, but a change and way of life for all of us.
"The Attraction is only Natural," Southern Conference 2010, in Chattanooga, Tennessee this March, is going to point us in the right direction, give us many of the tools we need to go green and to stimulate and excite us, recharge us and once again help us to be the leaders of our industry. I encourage each and every one of you to come and see the outstanding team of designers who are bursting with ideas to inspire you. Come visit the trade fair of exciting, cutting edge new products and finish your experience with our educational hands-on workshop.
Jay and Roger are excited to have as many members as possible participate in the conference. If you have only a few minutes, an hour, a day or the whole weekend, they will welcome you with open arms. I encourage you to contact Jay at jaybortonaifd@comcast.net or Roger at roger.dennis@wku.edu to find out what their needs are, or let them know what you have to offer. They will be glad to hear from you!
Southern AIFD now has a Twitter account and new Facebook page. Our FAcebook will soon be filled with announcements, photos, information and updates of our region. So check it out, become a "fan" and keep in tune with the members and the leadership team of Southern Region.
Southern Region is overflowing with awesome, creative and inspired leaders of the floral industry. We know you have many ideas and thoughts that we could benefit from and help Southern grow stronger. That said, we have another new venture coming. By February 1st, if not sooner, here on our Southern site you will see a tab marked "What You Think." This is your chance to share your thoughts, ideas, issues and opinions with your leadership team. There will be monthly questions posted to gather your input on specific information, and, at any time you may post whatever thoughts or questions are on your mind. All inputs are sent without sender information attached, it will be delivered anonymously. However, if you wish to let us know or would like us to contact you, you may leave your contact information and we will gladly get back to you. I encourage you to use these most useful tools. It is a great way for your leadership team to communicate with you and you with us. The most important and valuable part of Southern is its members!
"Bridging the Gap" has many meanings for all of us. "Bridging the Gap" between the leadership of Southern, members of AIFD, and to everyone in the industry, be it other designers, shop owners, educators, or vendors is of utmost importance, and a priority. With these new communication tools in place as well as those to come, it is an important part of bridging the gap.
We are seeking as many members as we can from each state (Ambassadors) who would like to help with gathering information on any floral events, as well as to relate experiences, personal or professional, or any information of interest to share with our members through our newsletter or our other channels of communication. If you would like to be part of this, sharing and expanding our communication with AIFD, CFD and non-members please contact Kevin Coble AIFD at kcoblelefleur@aol.com.
These are just a few of the many growth and enrichment goals we have set and are currently in process, with more coming.
Please pick up a phone, type us a note, jump on board because Southern is once again up and moving forward. We would love to invite all of our members to get involved and be part of each and every step of our progress!!!
I look forward to see you all in March, at Southern Conference 2010 Chattanooga!
Respectfully,
Wendy Childress AIFD, CFD
President, Southern Chapter
