Payne, Mace, Bouquets to Art Honored by AIFD
BALTIMORE (July 2011) – Eddie Payne AIFD of Brooksville Florist in Dade City, Fla. (pictured center) was recognized by the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) with its Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD during the July 6 Ceremony held in conjunction with the 2011 National Symposium in San Francisco. Now recognized as a Fellow of the Institute, Payne, a past president, served on the AIFD board for nine years. He also served on the AIFD Foundation Board, as a symposium chair in the past, and on the membership committee as a chairman.
Also honored during the ceremonies was Kelly Mace of Smithers-Oasis in Kent, Ohio (pictured center) with the AIFD Award of Merit – Industry. This is an award that is presented to professionals in the floral industry who are not a member of AIFD, but who are serving a crucial role in advancing the industry. Mace was honored for her personal and professional dedication, untiring support and enthusiasm for AIFD, its members and the floral industry as a whole.
Bouquets to Art of San Francisco was recognized with the AIFD Award of Merit — Non-Industry. Catherine Goodman, chairman of Bouquets to Art, accepted the award and is pictured center. Bouquets to Art is the largest fundraiser held to benefit the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and one of the country's premier floral events. Organized and produced by the volunteer members of the Fine Arts Museums Auxiliary, Bouquets to Art raises funds to support acquisitions, special exhibitions and education programs. They were recognized for generating and promoting awareness of floral art and for their support and use of AIFD Designers.
Each year, AIFD hosts its National Symposium in a different host city. The Symposium is an opportunity for internationally acclaimed designers to gather together to share ideas, educational tips, network and advance the industry of floral design.
