What's News in the American Institute
of Floral Designers
AIFD Tours World Famous Bellagio Hotel Floriculture Operations Facility
The AIFD Executive Committee had their summer planning meeting in Las Vegas from August 10-15. As part of the meeting the members discussed preliminary details for getting ready for the 2013 Symposium which will be held June 29 - July 3 at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel. Board members were also treated to an exclusive insider's site tour of the expansive Bellagio Hotel's Floriculture Operations facility. AIFD member Ken Snauwaert AIFD, floral supervisor at the Bellagio, led an enthusiastic crowd through the facility, showing them how they get the florals and floral displays ready for presentation in the world famous Bellagio Hotel lobby.
Click here to view photos from the event!
Gordy Establishes Endowed Faculty Positions in Horticulture
A 1963 alumnus from Mississippi State University recently created two endowments to ensure the future of floral management and horticulture education in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Joe Gordy AIFD, of Brewton, Ala., and his wife, Carol, established the Joe and Carol Gordy Endowed Chair in Horticulture and the Joe and Carol Gordy Endowed Professorship in Horticulture in a bequest through his will. Both faculty positions will be used to attract and retain top performing faculty members who exemplify the university's mission of teaching, research and service.
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AIFD and FFA Join Forces
Over 50,000 blue jackets created quite the scene recently at the annual National FFA Convention. As a major component of its Career Development initiative, the American Institute of Floral Designers is exploring options for partnering with FFA to encourage greater participation in its floral design programs.
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Jackson Native Derek Woodruff Among Eight Finalists on new Reality Show on Floral Designers
Jackson native Derek Woodruff AIFD said he always knew that one day some TV network would make a reality show out of his profession, floral design, "and I always figured I'd be mad I wasn't on it."
When he got an e-mail from a casting director asking him if he'd be interested in being on just such a show, "I thought it was a hoax," said Woodruff, owner of The Floral Underground in Traverse City, Mich.
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AIFD Member BJ Dyer Featured in Business News Daily Article
"Although the opening costs are low compared to other businesses, the difficulty of running a flower shop is increased because so many different types of businesses are combined into one. A florist is a retailer, a manufacturer, a designer, a delivery service and an event company all rolled into one. Many people think that because you’re working with something as “simple” and beautiful as flowers, that it’s an easy business. Most people fantasize that florists just play with flowers all day. Indeed, working with fresh floral product is a joy, but their fragile nature makes the business difficult. Inventory turnover and loss from product shrinkage makes timing and quantities critical."
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AIFD Members Show Leadership and Strong Devotion to Industry at SAF Convention
Many AIFD members turned out for the Society of American Florists' (SAF) 126th Annual Convention, Sept. 22-25 in Orlando. They and other attendees left with "long-lasting souvenirs: resolve, results-getting ideas and real connections with other industry members that will keep their businesses headed out of the recession."
AIFD Member J. Schwanke Receives Tommy Bright Award for Achievement in Floral Presentation
J M.H. Schwanke AIFD, AAF, PFCI, WFC, CMG, was honored for lifetime achievement in floral presentation when the Society of American Florists (SAF) Professional Floral Communicators - International (PFCI) presented him with the 2010 Tommy Bright Award on Sept. 23. The honor was conferred during SAF Orlando 2010, the Society of American Florists' (SAF) 126th Annual Convention in Orlando.
AIFD Platinum Elite Partner Receives SAF Paul Ecke Jr. Award
The quiet but far-reaching impact of a wholesaler from Atlanta was acknowledged Sept. 23 as Ramon Garcia, AAF, received the 2010 SAF Paul Ecke Jr. Award. Hundreds of industry members attending the SAF Industry Awards Dinner at SAF Orlando 2010 applauded as the Pete Garcia Co. vice president stepped up to accept the honor.
Twelve AIFD Members Earn PFCI Designation
The industry's premier speakers bureau added 15 new professionals to its roster, 12 of them AIFD members and two associates at AIFD Partner organizations, when the Society of American Florists (SAF) inducted them into Professional Floral Communicators - International (PFCI) in Orlando on Sept. 23. Their achievement was celebrated at the Industry Awards Dinner in Orlando during SAF's 126th Annual Convention.
Two AIFD Members Earn AAF Designation
Nine dedicated industry members, two members of AIFD, were accepted into the prestigious ranks of the Society of American Florists' American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) this year.
77 Earn CFD Designation, 26 Invited to
Become AIFD
The names of the 2011 AIFD Invitees and newest CFDs have been announced. Join AIFD in congratulating each one.
Update Your Listing & Photo For the AIFD
Online Directory
Attention AIFD Members: As a special benefit, members of AIFD can now have their photograph added to their online listing! But, we need every member's help to make the new and improved online directory a success.
