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SAF Awards Our Industry’s Best
The convention recognizes leaders in the floral industry.
by
D
uring “SAF Maui 2016,” the 132nd
Annual Convention of the Society
of American Florists (SAF), these
industry leaders were honored
with awards on Sept. 24.
Fatima Oubaid
floriculture hall of fame
president’s award
Dwight Larimer, AAF, PFCI, second from left, with sons Garrett, left, and Nicholas, right, and wife Dawn.
The floral industry’s highest honor was bestowed on Dwight Larimer, AAF, PFCI,
The President’s Award is not distributed at
president of DESIGN MASTER color tool, inc. in Boulder, Colo., with his induction into
every convention and is awarded only by SAF
the SAF Floriculture Hall of Fame.
presidents who choose to recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional work in the
floral industry. This year, SAF President Martin
Meskers, AAF, of Oregon Flowers, Inc., recognized Gay Smith, above, technical consulting
manager at Chrysal USA, for long sharing her
vast knowledge of flower care and handling.
marketer of the year award
Nielsen’s Florist in Darien, Conn., was
selected as the 2016 Marketer of the Year, for
its outstanding marketing efforts and customer service. Sandy Nielsen-Baumann, right,
co-owner, and Raya Ward, left, office manager and marketing coordinator, accepted the
award, which includes a $5,000 prize, provided by DESIGN MASTER color tool, inc.
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paul ecke jr. award
alex laurie award
tommy bright award
In recognition of his exemplary
devotion to the profession, industry and
community, Leo Roozen, AAF, president of
Washington Bulb Co. in Mt. Vernon, Wash.,
received the 2016 Paul Ecke Jr. Award.
Washington Bulb Co. is the country’s largest flower bulb grower.
Brian E. Whipker, Ph.D., professor of
floriculture, North Carolina State University, was honored for his research and educational contributions to the floriculture
industry, particularly in the areas of plant
disorders and plant growth regulators.
Tom Bowling, AIFD, PFCI, was honored
for lifetime achievement in floral commentating and education. This award is the
highest honor presented by the Professional Floral Communicators - International
(PFCI) to its members.
century award
Four floral industry businesses received
the SAF Century Award in recognition of
their 100th anniversaries.
n Imlay Florists; Zanesville, Ohio
n Jacques Flower Shop & Garden Center;
Manchester, N.H.
n Schneider’s Florist; Springfield, Ohio
n Welke’s Milwaukee Florist; Milwaukee,
Wis.
Photos courtesy of the Society of American Florists
(SAF)
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american academy of floriculture (aaf)
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SAF’s American Academy of Floriculture inducted five new members for 2016.
Susan Klein, AAF; Klein’s Floral & Greenhouses; Madison, Wis.
Nikki Lemler, AAF; Welke’s Milwaukee Florist; Milwaukee, Wis.
Michael R. Pugh, AAF; Pugh’s Flowers; Memphis, Tenn.
Kaitlin Radebaugh, AAF; Radebaugh Florist & Greenhouses; Towson, Md.
Cathy Reifschneider, AAF; Teleflora; Phoenix, Ariz.
professional floral communicators
– international (pfci)
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The industry’s premier speakers bureau added three new professionals to its roster.
1. Brad Beck, AAF, PFCI; DESIGN MASTER color
tool; Boulder, Colo.
2. Justin Degonia, AIFD, PFCI; New Leaf Flower &
Plant Shop; Poplar Bluff, Mo.
3. Jenny Thomasson, AIFD, PFCI; Stems; Florissant, Mo.
outstanding varieties competition
Judges selected the Oriental Lily ‘Tabledance’, exhibited by Green Valley Floral, Salinas,
Calif., as this year’s “Best in Show” winner.
This year’s competition had 184 entries from 20
growers across the U.S., Colombia and Ecuador.
sylvia cup design competition
Derek Woodruff, AIFD, PFCI, above, owner
of Floral Underground in Traverse City, Mich.,
won the annual flower arranging competition,
beating out a field of 12 others. Derek received
a trophy cup, $3,000 and complimentary registration to SAF’s next convention.
First runner-up was Paul Latham, AIFD,
creative director/co-owner of Fleur de Lis Events
& Design in Louisville, Ky. Tricia Upshaw, AIFD,
Shirley’s Flower Studio Inc., in Rogers, Ark., was
second runner-up. n
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