History of FIRST
FIRST was founded when the Bedding Plants Foundation, Inc. (BPFI) and the Ohio Floriculture Foundation (OFF) merged. Over the years, FIRST became known for funding a wide range of research projects and administering a variety of scholarship funds named and designated for the full spectrum of floriculture interests.
In 2006, FIRST merged with the American Floral Endowment (AFE), creating a united organization that will become the floriculture industry’s comprehensive endowment for both research and scholarship grants. FIRST, as an organization, dissolved and became an important part of AFE. Three individuals from FIRST joined the AFE board and several others serve as advocates on various committees. Three individuals from FIRST have been elected to the AFE Board of Trustees. They are Ken Altman, Altman’s Specialty Plants, Vista, Calif.; PJ Ellison, Ellison’s Greenhouses, Brenham, Texas; and Tom Van Wingerden, Metrolina Greenhouses, Huntersville, N.C.
FIRST’s strength in scholarships complements AFE’s strength in research and brings more students into AFE’s educational programs. Both organizations also have a strong heritage and the potential to bring industry segments together. AFE, an $11 million endowment and FIRST, a $1.7 million endowment, both have deep roots in the floriculture industry.
