Tickets are now available for AFE's annual fundraising dinner on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013 at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix. The dinner is held in conjunction with the Society of American Florists' (SAF) annual convention.

At the dinner, the Endowment will kick off its new awareness campaign video and release the findings from the Purchasing Barriers study underway now. Additionally, donors reaching new giving levels will be recognized.

Information is available online to purchase a dinner ticket ($175), become a dinner sponsor or make a general contribution to AFE. Tickets and sponsorships are also available by contacting AFE Executive Director Debi Aker at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (703) 838-5211.

“The fundraising dinner is the perfect opportunity to learn about the latest Endowment efforts while simultaneously connecting with hundreds of retail florists, wholesalers, growers, educators and more who are interested in ensuring a bright future for the industry,” AFE Chairman Paul Bachman said. “The dinner helps support AFE’s expansive research efforts, which directly benefit all segments of the industry.”

• Detecting and managing pests and diseases.
• Refining watering and nutrition practices.
• Notably improving plant and flower quality.
• Providing total management systems for air and soil borne floriculture crop diseases.

You can use this website to find other tools too, like an extensive and recently updated Impatiens downy mildew resource list.

Additionally, AFE’s intern scholarship programs give the industry the opportunity to host prescreened, competent students with a passion for production. While receiving knowledgeable students, you’ll be giving back by providing the hands-on experience necessary to cultivate the next generation of industry leaders.

So don’t miss out on all that AFE has to offer!

The newest edition of the AFE Bulletin is available now with the latest industry and Endowment news!

Highlights include:

• Improved Packaging Enhances Fresh Cut Flowers
  
• Ecke Scholarship Recipient: "Success Breeds Motivation"
  
• Remembering Jacob Van Namen, Floral Industry Pioneer
  
• Reaching a Younger Demographic Through Social Media
  
• Spring Internships Awarded!
  
• AFE Participates at 2013 National Floriculture Forum
  
• Internships Pay Off!
  
• AFE Launches Awareness Campaign
• AFE Addresses Pest Management Attendees
• Save the Date for AFE's Annual Fundraising Dinner

To receive future editions of the Bulletin via email, please send your email address to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Garrett Owen, currently pursuing his M.S. in Horticulture Science from North Carolina State University, was awarded the 2013 Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship, a merit-based scholarship honoring the late floriculture pioneer. Ecke made indispensable contributions to the advancement of the global floriculture industry and recognized that creative scientists and educators are necessary for the industry’s future, which is why this scholarship is awarded to students who will become the next generation of exceptional researchers or educators.

“This scholarship is definitely going to help financially, but it also continues to fuel my passion to further my education so I can make an impact from the classroom to the greenhouse,” Owen said. “I once heard ‘success breeds motivation,’ and receiving this scholarship helps keep me motivated to make a difference and make a positive impact.”

Owen, who aspires to become a floriculture extension specialist and professor, will continue his education as a doctoral candidate in floriculture research at Purdue University under Roberto G. Lopez, Ph.D.