“I am deeply honored to receive the AFE Ambassador Award. This recognition encourages me to further support progress in our industry and promote research and innovation as essential pillars of sustainable growth. AFE has been a crucial partner in addressing so many challenges we face, exemplified by recent workshops in Colombia on Thrips and Botrytis that improved pest management practices on our farms. This award reflects the commitment and hard work of the entire Asocolflores team and underscores our shared vision for a more sustainable and competitive future in floriculture. Together with AFE and our partners, we will continue to drive innovation and excellence in both Colombian and global floriculture.”
AFE’s Ambassador Award
The AFE Ambassador Award recognizes an individual, organization, or institution in the floral community for their exceptional leadership, advocacy, and devoted service to the Endowment’s mission. By acting as an ambassador and champion of AFE, the recipient reinforces the Endowment’s advancements in floriculture research, education, and innovation.
The award is chosen through a nomination process by AFE’s Board of Trustees. The inaugural awards were announced in 2023.
2023 Ambassador Award Recipient: Dr. Marvin Miller of Ball Horticultural
Dr. Miller is a past AFE Trustee who served multiple terms, continued as an Emeritus member, and still sits on the Research Committee. He provides expertise in research for both AFE directly and the Floriculture Nursery and Research Initiative (FNRI) projects, which the Endowment provides review and recommendations on. Through his long-term involvement with AFE’s Board and Committees, Dr. Miller has brought a wealth of knowledge – especially highlighting his invaluable expertise in research and offering his incredible knowledge bank of information on industry statistics and trends. As an ambassador, Dr. Miller has shared the impactful initiatives of the Endowment across his extensive peer network, leading to a broader recognition of AFE, and helping to build new and collaborative relationships to support research and programs. He has introduced hundreds of people to AFE’s work, leveraging his connections across both academia and industry.
2023 Ambassador Award Recipient: Dwight Larimer of Smithers-Oasis/DESIGN MASTER (retired)
Dwight Larimer has been an incredible ambassador to AFE for over a decade. With his 40+ years of industry service, he has leveraged his knowledge and industry connections to support the industry and AFE. In addition to his terms as a Trustee, Larimer also served as AFE’s Chairman of the Board from 2016-2018. Additionally, and throughout his Board service, he served on AFE’s Education, Floral Marketing Fund (FMF), and PR/Development Committees – serving as Chair for both Education and FMF. With a passion for education and young professionals, Larimer helped create AFE’s Young Professionals Council in 2015, serving as the Board Liaison to the group, and developing programs to support their professional development.