AFE’s Ambassador Award

Giving back to the floral community has always been central to the Altmans’ approach. Their involvement with AFE spans decades and includes advocacy, financial support, and volunteer service. Ken previously served as a member of the AFE Board of Trustees, including a two year term as Treasurer, and as Chair of the Education and Scholarship Committee. He continues to serve as a scholarship reviewer and as a research committee member scoring and providing important input on applications each year.

Eleven years ago, Ken and Deena established the Altman Family Scholarship through AFE to support graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in floriculture or horticulture. Since its inception, the scholarship has provided financial assistance to more than 25 students, helping support many of today’s brightest floricultural researchers and educators. This scholarship is helping to alleviate the financial burden of higher education and helping them to achieve their career goals.

“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.”

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.