{"id":3442,"date":"2022-03-21T20:06:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-21T20:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/afe.epicenter1.com\/news\/afes-strategic-plan-outlines-priorities-for-funding-the-future-of-floriculture"},"modified":"2024-03-25T23:05:27","modified_gmt":"2024-03-25T23:05:27","slug":"afes-strategic-plan-outlines-priorities-for-funding-the-future-of-floriculture","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/endowment.org\/es\/news\/afes-strategic-plan-outlines-priorities-for-funding-the-future-of-floriculture","title":{"rendered":"AFE\u2019s Strategic Plan Outlines Priorities for Funding the Future of Floriculture"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As the industry continues to adapt to the changing world and new ways of conducting business, the <\/span>American Floral Endowment (AFE)<\/strong> took the opportunity to also take a deeper look at how they can better support industry members and businesses through their floriculture programs and funding. Through an eight-month Strategic Planning effort, new priorities, goals, and initiatives were identified to provide for continued growth in the industry.<\/span>

As part of the Strategic Plan, the Board also approved a revised vision, mission, and logo update to better identify and promote AFE\u2019s core initiatives. The new logo touts the overall goal of Funding for the Future of Floriculture<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>

After months of consultation and evaluating input from the broader floral community through interviews, a public survey, and several focus groups, AFE\u2019s Board of Trustees consisting of experts and business leaders from all segments of the industry came together for multiple planning sessions. From these sessions, a new strategic plan was developed to better position the Endowment to address the ever-changing needs of the floriculture industry.<\/span><\/p>

\"\"The three-year plan underscores and strengthens fundamental priorities vital to AFE\u2019s future and mission: supporting innovative research and floral industry education; an irrefutable pledge to keeping young professional development at the center of our work; increased outreach and fundraising efforts to provide more dollars for floriculture-related programs; and, finally and importantly, a commitment to collaboration with like-minded organizations for these and other programs geared toward advancing the industry.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cThe Trustees took a very intentional approach in identifying the Endowment\u2019s critical priorities. Going forward we will focus on increasing our footprint in an effort to better support programs that strengthen research efforts, build connections between young professionals and industry members, and support continued education for all segments of the industry. Progress and growth are impossible without change, and AFE continues their commitment to serving the industry as it evolves through the years,\u201d noted Laura Shinall, Past AFE Chairman and Managing Partner of FreshPath Marketing.<\/span><\/p>

The strategic plan sets goals to expand core AFE programs, provide new and innovative research, develop more targeted and strategic communications, and increase fundraising to support these initiatives. Like the new Vision states, AFE pledges to do these things \u201cto better connect people to flowers and plants in everyday life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

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\"\"<\/strong><\/span>Vision Statement<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h3>

Una comunidad floricultora fuerte y unida que fomenta la innovaci\u00f3n y el crecimiento de la industria para conectar mejor a las personas con las flores y las plantas en la vida cotidiana.<\/span><\/p>

Mission Statement<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h3>

Ser la fuente confiable y el catalizador para el avance de la floricultura mediante el financiamiento de investigaciones innovadoras, becas, pasant\u00edas y subvenciones educativas que sirvan de la mejor manera a las necesidades din\u00e1micas y demogr\u00e1ficas de todos los sectores de la industria.<\/span><\/p>

How does this impact YOU and your business?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>

AFE\u2019s core programming supports better quality flowers and plants and provides best practices for increased longevity of products. Better quality and longer-lasting plants support profitability and happy consumers. Whether you are a grower, researcher, event planner, wholesaler, or retailer, AFE\u2019s work has positively impacted your business. With expanded resources to reach and support the next generation of young professionals through our career center, recruitment resources, and Young Professionals Council, the Endowment is also educating and supporting a workforce for the future. All AFE\u2019s resources are available to everyone in the industry FREE.<\/strong> Industry contributions are the key to providing these programs for all.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cAFE\u2019s new goals show our ongoing commitment and dedication to the industry. These expansions will be extremely impactful both internally and externally. It is exciting to look ahead and see this clear path to success aiding the growth of our industry,\u201d notes AFE\u2019s Chairman-Elect Ken Young, owner of Phoenix Flower Shops.<\/span><\/p>

The new Strategic Plan will serve as AFE\u2019s benchmarks for success over the next three years. They will also help AFE continue to address the transforming needs of the industry and further expand their reach to keep up with industry growth.<\/span><\/p>

This new plan continues AFE\u2019s long history of being the leading non-profit charitable organization funding floriculture research, educational and floral design grants, and scholarships, along with administering internship programs to bring top talent to the industry.\u00a0 In its 60 years, AFE\u2019s funding and programs have led to:<\/span><\/p>