Memorial Tribute Established Honoring Frank Biddle

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of floral industry champion Frank Biddle. A memorial tribute has been created through the American Floral Endowment (AFE) honoring Francis “Frank” Biddle, who passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, at the age of 60. The tribute was established by Frank’s industry friends Steve Dionne of Wafex USA, Chris Drummond of Penny’s by Plaza Flowers, Greg Coleman of Mayfield Florist, and Ken Young of Phoenix Flower Shops in recognition of his leadership, innovation, and lifelong dedication to the floral industry. Frank was a bold and visionary entrepreneur whose influence helped reshape floral commerce across the Americas. After earning a degree in International Studies from Juniata College and relocating to southern California, Frank…

A New Wave of Floriculture Talent: Meet the 2025 AFE Interns

This spring, nine exceptional students have been awarded internships through AFE’s Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program and Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Program. These talented students are stepping up to gain invaluable hands-on experience in top industry operations across the nation. The Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program places students at commercial production greenhouses or nurseries for three-, four-, or six-month durations and provides a scholarship of up to $6,000, depending on the length of their internship. The Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Program places students at leading floral retail, wholesale, or supplier businesses for a period of 10-16 weeks, with a $2,000 scholarship upon their completion of the program.  Both programs offer valuable opportunities for both the floral industry and…

R.I.S.E. to Support Floral

AFE Launches 2025 Fundraising Campaign to Provide for Growth and Innovation Held Virtually Between Thursday, May 15th – Monday, June 30th The American Floral Endowment (AFE) invites the floral community to once again R.I.S.E. to Support the future of floriculture. The annual fundraising campaign runs from May 15 through June 30 and encourages the floral community to come together and give back to the industry we all love.R.I.S.E. stands for Research, Internships, Scholarships, and Education—four pillars that help ensure a strong, sustainable floral industry for generations to come. Every dollar raised supports programs that solve real challenges, nurture young talent, and provide trusted resources for businesses of all sizes. Now more than ever, funding for research and education is vital…

2025 Milestones: AFE Named Funds Celebrate Special Anniversaries and Impact!

Big milestones deserve big celebrations! In 2025, we’re recognizing eleven incredible anniversaries for our Named Funds and programs, ranging from five years to over 50 years of impact.  For six decades, AFE has been providing for industry growth through research, education, and programs that fuel growth and innovation. None of this would be possible without the visionaries and industry champions who have established legacy funds to support the floral industry for generations to come. These funds are making a real difference, and we are excited to celebrate their ongoing impact! Celebrating 50 Years! Mosmiller Internship Program For half a century, the Mosmiller Internship Program has been a gateway for students seeking hands-on experience in the floral industry. The program was…

Memorial Tribute Established Honoring Herman Meinders

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) has announced a Memorial Tribute to honor the life and contributions of Herman Meinders, a visionary entrepreneur, devoted philanthropist, and esteemed leader in the floral industry. Herman passed away on March 30, 2025, at the age of 87. This tribute was established by AFE Past Chairman Red Kennicott of Kennicott Brothers, a longtime friend of Herman’s, in recognition of his profound impact. Born and raised in Pipestone, Minnesota, Herman’s journey from a small farming community to a leader in the floral industry is a testament to his determination and vision. With just 20 cents to his name, he set out on a path that led him to establish American Floral Services (AFS) in 1970 in Oklahoma City. Under his leadership, AFS became one…

On the Road to Educate: Bringing Our Programs to the Industry

Spring is kicking off as a busy season for the AFE team! From Board Meetings, to industry events, our team has been hard at work spreading the message about AFE and our latest programs, like Sustainabloom, with the industry. Meeting with professionals from across the nation also helps us to hear about current challenges, needs, and areas where AFE programs can help. Pre-Valentine’s Day Miami Experience First up, Michelle Van Norden, Manager of Development and Donor Engagement, took a trip to Miami with Rob Shibata, President of Mt. Eden Floral, ahead of Valentine's Day to see the flower operations during the busy holiday rush. Rob, with his many years of experience in the industry, invited Michelle, who is relatively new…

New Demaree Family Floriculture Advancement Fund Established to Support Industry Innovation

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is proud to announce the establishment of the Demaree Family Floriculture Advancement Fund, designed to support special projects or programs that address critical and timely challenges facing the floral industry. This new annual grant program will provide funding to projects that are creating innovative resources, education, and advancements. This new fund builds on the legacy of the Del Demaree Family Fund, originally established in 2014 by Del Demaree, Jr., to support the Business Internship program. To better meet the immediate needs of the industry, the Demaree family has repurposed this funding to allow for greater flexibility and responsiveness. AFE continues to offer two paid internship programs, the Mosmiller and Vic and Margaret Ball intern scholar…

Tim and Nancy Galea: A Series of Transitions Builds Success in Floral Industry

From an eager delivery boy to the retired owner of one of the most notable flower shop companies in Michigan, Tim Galea has built a flourishing career in the floriculture industry navigating transitions.  He was just 14 years old when he would hop in the car with his father who would deliver flowers on holidays for some extra money. His father would drive, and Tim would head for the door, greeting the recipient and getting his first lessons in customer service. By the time Tim could drive at age 16, he got himself a job at the same florist and set out on his own, earning money and learning more about the industry. He spent the next 15 years at…

Thank You 2024 Donors!

The funds raised will directly support vital initiatives that drive the growth and sustainability of the floral industry, including scholarships for future leaders and critical research that shapes our industry’s future. We sincerely thank everyone who contributed—your generosity is creating a lasting impact!

Celebrating a 25-Year Partnership with Equiflor/Rio Roses

For 25 years, Equiflor/Rio Roses has proudly served as AFE’s Annual Event Flower Sponsor, generously providing stunning roses year after year. Their unwavering support reflects a deep commitment to advancing and supporting the floral industry. Even during the pandemic, Rio Roses continued their dedication by donating a year’s worth of roses to the #AFEandMe contest winner as part of our first-ever fully virtual campaign which helped raise over $80,000 to support floral advancements. Equiflor, a privately-owned company with over three decades of excellence, is a leading grower and distributor of fresh flowers. Established in 1986 as a family business, it has grown into a renowned brand recognized across the US and Canada. Their nationally branded fresh cut “Rio Roses” are…

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