Nearly $40,000 Awarded in 2016 Scholarships

AFE awarded seventeen students in 2016 with scholarships totaling more than $39,000.“Thanks to the generosity of donors, AFE is able to distribute more than 20 scholarships each year to deserving and well-qualified students. These students are worthy of our recognition and support,” said Dwight Larimer, AFE Chairman-Elect and Education Committee Chair.“Each of the scholarship recipients give us a glimpse of our industry’s bright future, and I believe that all of the applicants are passionate leaders who will help the industry progress.”More than 65 applications were received for this scholarship cycle, down slightly from last year.AFE awards scholarships annually, and applications are due by May 1 of each year.Click here for full scholarship descriptions. American Florists’ Exchange Scholarship — $2,400Recipient: Erin Hsu,…

Memorial Tribute Established for Jim Nordlie

Kennicott Brothers Company, Nordlie Inc. and The Pete Garcia Company have established the Jim Nordlie Memorial Tribute through AFE. James “Jim” Nordlie passed away on July 1, 2016 at the age of 93. Kennicott Brothers Co. and The Pete Garcia Co. both contributed $1,000 to establish this new memorial tribute. “I have had the pleasure of knowing Jim Nordlie since the late 50s. His personality, drive and traits helped me establish goals for my future. He will be missed,” said Pete Garcia, Chairman of The Pete Garcia Company. Nordlie was born on Jan. 12, 1923 in Detroit, Mich. and received a business degree from the University of Michigan. After graduation and his return from military service in World War II, he joined Nordlie Inc.,…

Terril Nell and Jim Daly Receive Honors

Terril A. Nell, Ph.D.L to R: Joel Pesapane of Growing Green Inc. in St. Louis, Mo. and Terril Nell, Ph.D.AFE Research Coordinator Terril A. Nell, Ph.D., was recognized for his many contributions and achievements in the floral industry at Cultivate ’16.Nell was inducted into the Interior Plantscape Hall of Fame during the Plantscape Awards Celebration in Columbus, Ohio on July 10.The AmericanHort Interior Plantscape Hall of Fame was established to honor individuals of integrity whose personal dedication provide great leadership in the development and growth of the interiorscape industry.Nell is professor emeritus in floriculture at the University of Florida (UF), and developed the UF postharvest program in 1983, which he credits AFE funding for making possible. He served as Chair…

New AFE Videos Tout Floriculture Successes

Five new AFE videos have been released highlighting floriculture successes through industry collaboration, support and participation.“Each video shares real stories from industry members on career development through scholarships and internships, and true examples of research solutions that have shaped how the industry operates today,” said Laura Shinall, President of Syndicate Sales, Inc., and AFE Public Relations and Development Chair.“We’re excited to be able to share some great success stories in an effort to increase industry participation.”The introductory video “Heard of the American Floral Endowment?” helps educate those who are not currently aware of AFE’s programs, while the remaining four segmented videos (retail, wholesale, grower, student/faculty) specifically share how Endowment programs complement each group and why it is so important that…

Where Are They Now: Cathy Araos

Meet Cathy Araos – former AFE Mosmiller intern turned biology co-teacher at Niles North High School in Skokie, Ill.Cathy AraosFor three years, Cathy has been educating students at Niles North about plant and soil science, greenhouse management and floral design.She is increasing awareness of the floriculture and horticulture industries, and doing so in fun ways. She hopes that her efforts will see an increase in participation from students.“I want to get students interested and excited about horticulture, and I want to make an impact,” said Cathy.“It’s very important that our students have educators or adults that support them in the projects they’re doing.”Cathy performed a Mosmiller Internship in 2002 at Kennicott Brothers Company and describes her internship as a “life-changing…

2016 AFE Bulletin Issue Two Now Available!

Three Students Receive AFE Mosmiller Intern Scholarships

Three students were awarded 2016 AFE Mosmiller Internships. The students will receive a $2,000 scholarship after successfully completing their internships.The Mosmiller Internship Program allows interns to train at leading retail, wholesale or allied trade operations for a period of 10-16 weeks, getting valuable on-the-job work experience.Beginning in 1975 with earnings from a bequest by the late Colonel and Mrs. Walter E. Mosmiller Jr., this program provides quality professional training for motivated floriculture and environmental horticulture students.Kailey BrooksRecipients are:Loren Marie Anthony – internship at Shirley’s Flowers, Rogers, Ark.Anthony is a horticulture student at the University of Arkansas and an active member of the Horticulture Club and the GroGreen Club. She hopes to gain a deeper understanding of the operations of a floral…

Four Students Receive AFE Ball Intern Scholarships

AFE has awarded four students with 2016 Vic & Margaret Ball Internships. The students will receive scholarships after successfully completing their internships.The Vic & Margaret Ball Internship Program gives students the opportunity to train for three, four or six-month periods at a commercial production greenhouse or nursery while gaining practical floriculture/horticulture experience.In 1992, Vic and Margaret Ball made a generous donation to AFE to establish this program to help ensure successful future generations of horticulture professionals.Recipients are:Michael Del Valle, Jr.Michael Del Valle, Jr. – six months at The Sun Valley Group in Arcata, Calif., $6,000 scholarship. Del Valle, Jr. is majoring in horticulture at the University of Georgia (UGA) and is an active member of the UGA Horticulture Club and Pi…

Nearly $300,000 Announced for AFE Research Funding

AFE has approved more than $296,000 in floriculture/horticulture research project funding for the 2016-2017 fiscal year.“These projects will address and help solve critical industry issues, including Botrytis and thrips, and enable the entire floral industry to become more productive and profitable,” said Terril Nell, Ph.D., Research Coordinator for AFE.The funding will support six continuing projects and four new projects. The goal of all AFE research is to provide knowledge that helps the industry grow stronger.Marigold Guardian PlantDISEASE MANAGEMENTManaging Pythium Species in Floriculture Irrigation Water: Dr. Mary Hausbeck, Michigan State University, $40,000Engineering Impatiens for Resistance to the Devastating Disease Downy Mildew: Dr. Zhanao Deng, University of Florida, $31,500Finding Solutions to Pre-Harvest Botrytis Infection of Cut Roses: Dr. James Faust, Clemson University, $45,182INSECT…

Scottish Student Awarded U.S. Scholarship

A 21-year-old student from Scotland, Jamie Satterthwaite, was selected to receive the 2016 Markham-Colegrave International Scholarship through AFE and the David Colegrave Foundation.Jamie SatterthwaiteSatterthwaite is pursuing a Bachelor of Science at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), studying horticulture and working as a trainee grower.He was awarded $4,500 and will have the opportunity to intern at a horticultural business for eight weeks in the U.S.Satterthwaite is passionate about production horticulture and hopes to work at a nursery that leads in plug production and runs annual bedding plant trials in its extensive trial garden. (Placement is underway!)“I am looking forward to gaining an insight in working across the pond where I can further strengthen my skills in growing and learn new techniques and…