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Daedre Craig from MSU Wins First Paul Ecke Jr. $10,000 Scholarship

A Michigan State University (MSU) graduate student with plans to pursue her doctorate has been awarded AFE’s first Paul Ecke Jr. Scholarship.Daedre Craig, who is currently receiving the MSU Plant Science Fellowship, is the head grower for the MSU Horticulture Organization and has been recognized by numerous organizations for her achievements in research and academia. This latest achievement nets her a scholarship of $8,000.“AFE received some outstanding applications and the selection process was extremely difficult,” said AFE’s Education Chairman Ken Altman of Altman Plants in Vista, Calif. “What set Daedre apart was her demonstrated commitment to the industry and her studies, as well as her exemplary academic progress.”This scholarship honors the late Paul Ecke Jr., who made indispensable contributions to…

Ernesto Velez Memorial Tribute Established

His death leaves the industry without its earliest and most vocal champion of the simple belief that the land on which your flowers grow and the people who grow deserve respect and protection. As Chairman of Asocolflores for an unprecedented seven terms, Velez shared that philosophy of social responsibility and environmental stewardship as he tirelessly promoted Colombian flowers and flower growers. Velez was equally passionate when talking about and working with his wife, Lucie. Together they spearheaded the creation and implementation of the Florverde program. Flowers with the Florverde label carry the guarantee that they have been grown in conditions that meet the highest social end environmental standards. “Ernesto dedicated most of his time to Asocolflores… fueling ideas and putting…

AFE Announces 2009 Scholarship Recipients

Fourteen horticultural students have been selected as 2009 scholarship recipients and are beginning the school year with scholarships from AFE.“These very deserving individuals have demonstrated their commitment and passion for the floriculture/horticulture industry,” said AFE’s Scholarship Chairperson PJ Ellison, of Ellison’s Greenhouses in Brenham, Texas.  “We are very pleased to be able to help them along their career paths.”Ball Horticultural Company Scholarship and Bud Ohlman Memorial ScholarshipRecipient: Nathan Urben, University of Wisconsin, Madison“My true ambition is to start my own garden center (and)…emphasize an organic, environmentally friendly approach to landscape design and maintenance,” says Urben. He hopes to start his career by working as a grower for a mid- to large-sized producer of herbaceous perennials and/or bedding plants.The Ball Horticultural…

Will Carlson Memorial Tribute Established

He was responsible for establishing the Horticultural Demonstration Gardens and was the past Chairperson of the MSU Garden Consortium. He helped establish the Professional Plant Growers Association, was a director of the Garden Writers Association and lectured to garden groups throughout the country. Carlson earned many industry accolades, including the Floriculture Hall of Fame from the Society of American Florists and the H. Marc Cathey Award from the American Horticultural Society. or send a check to:American Floral Endowmentc/o Will Carlson Memorial Tribute610 Madison St, Ste 101, PMB 803Alexandria, VA 22314 The family is always notified of donations and contributions can be made in any amount.

Microbial Inoculants: Fighting Mission Impossible

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to incorporate sustainable practices into your growing operation. While not life-threatening, many still believe this mission to be impossible. Research funded by AFE is here to prove otherwise.MI: JUST THE FACTSMicrobial Inoculants (MI’s) are agricultural amendments that use beneficial bacteria and/or fungi to promote plant health. Sometimes by forming symbiotic relationships with host plants and other times by using up all excess nutrients, MI can prevent a wide range of soil-borne pathogens that cause serious crop loss.MI’s are a widely marketed form of biocontrol, with more than 80 commercially available products, and are considered much more environmentally friendly than traditional fungicides. But growers have always wondered if they actually work.Research ResultsLate…

AFE Receives $500,000 in Scholarship Funds

Funds will endow scholarships for future florists in memory of Chicago florists Jim and Helen PhillipA loving daughter of the floral industry, television producer Lee Phillip Bell, has donated $500,000 to AFE to create a scholarship fund in memory of her parents. The James and Helen Phillip Endowed Scholarship Fund will provide tuition assistance to students training in retail floral design and operations.Bell presented a check to the AFE Board of Trustees during the American Floral Endowment Dinner in Palm Beach, Fla. on Sept. 17, 2008.“It’s a joy to honor James and Helen Phillip by helping people prepare to earn a livelihood in the flower business, which has meant so much to our family,” she said.The funds will be invested…

SAF Selected As AFE’s New Management Team

AFE Trustees have selected the Society of American Florists (SAF) as the Endowment’s new management team.“This is a win-win for AFE and the horticulture industry,” said AFE Chairman Mike Mellano Sr. of Mellano and Company in San Luis Rey, Calif. “AFE will be able to take advantage of SAF’s resources while remaining a wholly separate entity.”“We’re very pleased with the decision,” said Bob McClellan, retiring president of Hortica Insurance in Edwardsville, Ill. AFE offices have been located at Hortica since 2004 during which Hortica contributed significant administrative services. “It’s been an honor to provide AFE with our assistance during a period of AFE’s restructuring and growth, and the time is right for AFE and SAF to join resources in taking…

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