Honoring Frank Biddle Through the CalFlowers Scholarship

We are proud to share that one of our long-standing scholarships has been renamed to honor Frank Biddle, an extraordinary leader, mentor, and friend to many in our industry. Since 2017, the CalFlowers Scholarship has supported students with a passion for the floral industry. Today, it carries a new name, the CalFlowers Frank Biddle Memorial Scholarship, ensuring Frank’s legacy of mentorship and innovation continues to inspire the next generation. Investing in Future Leaders This scholarship provides critical support to undergraduate students pursuing higher education and a career in floriculture. While priority is given to students attending accredited colleges and universities in California, California residents enrolled elsewhere in the U.S. are also considered. Applicants don’t have to major in agriculture, but…

CalFlowers Scholarship Through AFE Honors Industry Champion Frank Biddle

CalFlowers' long-standing scholarship through the American Floral Endowment (AFE) is being renamed to celebrate the life and legacy of one of its most influential members. The scholarship, which was originally established in 2017, will now be known as the CalFlowers Frank Biddle Memorial Scholarship. About the Scholarship The CalFlowers Frank Biddle Memorial Scholarship supports undergraduate students pursuing higher education while demonstrating a clear passion for the floral industry. Scholarship eligibility gives first priority to students attending an accredited California college or university, with consideration also given to undergraduate California residents attending accredited institutions elsewhere in the U.S. While students are not required to major in an agricultural program, applicants must show a commitment to seeking employment in the floriculture industry after graduation. A work history or…

Memorial Tribute Established Honoring Robert (Bob) J. Carbone

A memorial tribute has been established through the American Floral Endowment (AFE) honoring Robert (Bob) J. Carbone, who passed away on August 14, 2025, five days shy of his 94th birthday. The tribute was created by Harrison “Red” Kennicott of Kennicott Brothers in recognition of Bob’s enduring dedication, innovation, and leadership in the floral industry. Bob was a devoted family man and visionary business leader whose impact shaped floral distribution throughout the Northeast. He founded the RJ Carbone Company in 1953, and for 72 years, he and his family grew it from humble beginnings into one of the region’s major wholesale floral distributors. Through his early support for importing fresh-cut flowers from South America, Bob redefined the industry’s business model…

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…

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…

Memorial Tribute Established Honoring Bill Gouldin

Industry Leader & Advocate Industry friends Buzzy Heroman, Steve Neubauer, Greg Royer, and Ken Young have established a memorial tribute through the American Floral Endowment (AFE) honoring William “Bill” J. Gouldin, Jr., who passed away on June 19, 2024, at the age of 75. Bill Gouldin was well known for his work as President of Strange’s Florists, Greenhouses, and Garden Center. Strange’s is focused in the Richmond, Virginia, area and consists of two florist locations, two garden centers, and a wholesale greenhouse range. His lifelong dedication to the business provided for the ongoing growth of Strange’s. Bill worked alongside his family as the third generation of the business, learning all that he could from his father, William J. Gouldin, Sr., and…

AFE’s 2024 Fundraising Campaign: R.I.S.E. to Support!

R.I.S.E. up to support the floral industry! In an effort to continue to increase support for important research, education, and other floriculture programs to advance our industry, the American Floral Endowment (AFE) has launched its annual fundraising campaign running from May 15th through June 28th with a goal of $100,000 in industry support.  The Endowment's annual summer campaign theme touts the overall tagline of R.I.S.E., representing AFE’s core programs: Research, Internships, Scholarships, and Education for the floral industry. These resources are vital to the ongoing growth of floral; the Endowment is welcoming the industry to R.I.S.E. up with us to help fund ongoing success and support for all segments, ages, and levels. You can check out the campaign launch video featuring industry supporters and AFE's Chairman, Ken Young of Phoenix Flower Shops, by clicking here. Make a…

Memorial Tribute Established Honoring Kenneth Royer

Currently, with 15 locations in Pennsylvania and three in Ohio, Ken’s legacy and family business is kept alive through the leadership of two of his sons and three of his grandsons.    Ken was one of the first florists in the country to implement computerized systems for multi-shop operations and was among the first florists to import flowers directly from South America. His business strategies were so successful that in 1998, he published the book, ‘Retailing Flowers Profitably,’ and held dozens of seminars on topics from marketing to management and post-harvest care. He also wrote a Florists’ Review magazine column, “Royer on Retail,” for 14 years.    Ken spoke at over 50 wire service and other florist meetings, providing educational sessions on…

Memorial Tribute Established Honoring Katie Kennicott

Pioneer and Goodwill Ambassador A Memorial Tribute has been established through the American Floral Endowment (AFE) honoring Kathleen “Katie” Kennicott, who passed away on October 13, 2023, at the age of 86.Many in the floral industry knew Katie Kennicott best as the sunny, astute and engaging wife (64 years) of Harrison “Red” Kennicott, of the Chicago-based wholesale distributor Kennicott Brothers Company; however, Katie also played a direct role in the company’s success. Over more than 60 years of active involvement in the floral industry, she showed a special talent for making strong connections with customers, suppliers, and others—connections that have helped to change the face of the industry.Katie met Red when both were students at Michigan State University; they married the…

Memorial Tribute Established in Memory of Andy Mast

Andy worked in partnership with his father, Neal, until branching out on his own in 1975 to become the owner of Andy Mast Greenhouses. He grew the business from the original site in Walker to include two additional sites over the years in Muskegon and Holland. His contributions to the greenhouse industry run deep.In efforts to improve the quality of crops, Andy pioneered with Michigan State University using practical growing techniques to control the height of crops. So successful in implementation, the DIF technique is currently utilized around the world!Never shy to try out new techniques and experiments, he partnered with MSU to continue research and advancement in floriculture for other groundbreaking successes. Andy was also active in the Floriculture…

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