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Benefits of Succession Planning For Your Business and How to Start

Are you like hundreds of other business owners who continually procrastinate when faced with developing a viable succession plan for your business? If so, check out the newest addition to the Recruitment Resource Library.“Many small businesses put aside the development of a succession plan until forced into quickly pulling one together. Or worse yet, they realize after the fact that they should have been more prepared,” says Suzie Kostick, freelance business coach, and consultant. “Many business owners use the excuse they thought their business was too small to need a succession plan or think it is too complicated to develop.” The new succession plan resources available now through the AFE Career Center were developed to help business owners address these…

AFE’s Research Director, Dr. Terril Nell, Inducted into the Floriculture Hall of Fame

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is excited to celebrate and recognize Research Director, Terril Nell, Ph.D., AAF for his recent induction into the 2023 Society of American Florists (SAF) Floriculture Hall of Fame. Dr. Nell was awarded this accolade at SAF’s 2023 Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.The Floriculture Hall of Fame is the industry’s highest honor. It is designed to recognize and encourage the highest standards of service and professional responsibility in members of the floral industry. The goals of this award are to: provide appropriate recognition honoring those men and women of sound moral character and high integrity who have made outstanding and lasting contributions to the advancement of floriculture as an integral part of the American way of…

AFE Appoints New Trustees & Officers

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) depends on industry leadership, insights, and expertise to support research and programs that best serve all of floriculture. This September, AFE appointed three new Trustees to join the diverse group with representation across segments. AFE Trustees are industry leaders who volunteer their time and talent to help guide Endowment activities and programs benefitting the industry.Each new Trustee will serve a three-year term with the option of a second three-year term. They will also serve on an AFE committee related to education, public relations and development, research, or floral marketing. The Endowment is pleased to announce: Incoming TrusteesKelvin Frye, Syndicate SalesFrye is an industry veteran. He joined Syndicate in 1987 and has held positions in logistics, transportation,…

Celebrating AFE’s Many Friends of Floral

Recognizing the Endowment’s Milestones,New Initiatives, and Dedicated DonorsThe Endowment hosted its annual event & reception during the SAF Annual Convention in Phoenix, AZ on September 7, 2023.The evening was a celebration of the floral industry as a whole – recognizing supporters across all segments as well as announcing two new named funds, a new scholarship, the first-ever AFE Ambassador Awards, and more. AFE Chairman Ken Young of Phoenix Flower Shops kicked off the event by welcoming everyone and setting the tone for celebrating AFE’s current initiatives, accomplishments, strategic goals, and most importantly, our community of dedicated donors.“This reception marked not only a celebration of our shared accomplishments but also a promising glimpse into the future of the industry,” Young said.…

Two Industry Leaders Recognized with AFE’s New Ambassador Award

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is excited to announce the recipients of the inaugural AFE Ambassador Awards! The AFE Ambassador Award recognizes an individual, organization, or institution in the floral community for their exceptional leadership, advocacy, and devoted service to the Endowment’s mission. By acting as an ambassador and champion of AFE, the recipient reinforces the Endowment’s advancements in floriculture research, education, and innovation. The award is chosen through a nomination process by AFE’s Board of Trustees.The recipients were announced during AFE’s Friends of Floral Annual Donor Event and Reception held in conjunction with SAF’s 2023 Annual Convention in Phoenix. The first-ever recipients of this award, Dr. Marvin Miller of Ball Horticultural Company, and Dwight Larimer, formerly of Smithers-Oasis/DESIGN MASTER were both…

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…

2 New Named Funds Announced at AFE Annual Reception

Introducing the Carlstedt's LLC Fund and the Perez Villegas Family Fund The American Floral Endowment (AFE) announced the establishment of two new Named Funds during our recent Friends of Floral Reception on Sept. 7th – the Carlstedt’s LLC Fund and the Pérez Villegas Family Fund. The reception, which took place at the Society of American Florists (SAF)’s 183rd Annual Convention in Phoenix, AZ, also featured announcements of the new Ruby N. & Roland A. Whealy Memorial Scholarship, brand new Ambassador Awards, and updates on AFE’s current projects and initiatives.  Both of the new Named Funds have been established as Undesignated Funds, which indicates a flexible gift allowing AFE to use the funding where it is needed most at any given time.  “These gifts will be hugely impactful as AFE continues providing support for the industry where…

AFE Announces a New Scholarship Honoring a Legacy of Education and Service

Introducing the Ruby N. & Roland A. Whealy Memorial Scholarship FundRuby N. & Roland A. WhealyA new scholarship has been established through the American Floral Endowment (AFE) honoring Ruby N. & Roland A. Whealy. Established by Dr. C. Anne Whealy, this scholarship honors her parents and their commitment to continued education and community service. The scholarship ensures future generations are able to achieve their academic goals.The Ruby N. & Roland A. Whealy Memorial Scholarship supports Horticulture graduate students who have a minimum 3.0 GPA average and a research focus on reducing the effects of changing climates on floriculture crops. Climate change is having a profound impact on all facets of agriculture, including floriculture. Crop schedules, plant development, post-production, et al.…

Developing and Celebrating Young Professionals

At the American Floral Endowment, we know that the future of our industry is dependent on fostering the next generation of industry leaders. Through scholarships, internships, career resources, and the Young Professionals Council, the Endowment aims to support young professionals at each step in their journey in floriculture from education into their careers. By aiding the next generation with over 30 annual scholarships and three internship programs, we are ensuring that students have the tools and funding that they need to pursue an education in floriculture, keeping our industry competitive with other fields. This includes a special invitation to get involved through our Young Professionals Council (YPC) and utilize the AFE Career Center to prepare them for their new careers. However, the…

22 Students Recognized with Scholarships

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) provides more scholarships in floriculture than any other organization to help attract, retain, and support young professionals to our industry. AFE scholarships act as a powerful catalyst for the next generation of floral industry leaders. Financial constraints can deter many students, but with the help of these scholarships, future industry leaders and innovators are able to access quality education and training, paving the way for a promising future in the floral industry. Congratulations to our Scholarship Class of 2023! This year, we have awarded 22 students from 13 universities with scholarships, totaling $58,100. In 2023, we received 86 applications from colleges and universities all over the nation. We would like to give a special thank you…

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