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Discount Available: 2022 Greenhouse Training Online

AFE is a proud sponsor of the following 4-week award-winning certificate courses from UF/IFAS Extension.Train yourself or your current employees with the University of Florida IFAS Extension’s online program. All Greenhouse Training Online courses are taught in both English and Spanish. Click here to view the program flyer in both languages.The first course of the year, Greenhouse 101, starts on May 30, 2022.Each course is completely online and includes pre-recorded videos, an interactive discussion board with Ph.D. professors, supporting educational material, and quizzes. The course material is available any time of the day, and two new modules are activated each week during the course for the four weeks of each course, for a total of 8 learning modules. Experienced university…

AFE’s Strategic Plan Outlines Priorities for Funding the Future of Floriculture

As the industry continues to adapt to the changing world and new ways of conducting business, the American Floral Endowment (AFE) took the opportunity to also take a deeper look at how they can better support industry members and businesses through their floriculture programs and funding. Through an eight-month Strategic Planning effort, new priorities, goals, and initiatives were identified to provide for continued growth in the industry.As part of the Strategic Plan, the Board also approved a revised vision, mission, and logo update to better identify and promote AFE’s core initiatives. The new logo touts the overall goal of Funding for the Future of Floriculture.After months of consultation and evaluating input from the broader floral community through interviews, a public…

Sustainability – Driving the Future of the Floral Industry

The term “sustainability” is used broadly to describe actions aimed at preserving resources: social, human, economic, and environmental. By acting “sustainably,” we can meet our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Particularly in the floral industry, the focus has been on environmental sustainability– initiatives and actions aimed at conserving natural resources by using materials responsibly. Here are some of the measures you can implement now to make your business more sustainable.Recycle and ReuseDisposing of shipping materials (cardboard, paper, and plastic) properly is one of the critical elements of environmental sustainability. Flowers arrive at wholesale and retail florists in cardboard boxes with flowers or flower bunches wrapped in paper, plastic, and plastic pots. Recycling these…

Apply With Ease! Our New Platform for Scholarship Applications

We are now accepting applications for our nearly 30 Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships through a brand-new online platform. This new platform will increase ease for both students and reviewers creating a shorter path to funding. With responsive features, upload options, automatic save, and tracking for references, students can complete and review their applications with confidence all in one place.“AFE takes great pride in providing funding for our industry’s future leaders and innovators. This platform will provide them a more convenient space to put their best foot forward. We hope that streamlining our platform to keep up with tech advancements will encourage more students to apply and take interest in all that the floral industry has to offer,” said AFE Education Committee…

The Value of AFE’s Young Professionals Council

Professional Development, Networking, and Growth One of the best ways to ensure a brighter future for our industry is investing in the next generation of young professionals. Every which way you turn, you’ll find exceedingly bright minds and eager youth, ready to take on the next challenge. Facilitating their career development and a path for success is at the forefront of the American Floral Endowment’s priorities. Enter our Young Professionals Council (YPC) – an interactive group of like-minded industry members between 21 and 35 looking to advance their careers, gain leadership skills, and advance the floral industry together. Since 2015, the YPC has offered networking, volunteer, and educational opportunities through events, webinars, meetings, and more to help drive successful careers…

Memorial Tribute Established in Memory of John M. Hodapp

John passed unexpectedly on February 11, 2022. John and his wife Cathy had recently moved to Eddyville, Kentucky, where he planned to retire before the end of the year. He had recently celebrated his 35th anniversary with Hortica. Prior to joining Hortica, John worked for 12 years alongside his father at the family’s independent insurance agency. John was very dedicated to family, friends, and to Hortica. He enjoyed working on insurance issues within the floral industry. John is survived by his wife Cathy, their son Ryan, daughter Ashley, and their spouses. He is also the very proud grandfather of four grandsons (Beau, Luke, Tucker, Grant) and one granddaughter (Arlie). John will always be remembered for his eternal optimism and friendly smile.…

AFE Application Deadlines Calendar

Mark your calendars! Deadlines for our scholarship, internship, research proposal, and educational grant applications are listed below and are consistent year-to-year unless otherwise announced. Click an opportunity to learn more and apply. Free deadline posters are available for your download below. February 1Paul Ecke Jr. and Altman Family Scholarships March 1James & Helen Phillip Floral Design GrantMosmiller InternshipVic & Margaret Ball InternshipMay 1Undergrad & Graduate ScholarshipsJune 1Educational GrantsAugust 1Gus Poesch Research GrantScientific Research ProposalsOctober 1Arizona Retail Florist GrantMosmiller InternshipRetail Florist Continued Education GrantVic & Margaret Ball InternshipApplications Accepted Year-RoundBusiness Internships  Deadline PostersBelow are free posters for your convenience so you can get your applications in on time, every time. Each poster has the same information, just click your favorite design, then right-click to…

Exploring Industry Careers for Young Professionals

An In-Depth Examination by YPC Member, Michael Wijesinghe Industry Survey Results Starting a professional career often leaves one feeling flush with emotion. Whether it is excitement, anxiety, or a combination of the two, the American Floral Endowment’s Young Professionals Council strives to be better equipped to enter the workforce. In the fall of 2021, AFE circulated a survey to gather more career-focused information on experience, background, and advice from current industry professionals. The results were presented and discussed during a YPC webinar conducted by AFE in November of 2021. Presented is the sum of what we learned from the survey and webinar. About the Respondents  Data was collected from 104 respondents within AFE’s community who represent a diverse range of fields…

Help is On the Way! Making an Impossible Supply Chain Possible

Have you heard of the NEW state-of-the-art Airglades International Airport – paired with a full-service logistics center where perishables are THE PRIORITY? Isn’t it time? Airglades International Airport is a new perishable logistics center and airport being developed in South/Central Florida-100 miles north of Miami. The initial investors are well-known leaders in the agriculture business: Florida Cargo Fresh, Inc., Hilliard Brothers of Florida, Ltd., and the United States Sugar Corporation-a collective group of perishable producers who understand the needs of perishables: efficiency, immediacy, affordability, temperature control, and fresh product to the consumer. AIRGLADES’ UNIQUE ADVANTAGES The immense advantages of Airglades will benefit all facets of the floriculture industry and provide strategic positioning to solve many of the supply chain issues that…

Internship Experiences Providing Skills for Success

2021 AFE Internship Awards and PlacementsThe future looks bright! Let’s kickstart 2022 with some excitement, positive vibes, and industry successes – join us in congratulating ten dedicated students who rocked their internships in 2021 through AFE’s internship programs. With valuable industry experience under their belt, they’ve not only gained crucial skills but are eager to learn more and make significant impacts in the future.Internships are win-win for floral industry organizations and students – while students can apply, practice, and expand their knowledge, industry organizations acquire top talent and bring new, forward-thinking to their operations. Opportunities such as these are integral to developing young professionals’ skills and the future of our industry. AFE is thrilled to facilitate these experiences through our internship…

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