Show Some Flower Love in AFE’s New Video Contest
A new video contest has been launched encouraging people to showcase their love of flowers, with a grand prize of $4,000.Funded by the Floral Marketing Research Fund (FMRF) and sponsored by Asocolflores, the 2017 #FlowerLoveVideoContest aims to inspire creative videos from anyone and everyone who loves flowers, and promotes the use and giving of fresh flowers.“We are fortunate enough to work with a product that can be used to tell stories and evoke emotion,” said Gabriel Becerra, President of Golden Flowers, FMRF President and past AFE Chairman.“The #FlowerLoveVideoContest is a great initiative for us to come together as an industry, and tell different stories about the impact that flowers can have on a daily basis. I invite everyone to participate and…
New Floral Purchasing Study Reveals Data on Flower-Buying Consumers
AFE and SAF announce the release of the Floral Purchase Tracking Study.Formally called the Consumer Tracking Study, the last study of this kind was conducted in 2005, the last of an annual study that started in 1992.AFE and SAF partnered together to provide a study that is packed full of substantial data regarding the purchases of flower-buying consumers. The study reveals details such as types of flowers purchased, amount spent, for whom and what occasions, satisfaction levels, and more.Funded by the Floral Marketing Research Fund (FMRF) and conducted by IPSOS, the study provides valuable information to florists that can greatly impact how they plan their marketing strategies, inventory purchases and structure their pricing. The information shared in this study has…
New Officers and Appointments Announced
AFE Chairman Dwight Larimer of DESIGN MASTER color tool, inc. announces the appointments of new officers and committee chairmen.Jim Daly of Floralife/Smithers-Oasis in Walterboro, S.C. has been named Chairman-Elect and Laura Shinall of Syndicate Sales, Inc. in Kokomo, Ind. was appointed Treasurer/Secretary-Elect.Both will assume their new positions as Chairman and Treasurer/Secretary, respectively, next September during the 2018 AFE Annual Fundraising Dinner.Greg Royer of Royer’s Flowers & Gifts in Lebanon, Pa. has been appointed AFE’s Education Committee Chair, and also joins the Executive Committee. The remaining Executive Committee members include past Chairman Gabriel Becerra of Golden Flowers and Kristi Huffman of Multi Packaging Solutions.In addition, Randy Tagawa of Tagawa Greenhouses in Brighton, Colo. is the new Vic & Margaret Ball Internship Committee…
Applications for Paid Floriculture Internships Due October 1
Applications are now being accepted for the Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program and Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Program.AFE administers paid internship programs for floriculture and environmental horticulture students each year, and the next application deadline is October 1.Students selected will receive a scholarship upon successful completion of their internships.The Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program was made possible through a generous gift from Vic & Margaret Ball and allows students to gain experience at a commercial production greenhouse or nursery. The program offers paid internships in three, four or six-month durations and provides scholarships of up to $6,000.Three videos were created earlier this year to promote the program:The student video shares students’ successful internship experiences and testimonials on…
Bringing Top Talent to the Floral Industry
AFE is once again aiming to attract young business professionals to the world of flowers through its Business Internship Program, now in its third year.An Employer Resource Guide that was created to help companies build a successful internship program is also available, with easy-to-use guidelines and steps to create meaningful learning experiences for the next generation of business leaders.Now’s your chance to host an intern and help eager students contribute to your organization and the floral industry!With support from participating industry organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada, students will gain practical business experience and develop essential skills to help the floral industry prosper.Open to manufacturers, wholesalers/suppliers, retail floral shops, importers and growing operations, AFE will provide host employers with full-time…
More Than $36,000 Awarded in 2017 AFE Scholarships
Emily Currens, University of Georgia, John L. Tomasovic Sr. ScholarshipTwenty students have been awarded AFE scholarships this year totaling $36,500. Sixty applications were received for this 2017 scholarship cycle.“We had many outstanding students apply for scholarships this year, which is why some scholarships were awarded to two recipients,” said Dwight Larimer, AFE Chairman and Education Committee Chair.“I’m proud to see the high quality of students each year and I enjoy granting scholarships to these well-deserved students to help them continue their education and become passionate industry leaders.”AFE awards scholarships annually, and applications are due by May 1 of each year.Learn more about AFE scholarships here. American Florists’ Exchange Scholarship — $2,200Recipient: Summer Blanco, California State Polytechnic University – PomonaBlanco is a junior…