New Study Provides Strategies to Win Over Millennials
The Floral Marketing Research Fund (FMRF) has released results from a new study that provides a detailed analysis about the floral consumption behaviors of Generation Y (or Millennial) consumers.The FMRF study, called “Marketing Tactics to Increase Millennial Floral Purchases,” was conducted by Dr. Chengyan Yue of the University of Minnesota and sponsored by Asocolflores.The study explored innovative marketing strategies and tactics to better target Millennials, who are key to the future of the floral industry.Results of the study reveal ways to effectively attract Millennials to floral products, as well as data on their attitudes, preferences and barriers to purchasing flowers.Top key findings and a detailed checklist of marketing recommendations are featured in the report and are invaluable to the industry. Some of…
New Videos Promote Ball Internship Program
AFE has announced the release of three new videos promoting the Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program.This paid internship program gives students, who are studying floriculture or horticulture at a college or university, the opportunity to train for three, four or six months at a commercial production greenhouse or nursery.Students will gain hands-on experience and put their classroom knowledge to work!The student video shares students’ successful internship experiences and testimonials on how the program helped them in their careers. The employer video encourages companies to participate in the program by becoming a host employer. This video explains the benefits of hosting an intern, and shows how AFE helps companies train the next generation of industry leaders.The parent video explains to parents what…
AFE Bulletin Upgraded to Monthly Publication
AFE is excited to announce that its quarterly Bulletin will change to a monthly format beginning in 2017.Due to the growth of the Endowment over the past few years, with its many new programs and research reports, the AFE Bulletin has also grown.As such, the Bulletin will become a monthly publication in January.Supporters who prefer the print version will still receive four quarterly print issues; however, those who prefer email communications will receive 12 electronic monthly issues.This change will allow for more timely updates to our donors and supporters.The AFE Bulletin is sponsored by The Todd Bachman Memorial Fund, which was established by Todd Bachman’s family in 2008.Todd Bachman served as Chairman and CEO of Bachman’s, Inc. He is also a past Chairman…
Applications Now Being Accepted for MS/Ph.D. Scholarships
AFE is now accepting applications for the Altman Family Scholarship and the Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship.The application deadline is Feb. 1.Ken and Deena AltmanThese two merit-based, prestigious scholarships are for graduate students who have the skills and passion to become leading floricultural scientists and educators.Applicants must be in the process of successfully completing either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in horticulture or a related field (e.g., agricultural engineering, entomology, agricultural marketing and economics, plant pathology, etc.) and must have the intention of pursuing an MS or Ph.D. degree on a full-time basis.One student will be selected for each scholarship. Applicants attending land-grant universities will automatically be considered for the Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship. All others will qualify for the Altman…
NFF’s 2017 Meeting and New Partnership with AFE
The National Floriculture Forum (NFF) has announced its 2017 annual meeting will be held in Philadelphia from March 17-19, 2017 during the Philadelphia International Flower Show.Participants of the meeting will attend the show and tour Longwood Gardens, and gather to discuss increasing the younger generation’s involvement in production and academic floriculture and horticulture.Members of the Young Professionals Council (YPC) will also attend and discuss their work on this topic.“I am very excited to be planning the 2017 event in Philadelphia. This is so important for the floriculture community, as it is one of the few events where academia and industry come together to discuss the pressing issues of floriculture,” said Krystal Snyder, 2017 NFF event coordinator and YPC member.“This year’s…
Gabriel Becerra Appointed to President of FMRF
The Floral Marketing Research Fund (FMRF) has announced the appointment of Gabriel Becerra of Golden Flowers in Miami, Fla. as the new President of the FMRF Board, effective Sept. 1, 2016.Becerra precedes Paul Bachman of Bachman’s Inc., who completed his two-year FMRF presidency.“I am very happy to lead the efforts of the FMRF to provide the industry with much-needed support in consumer marketing research, which will continue to help the different segments increase consumption of flowers and floral products,” Becerra said.“FMRF has funded extremely valuable projects, and now we want floriculture industry members to utilize them.”Becerra recently completed a two-year term as AFE Chairman, and remains on the AFE Board as past Chairman for two years.The FMRF was established in 2008 by AFE to fund floral…
2016 Fundraising Dinner a Big Success in Maui
AFE’s biggest fundraising event of the year, the 2016 Annual Fundraising Dinner, was an exciting and momentous evening, honoring industry champions and raising money for floriculture.The dinner, attended by nearly 300 industry members, was held on Sept. 22 in conjunction with the Society of American Florists’ Annual Convention in Maui, Hawaii.The event included the screening of AFE’s new video that highlights floriculture success stories, recognizing donors reaching new giving levels, and live Hawaiian entertainment.The highlight of the evening recognized five families/organizations that created new named funds. Over the past five years, 19 named funds have been created, totaling more than $3.5 million. View more photos here.Thank You!2016 Dinner SponsorsReception SponsorTelefloraEntertainment SponsorFTD, Inc.FloralsEquiflor/Rio RosesYoung Professional Council Table SponsorAsocolfloresTable HostsAccent DécorAsocolfloresBloomNetDelaware Valley…
Tribute Established in Memory of Gene and Evelyn Yoshihara
After joining the U.S. Navy and serving his military duty, he returned to Lafayette and the family farm, where he learned about the greenhouse business.Gene was an active member of the floral industry, mentoring growers and building high-tech greenhouses. He and his wife Evelyn consistently supported AFE throughout their lifetime. In 2002, they were inducted into the Colorado Floriculture Hall of Fame.Evelyn Kodama-Yoshihara greatly contributed to the growth of Lafayette Florist. She was a Hawaii native who came to Colorado to go to college and teach elementary school but changed careers quickly as her husband’s florist grew and needed a financial mind. Evelyn taught dozens of floral associates to become accomplished designers including her daughter Sandi-Yoshihara-Sniff, AIFD, AAF, CFP. Evelyn…