AFE Welcomes New Trustees, Chairman

Three new trustees have been appointed to AFE’s Board of Trustees, and a new Chairman, Dwight Larimer, will assume leadership at the Annual Fundraising Dinner, replacing outgoing Chairman Gabriel Becerra.The Endowment welcomes the following incoming trustees: David Boulton, AAF, PFCI of Flowers by George, Inc. in Arlington, Wash.Patrick Dahlson of Mayesh Wholesale Florist in Los Angeles, Calif.Michael A. Mellano, Ph.D., of Mellano & Company in San Luis Rey, Calif. David Boulton, AAF, PFCI has been in the floral industry for 35 years and is President of Flowers by George, Inc. in Arlington, Wash., a family-owned retail florist in northern Snohomish County. Boulton was a member of the Northwest Florists Association where he served on the board, including a term as President from…

Students Honored at ASHS Annual Conference

Two students whose research projects have been supported by AFE were recognized during the 2016 American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference held from Aug. 8 – 11, 2016 in Atlanta, Ga.Clemson University student Katie Bennett received the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Presentation Award and Krishna Bhattarai of the University of Florida was awarded second place in the Graduate Student Poster Presentation.Katie Bennett and Dr. James Faust.Bennett worked with Associate Professor Dr. James Faust at Clemson University on a project to reduce the incidence of petunia flower meltdown, a problem caused by Botrytis. Her research demonstrated that spraying petunias with calcium chloride twice weekly for two weeks prior to shipping reduced the severity of Botrytis infection by 80 percent.“Katie exceeded…

Grants Awarded to Support Aspiring Floral Designers

Five floral design programs have received a total of $28,700 through AFE’s James and Helen Phillip Program.Established to honor James and Helen Phillip by providing scholarship assistance to people who are interested in careers in the retail sector of the floral industry, the James and Helen Phillip Scholarship Fund was established with a $500,000 donation by their daughter, Lee Phillip Bell, in 2008.The institutions receiving grants are:Joliet Junior College — $5,000Kishwaukee College — $6,000Mississippi State University — $5,700The Ohio State University ATI — $6,000Texas A&M University — $6,000The application deadline is March 1 each year. Apply here.

Preventing Downy Mildew on Coleus, Roses and Spotted Deadnettle

The floriculture industry faces complex issues that research funded by AFE helps address and solve.Mary Hausbeck Michigan State UniversityThe Endowment has funded research from Dr. Mary Hausbeck, Professor and Extension Specialist at Michigan State University, on the disease downy mildew.In an article published in Greenhouse Grower magazine, Dr. Hausbeck discusses how downy mildew diseases are potentially devastating to ornamental crops and can cause unsightly damage, as well. She provides details about the latest research and recommendations for preventing the disease.The article, which was featured in the August 2016 issue of Greenhouse Grower, can be viewed here. 

Latest Industry News Featured in AFE 2016 Bulletin Issue Three

Nearly $40,000 Awarded in 2016 Scholarships

AFE awarded seventeen students in 2016 with scholarships totaling more than $39,000.“Thanks to the generosity of donors, AFE is able to distribute more than 20 scholarships each year to deserving and well-qualified students. These students are worthy of our recognition and support,” said Dwight Larimer, AFE Chairman-Elect and Education Committee Chair.“Each of the scholarship recipients give us a glimpse of our industry’s bright future, and I believe that all of the applicants are passionate leaders who will help the industry progress.”More than 65 applications were received for this scholarship cycle, down slightly from last year.AFE awards scholarships annually, and applications are due by May 1 of each year.Click here for full scholarship descriptions. American Florists’ Exchange Scholarship — $2,400Recipient: Erin Hsu,…

Memorial Tribute Established for Jim Nordlie

Kennicott Brothers Company, Nordlie Inc. and The Pete Garcia Company have established the Jim Nordlie Memorial Tribute through AFE. James “Jim” Nordlie passed away on July 1, 2016 at the age of 93. Kennicott Brothers Co. and The Pete Garcia Co. both contributed $1,000 to establish this new memorial tribute. “I have had the pleasure of knowing Jim Nordlie since the late 50s. His personality, drive and traits helped me establish goals for my future. He will be missed,” said Pete Garcia, Chairman of The Pete Garcia Company. Nordlie was born on Jan. 12, 1923 in Detroit, Mich. and received a business degree from the University of Michigan. After graduation and his return from military service in World War II, he joined Nordlie Inc.,…

Terril Nell and Jim Daly Receive Honors

Terril A. Nell, Ph.D.L to R: Joel Pesapane of Growing Green Inc. in St. Louis, Mo. and Terril Nell, Ph.D.AFE Research Coordinator Terril A. Nell, Ph.D., was recognized for his many contributions and achievements in the floral industry at Cultivate ’16.Nell was inducted into the Interior Plantscape Hall of Fame during the Plantscape Awards Celebration in Columbus, Ohio on July 10.The AmericanHort Interior Plantscape Hall of Fame was established to honor individuals of integrity whose personal dedication provide great leadership in the development and growth of the interiorscape industry.Nell is professor emeritus in floriculture at the University of Florida (UF), and developed the UF postharvest program in 1983, which he credits AFE funding for making possible. He served as Chair…

New AFE Videos Tout Floriculture Successes

Five new AFE videos have been released highlighting floriculture successes through industry collaboration, support and participation.“Each video shares real stories from industry members on career development through scholarships and internships, and true examples of research solutions that have shaped how the industry operates today,” said Laura Shinall, President of Syndicate Sales, Inc., and AFE Public Relations and Development Chair.“We’re excited to be able to share some great success stories in an effort to increase industry participation.”The introductory video “Heard of the American Floral Endowment?” helps educate those who are not currently aware of AFE’s programs, while the remaining four segmented videos (retail, wholesale, grower, student/faculty) specifically share how Endowment programs complement each group and why it is so important that…

Where Are They Now: Cathy Araos

Meet Cathy Araos – former AFE Mosmiller intern turned biology co-teacher at Niles North High School in Skokie, Ill.Cathy AraosFor three years, Cathy has been educating students at Niles North about plant and soil science, greenhouse management and floral design.She is increasing awareness of the floriculture and horticulture industries, and doing so in fun ways. She hopes that her efforts will see an increase in participation from students.“I want to get students interested and excited about horticulture, and I want to make an impact,” said Cathy.“It’s very important that our students have educators or adults that support them in the projects they’re doing.”Cathy performed a Mosmiller Internship in 2002 at Kennicott Brothers Company and describes her internship as a “life-changing…