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…

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…

AFE Launches Young Professionals Council

AFE has established the Young Professionals Council (YPC), which consists of a vibrant group of 21- to 35-year-old students and professionals in the floral industry.YPC members will use their skills and strengths to help reach other young professionals interested in becoming leaders in the floral industry, provide guidance and feedback on AFE’s programs, and get involved in leadership and learning opportunities through AFE’s programs.“There are crucial industry challenges that need to be addressed, and the YPC is a significant program that I believe will help benefit the industry. I look forward to working with the driven young members of this group to help spread awareness of AFE and build a stronger future,” said AFE Trustee and YPC Board Liaison Dwight…