News
FloraStar Donates Funds to AFE
July 16, 2008
FloraStar presents AFE with a generous check. Front row from left to right: Danny Takao, H. Michael Mellano, Bob Humm, Sten Crissey and Red Kennicott. Back row from left to right: David Niklas, Bob Maddux and Gary Hudson.
As a final thank you to the floriculture industry, the remaining funds from FloraStar — an association whose purpose was to develop and promote new varieties of potted plants for the market place — were donated to AFE during this year’s OFA Short Course in Columbus, Ohio.
FloraStar was dissolved after 19 successful years when it was determined the unique value of the FloraStar award program had diminished due to the rapidly changing market.
A check in the amount of $36,318.50 was presented by Bob Humm, former president of FloraStar and Gary Hudson, FloraStar’s former executive director to AFE’s Chairman Mike Mellano; Chairman-Elect, Red Kennicott; Sten Crissey, AFE vice president of development and industry relations; and AFE Trustees Dave Niklas, and Bob Maddux on Monday, July 14 at the Columbus Convention Center. Danny Takao, FloraStar vice president was also at the ceremony representing the OFA.
“AFE has the most comprehensive programs in research and scholarships of any organization in the floral industry,” Crissey said. “AFE has combined assets of nearly $14 million, and the funds are invested with the proceeds from the investments being used to fund research and provide scholarships for the benefit of the industry. This donation from FloraStar will be of great benefit to the industry, and we thank them.”
Gary Hudson and Bob Humm wish to thank all former FloraStar board members, officers, Mike Novovesky, who served as the executive director, breeders, and trialing locations that participated in the FloraStar program for so many years.
“We are certain the FloraStar donation will be used by AFE to continue to bring new and improved genetics to market in the years to follow,” Hudson said.
