SAF in Action
the Gold Medal Award in recognition of ‘Alma’, a white daisy spray chrysan- themum, which won Best in Show in the 2018 SAF Outstanding Varieties Competition. The award honors the originator or introducer of a widely distributed plant or flower that has become established as an outstanding product of significant horticultural and commercial value. “I want to thank my convention
family here, SAF for their constant support all these years, and every employee Deliflor has,” said J.D. Lecuona, commercial director. “What they do every day makes us look good.”
NEXT GEN RISING STAR AWARD Nicole Palazzo, AAF (center), founder and chairperson of SAF’s Next Gen Committee, received the inaugural Next Gen Rising Star Award.
“This is a win for all of us Next Gen-
ers,” said a teary Palazzo, who recalled feeling insecure at her first SAF con- vention due to a lack of similarly aged peers. “I was excited, and I loved the industry, but I didn’t yet have ‘my people’ to collaborate with.” That desire for connection and a passion to ensure the industry’s future success propelled the formation of SAF’s Next Gen group. “I think we’re the talk of the industry now, which is fabulous. We should be proud how many young people are here today.”
Gold Medal Award Deliflor Americas, the world’s largest breeder of chrysanthemums, received
Alex Laurie Award for Research and Education The Alex Laurie Award for Research and Education, which honors some- one who has contributed significantly to the advancement of horticulture studies, was awarded to Kansas State University Distinguished Teaching Scholar Kimberly Williams, Ph.D., one of the world’s foremost experts on flo- riculture crop nutrition and a mentor to countless students. “One thing that we all have in
common in floriculture and floristry is that our collective work makes the world a more beautiful place,” Williams sad. “It has been the greatest gift to spend my career with amazing colleagues, students and growers. I’m grateful and honored for this recognition.”
Tommy Bright Award The Tommy Bright Award, which honors PFCI members for lifetime achievement in floral education, was given to prolific speaker Tim Farrell, AAF, AIFD, PFCI. Farrell has shared his knowledge at industry and consumer events in 48 states and as far away as Kenya, was the voice of the Designers’ Room at the Philadelphia Flower Show for years, has been a leader of the American Institute of Floral Designers, and has served as longtime ambassa- dor and educator for Teleflora. “I’ve got to be one of the luckiest
GOLD MEDAL AWARD David Marín (center left) and JD Lecuona (center right) accepted the Gold Medal Award on behalf of Delifor Americas.
guys on the planet,” Farrell said in his remarks. “I have incredible family, friends all around this world from this industry, and I absolutely love what I
TOMMY BRIGHT AWARD Floral educator and speaker Tim Farrell, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, received the Tommy Bright Award.
The magazine of the Society of American Florists (SAF) 9
ALEX LAURIE AWARD Kimberly Williams, Ph.D. (center), Kansas State University distinguished teaching scholar, received the Alex Laurie Award for Research and Education.
do.” Farrell also made a point of thank- ing his wife, Bernadette, who missed the ceremony for the birth of their new grandchild. “She has been so supportive all these years,” he said. “If she hadn’t been, I’m confident that someone else would be standing here right now.”
Katie Vincent is the senior contributing editor of Floral Management.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
