Patricia A. Pottle AIFD
President 1994 – 1995
Board
President Elect – Lynn Lary Mclean AIFD, Vice President – Kevin Ylvisaker AIFD, Secretary – Susan Overton AIFD, Treasurer -Kerney Broussard AIFD, Past President – David Hope AIFD, Membership Chairman – Derrick Vasquez AIFD, Symposium Chairman – George Mitchell AIFD, Program Coordinator Howard Silver AIFD, Executive Director – Thomas C. Shaner CAE.
Directors At Large: Mary Lee Evans AIFD, Jack Richards AIFD. Louise Stoddart AIFD, Lynn Lary McLean AIFD, Kevin Ylvisaker AIFD, David Hope AIFD. Regional Chapter Representatives: George Mitchell AIFD (NC), Sandra Milen AIFD (NW), Jim Neal AIFD (S), David Porterfield AIFD (SC), Patti Pottle AIFD (NE), Susan Overton AIFD (SW).
Get to Know the President – Highlights during Presidency
Patti had a background in art but was employed as an Administrative Assistant to the Dean at a Boston area College before pursuing her floral career. She attended night classes in floral design and worked part time for a florist and Garden Center. Pottle Florist was established in 1974; Patti became involved with the New England Unit of Teleflora and soon became President.
She was inducted in 1982 in Chicago, Illinois and soon became very involved in AIFD serving on the Membership, Awards, By-Laws, Membership Retention, Finance and Ethical Standards Committees. In 1984 she became the first Secretary/Treasurer of the newly formed Northeast Regional Chapter. Moving up the ranks, Patti became Vice President in 1986, followed by two terms as President. In 1986 she was the Secretary and Publicity Chairman for the National Symposium. Additionally, she served on the National Board as Treasurer, Secretary and Vice President.
During her term the following were created:
- Created and distributed the first AIFD Leadership Manual. The Manual provided a complete reference source for Regional Chapters and National Board of Directors. Included: policies, procedures, deadlines, Bylaws, duties of officers, “What you always wanted to know about AIFD, but were afraid to ask,” correct usage of AIFD, helpful hints and answers to numerous situations that might occur.
- “What is AIFD?” The easy to read laminated card – 5.5 x 8.5 – was distributed to every AIFD member. It could be placed in the lid of their tool box. It was to be utilized at shows and events to present a consistent, correct and concise statement explaining AIFD.
- Position of Treasurer Revised. A five member Finance Committee was established. Appointments staggered and individuals were able to understand income statements, balance sheets and financial status reports. The Treasurer was to be appointed and eligible to serve two terms (4 years total); individuals were not eligible to run for any National Office while serving as Treasurer. The Finance Committee would negotiate contracts with the Management Company rather than the full Board of Directors.
- Memory Book. The creation of a permanent tribute on behalf of deceased members, The Memory Book, was established. It was decided the appropriate setting for it was at National Symposium and it was the responsibility of the Past Presidents. Past President David Hope AIFD assumed the task of locating photos, securing and setting up an appropriate book to be placed on display.
- Membership. A “user friendly” Membership Information Packet was introduced as well as a slide presentation to explain Steps to Membership.
- Marketing Committee created Regional Banners. A tool for Regional Chapters to use at trade shows, events, and seminars to identify and promote our organization.
- Start of financial underwriting by AIFD Foundation 109. Patti approached the AIFD Foundation to provide funding for an educational program. Under the leadership of Don Stothart AIFD, the Foundation agreed to provide funds to the Education Committee for an educational program in Houston.
- Scheduled Executive Board Meeting in conjunction with FTD Convention. Presentation AIFD/FTD Design Show was in Anaheim, California in August 1994. Patti spoke on stage as President of AIFD. Immediately following the design show, AIFD presented a Membership Development Program.
The Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry went to Arthur Ito AIFD and the Award of Merit Industry went to Dwight J. Larimer for his continued support and promotion of AIFD’s educational goals.
Final Night was in July 1995 and titled “Kaleidoscope: The Infinite Changes in Design.” The event was held at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Tower in Illinois. “Presidents Ball Decorations” were created by Robert Friese AIFD. Contemporary in design, his elaborate, towering arrangements graced the room. His designs featured purple, lilac, pinks and burgundy and varied from table to table.
Patti produced nine National Symposium Program Books and received the Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD award in 1999. She was made a fellow of the Institute at the San Francisco Symposium “Bridges Through the Floral Community.” In 2012 Patti was honored by the Board of Directors with the Special Award of Recognition.
These highlights were taken from our History Book 1965-1991 author Robert Gordon AIFD Fellow
