Submitted by: Brian Vetter AAF AIFD PFCI
On Sunday July 31st, the Arizona State Florists Association celebrated their 70th year as an organization. “Inspiration*Illumination*Innovation” was held at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix Arizona, and unveiled a new, updated version of its 70 year old logo. There were 18 AIFD members in attendance!!
The event kicked off with a Past Presidents mixer the evening before the big day. The annual Designer of the Year Competition started things off on the 31st. There were 12 competitors designing in the category of “Floral Designs of the Future”. Three AIFD members competed, and the results are in: Martha Aaron AIFD from Sedona took first place, and Diane Gonzalez from Phoenix took second!
There were stage presentations by Jackie Lacey AIFD, PFCI and Vonda LaFever AIFD, PFCI both focused on how the industry has evolved in 70 years, and how to market, design, and sell to today’s buyers based on new technology and style, while still using tried and true techniques. It was a very informative day with a continental breakfast, and a wonderful buffet lunch. During the Awards Luncheon, our Public Awareness Award, given to a non-floral business or company who display and use fresh flowers on a continual bases to keep the public aware of their beauty and impact, was awarded to OAK on Camelback. There were also 13 graduates of the latest session of the Arizona Master Florist Program who received their pin and certificate. This next year will celebrate that programs 20th anniversary and this latest group brought us to 500 graduates, helping to continue to improve the floral community one student at a time.
