As summer begins to wind down, our chapter has been buzzing with activity, growth, and inspiration. From celebrating member achievements to welcoming new talent and sharing exciting opportunities for professional development, here’s a look at what’s been happening in the AIFD Southern Chapter this month.
David Shover AIFD Mentorship Program
Registration is now open for the second 2025 edition of the David Shover AIFD Mentorship Program. This initiative helps floral designers strengthen their skills and prepare for the 2026 PFDE® (Professional Floral Design Evaluation) at the AIFD® Symposium in Orlando, FL.
Open to all prospective PFDE candidates, the program offers expert guidance, personalized support, and a strong foundation for success. All proceeds benefit the David Shover AIFD Fund, supporting Southern Chapter’s commitment to floral education.
Register here: Eventbrite Link Hurry, spots are almost sold out!
Member Recognition at NCSFA Convention
Earlier this month, the North Carolina State Florists Association hosted its annual convention in Durham, North Carolina, under the theme Origin 2025: Passion, Purpose, and Partnership, a gathering dedicated to leadership, business strategies, and design education. Several AIFD Southern Chapter members played a role in the event’s success, representing our chapter with talent, creativity, and professionalism.
A special congratulations goes to Stephanie Garrett AIFD, NCSFA Past President and Southern Chapter member, for leading such a well-organized and inspiring convention. Her leadership and vision were evident in every detail, from the program lineup to the warm sense of community throughout the event.
The convention featured inspiring main stage presentations, including The Art of Leadership: Which One Are You? by Southern Chapter Past President Jody McLeod AIFD, and Rethinking Tradition: Infusing Fresh Technique into Classic Floral Design by John Hosek AIFD, CAFA, CF. Both sessions brought fresh ideas, technical skill, and creative energy to attendees.
We also celebrate the achievements of our members in competition and awards:
- NCSFA Designer of the Year 2025: Jolene Powell AIFD, PFCI
- NCSFA Treadaway Cup Competition Winner: Carol Dowd AIFD, CFD, NCSPF
- NCSFA Distinguished Service Award 2025:Recipient: Michael Whaley AIFD
The convention also featured a variety of design and business sessions covering topics from leadership and profitability to color theory and event styling, offering attendees a mix of inspiration and practical tools. Highlights included Transforming Profitability, Blooming with AI, an innovative session on artificial intelligence tools. This program demonstrated how AI can streamline daily florist operations, freeing up time for creativity and customer care while maintaining the personal touch that defines our industry.
Congratulations to everyone for their recognition at the NCSFA Convention, and for showcasing the artistry, professionalism, and dedication that define our chapter. The AIFD Southern Chapter is proud to celebrate these achievements and applauds the North Carolina State Florists Association for hosting such an inspiring event.
Save the Date: Gather 2026
Mark your calendars for March 6–9, 2026 as we host Gather 2026, our signature educational retreat, at the Georgia FFA FCCLA Center in Covington, Georgia. This lodge-style setting offers a serene and inspiring environment: the perfect backdrop for learning, connecting, and growing together.
Official registration details, program highlights, and the speaker lineup will be announced soon. Stay tuned for updates and make plans to join us for a weekend full of education, creativity, and community.
New CFD Members
We are excited to welcome our newest Certified Floral Designer members: Jennifer Anderson CFD and Celia Matthews CFD.
Congratulations on achieving this milestone and joining the AIFD Southern Chapter family. We look forward to seeing your creativity and passion continue to flourish.
As we look ahead to the coming months, we remain inspired by the dedication and creativity of our members. Whether you are mentoring, competing, presenting, or simply finding new ways to grow in your floral journey, AIFD Southern Chapter is here to support and celebrate you every step of the way. Thank you for being part of this vibrant community, we can’t wait to see what’s next.
