Are you ready for ROOTS! Have you decided what to pack and wear… how many pairs of shoes will it take? After years of planning, we are just days away from experiencing Vegas. The expectations and excitement of being together again for the first time in two years excites me as much as the educational line up of extraordinary designers.
Taking the steps to move forward to achieve AIFD and CFD certification are life changing. We all have had that special person; your cheerleader and motivator that kept telling you “You have this,” “Never give up” and “follow your passion” Share your AIFD® story with the ROOTS team. Email Hitomi Gilliam AIFD hitomi@hitomi-art.com Please share your experiences.
Last week, at the Committee Chair meeting, we discussed projects accomplished, those to explore, and highlights to develop. The Awards Committee, this year under the leadership of Rachelle Neal AIFD, will reveal those who have excelled in our industry and organization. Career Development chair Julia Schmitt AIFD produced a very successful virtual workshop for the FFA students. With this success Julia is planning another workshop on September 25 and hopeful for at least six FFA teams to participate. We want to thank our Partners for helping to provide product for these events. Bill Hattel AIFD is the Industry Partner Chair this year. Mark your calendars, July 5 at 12 noon for the ribbon cutting and kick off to explore and see new vendors. Have you always wanted to participate with your regional friends but never knew who to approach? Here is your chance. Each Region is sponsoring a table with things to sell and projects to discuss.
Sharrai Morgan Falkner AIFD will be the incoming chair of the Marketing Committee. Sharrai has lots of ideas to boost our AIFD brand.
As symposium continues to take root, please remember there is always time to volunteer for the famous and fabulous designers in the workroom or help with flowers for an event. Some of my best memories during symposium are as a volunteer, learning shared techniques from others.
The student competition is always a favorite to admire. This year there will be fewer than normal competing because of travel restrictions. Sandi Yoshihara-Sniff AIFD will be using a new grading platform utilizing ipads which will be a huge time saver during the grading process. Nicola Parker AIFD will be following Sandi as the incoming chair.
Damon Samuel AIFD Membership Chair will be coordinating over 100 PFDE Candidates this year. Dov Kupfer AIFD Mentor Chair is looking for anyone with the Judge Evaluator Certification, to help guide floral artists working on their PFDE path. The positive encouragement is so very important.
Laurie Lemek AIFD, our Historian, has been busy saving our archives in preparation for our 60th Anniversary in 2025. The committee hopes to produce a book entitled “Designs for the Decades” during our celebration. Email any of your cherished memories to Laurie floralbalance@gmail.com
Sandy Schroeck AIFD Schsand7@gmail.com the liaison for the Education Committee is working on updates for our website. We all agree we need a fresh new look with more photo content that is a reflection of AIFD. Do you have a memorable symposium stage presentation from five years ago or beyond? Please share them with Sandy. The Education Committee will have them uploaded on our YouTube or Vimeo pages for all to see and enjoy.
Renee Tucci AIFD our Editor of the Focal Points blog is always looking for content. Please share your photos and experiences with Renee. reneetucci@gmail.com
My next trips, will be to the Philadelphia Flower Show with my North East Regional Chapter Members. I look forward to helping with the display at the FDR Park this year. I will fly directly to Seattle to meet the North West Regional Chapter for their virtual event “What is AIFD?” and Farm Fare and Floral – June 13, 2-4 PDT. We will be visiting with Jon Throne AIFD for a garden tour and brunch, I can’t wait! nwaifdfloristry.org
Don’t forget to pay your dues and update your membership page for the new 2022-2023 directory. There are so many options available to make payment. Email headquarters at info@aifd.org with any questions. The Education Committee has made some updates making the CEU point process easier to achieve and the requirements are posted on our website.
What is the Laureate member distinction? A member in good standing for at least 21 years and has attended 20 symposiums. What an accomplishment and commitment to AIFD! Please plan to attend our Members Annual Meeting on July 5th 10:30 AM-11:30 AM. National Board updates will be discussed, remembering those who have passed, congratulate the new Laureates and induct your 2022-2023 board members.
Janet Black AIFD CFD PFCI AAF mmfd
2021-2022 AIFD National President
