By Shamay Andrich AIFD CFD, President NW Regional Chapter When asked to highlight a past AIFD Northwest member, I immediately reached for our Membership Book — my personal bible for connecting with our members. Within those pages lies our history, our artistry, and the foundation of…
By J Ross Railey, AIFD, CEJ, CFD, President Southern Chapter AIFD As I reflect on my journey with AIFD, I think about all the men and women who laid the groundwork for where we are today — and where we will go in the future.…
By Janet Black AIFD- Historian 2025-2026 A former AIFD President, Jack Smith AIFD served as a dedicated leader of our organization. During Jack’s administration, his Executive Board consisted of the following: President-Elect Wilton Hardy, Vice President Bill Harper, Secretary Bob Hampton, and Treasurer Holly Money…
By Sue Krabill, AIFD Northeast Chapter President The Northeast Region of AIFD is richly steeped in floral history. In November of 1827, 53 prominent men joined together to form the Philadelphia Horticultural Society. The original mission was to advance the “health and well-being” of the…
By Janet Black AIFD 2025-26 AIFD Historian In celebration of the American Institute of Floral Designers’ (AIFD) 60th anniversary, it’s important to recognize the visionary leaders who helped shape the organization’s early years. The presidents of AIFD during the 1960s laid the foundation for the…
By Janet C. Black AIFD CFD PFCI AAF AIFD gathered to celebrate Past, Present and Future members for their service to our organization. Laurie Lemek AIFD President and Renee Tucci AIFD Incoming President hosted a lovely luncheon, new incoming members for 2025-2026 year ready to…
by Jenny T Ingrum AIFD There are moments in life when you’re exactly where you need to be—when timing, presence, and purpose align to introduce you to someone who will change your life. In hindsight, you wish you had known the weight of the moment.…
By Kay Schlaefli AIFD, CFD, AMF When I was assigned the task of writing about SCAIFD history, I knew immediately that I would write about Bill Plummer AIFD. The South Central Chapter is home to many talented mentors- Frankie Shelton AIFD, Buddy Benz AIFD, the one…
By: Alice Waterous AIFD, CFD, CF, PFCI When Trisha Haisler AIFD asked me many weeks, (maybe months) ago to write something for the newsletter I said: “Of Course”, being one who can’t say no. Then I procrastinated until here it is January, and I expect…
AIFD is steeped in history, and we would not be the organization we are today without the commitment and dedication of our members. Here is a quick story of how Dot Chenevert, AIFD became an early member, written in her own words. I am a…