We’re still reveling in all the amazing talent and passion showcased at the Stars of the Industry Awards Celebration at SAF in Miami! This year’s honorees truly embody the spirit of innovation, dedication, and excellence within the floral industry. We at AIFD are proud to congratulate our members and express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone in the floral community for their continued contributions.
2024 Award Recipients:
Century Award:
- Fallon’s Flowers, Raleigh, NC
- South Side Floral Shop, Scranton, PA
- Memorial Florist & Greenhouses, Appleton, WI
- Baker Florist, Dover, OH
President’s Award:
- Ian Prosser AIFD, AAF, NDSF, PFCI
Alex Laurie Award for Research and Education:
- Dr. Paul Fisher, Ph.D
American Academy of Floriculture Inductees:
- Rodney Crittenden, AAF
- Ralph Giordano AIFD, AAF, CFD, FSMD, FPCF, CEJ
- Christine Guenther, AAF
- Wendy Jones-Rockcastle, AAF
- Bridget Joslin AIFD, AAF, AMF, CFD, CF
- Abel González Menico AIFD, AAF, CFD, PFCI, TMF
- Ryan Black, AAF
Professional Floral Communicators International Inductees:
- Amy Neugebauer AIFD, TMFA, PFCI
- Benjamin Lee AIFD, CFD, PFCI
- Cheryl Vaughan, CFD, PFCI, TMFA
- Sarah Ekberg AIFD, PFCI
- Teia Bennett AIFD, CFD, PFCI, TMF
- Andie Müller AIFD, FSMD, PFCI
- Ralph Giordano AIFD, CFD, FSMD, FPCF, CEJ, PFCI
- Lottie McKinnon, PFCI
Sylvia Cup Design Competition:
- 2nd Runner-Up: Jenny Thomasson AIFD, AAF, EMC, PFCI
- 1st Runner-Up: Sharon Ivey AIFD, AAF, GMF, CEJ, PFCI
- Winner: Jackie Lacey AIFD, AAF, PFCI
Special Recognition Awards:
- Tommy Bright Award: Leanne Kesler AIFD, AAF, PFCI
- Paul Ecke, Jr. Award: Tim Farrell AIFD, AAF, PFCI
- Next Gen Rising Star: Jenny Thomasson AIFD, AAF, EMC, PFCI
- Floriculture Hall of Fame: Paul Daum
Congratulations to all our award recipients! Your achievements inspire us all to continue striving for excellence in our craft and to push the boundaries of creativity in floral design. We are honored to have such incredible talent within our community and look forward to seeing where your passion takes you next.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this year’s celebration in Miami unforgettable! Here’s to another year of blooming success and shared achievements in the floral industry. 🌸
