Focal Points: An AIFD Blog

Summer with the Southern Chapter

Summer with the Southern Chapter

As we head into summer, excitement is building across Southern Chapter! With Symposium just around the corner, this is a season of connection and renewed commitment to education and growth. We’re proud to share a few highlights and reminders as we prepare for Palm Springs…

AIFD® Awards Committee Will Soon Seek Nominations

AIFD® Awards Committee Will Soon Seek Nominations

It may seem early, but it’s never too early to start thinking about award nominations! You may begin submitting nominations on November 1. 2025. Do you know someone who deserves to be honored? Have you considered nominating someone but are unsure how to go about…

The Education Committee Explores a Term from the AIFD Terminology Book

The Education Committee Explores a Term from the AIFD Terminology Book

By Laurie Lemek “GREEN BURIAL” A Green Burial, also known as a natural burial, is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial practices. It involves burying the body in a biodegradable container without the use of embalming fluids or concrete vaults. This method aims to minimize environmental…

Teaching Those Who Teach

Teaching Those Who Teach

By Brent Leech AIFD, AIFD National Vice President On June 5th, the Arizona State FFA Summer Conference took place in Tucson, Arizona. I was asked to present a teacher’s workshop for 24 agricultural instructors showing and explaining the Principles and Elements of design. I was…

Mastering Greenery Pricing

Mastering Greenery Pricing

Mastering Greenery Pricing: The Overlooked Key to Profitability Let’s be honest—flowers tend to steal the spotlight. Peonies, garden roses, dahlias… they’re the ones that get the “oohs” and “aahs.” But behind every dreamy centerpiece, bouquet, and ceremony arch is an unsung hero: greenery. And here’s…

President’s Message: Strategic Planning Underway

President’s Message: Strategic Planning Underway

Dear AIFD Members, I hope this message finds you well! I am looking forward to gathering in Palm Springs as we experience another amazing Symposium. Every five years, AIFD undertakes an essential process that ensures our continued relevance, sustainability, and growth — the development of…

A Moment of Grace in the Nation’s Capital at the First Lady’s Luncheon

A Moment of Grace in the Nation’s Capital at the First Lady’s Luncheon

By Corrine Heck Each spring, Washington, D.C.—a city known for its high-stakes politics and fast-paced decision-making—slows down, if only for a moment, to honor something softer yet deeply powerful: tradition, unity, and service. The First Lady’s Luncheon offers that pause. It’s an elegant and meaningful…

Montana Florist Association Awards Scholarship to Kayte Epperson

Montana Florist Association Awards Scholarship to Kayte Epperson

The Montana Florist Association is proud to announce the winner of the AIFD Inspire and Empower Scholarship to Kayte Epperson of Bitterroot Flower Shop in Missoula, Montana. Kayte has been an integral part of the Bitterroot team since 2013.    “Hi everybody! My name is Kayte…

Michelle Rhynes Wins Scholarship to Palm Springs Symposium

Michelle Rhynes Wins Scholarship to Palm Springs Symposium

The Independent Floral Designers Association is proud to announce that our member, Michelle Rhynes, is the winner of the AIFD Symposium package. IFDA is a floral education association that was founded in 1988 in the Washington DC area by designers who came together to share…

South Central AIFD Inspire and Empower Scholarship Goes to Falyn Cordeiro

South Central AIFD Inspire and Empower Scholarship Goes to Falyn Cordeiro

The South Central Chapter of the American Institute of Floral Designers® (AIFD®) is pleased to announce that Falyn Cordeiro, CFD, AMF, has been awarded the Inspire and Empower Scholarship, recognizing her exemplary dedication and enthusiasm for the floral arts.  Falyn submitted a stunning floral design…