During AFE's recent virtual board of trustee meeting Sept. 20, 2021, new officers, executive committee members, and committee chairs were appointed.

"We are happy to recognize these individuals for their commitment to the floral industry and look forward to another successful year," AFE said in a statement.

Ken Young of Phoenix Flower Shops Named Chairman-Elect

Ken Young has been in the industry for over 40 years. He is the owner of Phoenix Flower Shops in Scottsdale, Arizona, and former SAF Director. Phoenix Flower Shops operates multiple retail locations and a wholesale division.

He has

Sahid Nahim of New Bloom Solutions (NBS) and David Kaplan of Above All Flowers (AAF) have partnered with Michiel Kuipers of  Floral Innovations to bring the floral industry Fleurography.com. This photogenic floral innovation is meant to solve the industry’s lack of affordable photo-editing and retouching services.

Both parties were quick to notice this was a service would be beneficial throughout the floral supply chain in North America. Having been in the floriculture industry for years, New Bloom Solutions and Above All Flowers are highly focused on innovation, helping the industry reach

Assemble talented designers, give them flowers, foliage, supplies and a theme for inspiration. Now, make them race against the clock to create something beautiful.

In the end, one winner will emerge with a trophy, cash and perhaps most importantly, a coveted title and all the bragging rights it entails.

The 52nd Annual Sylvia Cup Design Competition will play out live for attendees of SAF Orlando 2021, where 14 floral designers will compete for the cup and a grand prize of $3,000. Two other competitors will be named runners-up and be awarded plaques and money. The contest takes place Sept. 22

Millennials are the largest living generation, so it’s no wonder we’re all a little obsessed with marketing to them! But how do you tap into this enormous purchasing power—more than $200 billion annually? The trick is understanding what they care about and being able to offer it.

Millennials are constantly on their digital devices and are always looking for engaging content. They’re open to receiving ads and sharing them, but 45% of millennials don’t find content marketing compelling enough to share it!

Here are a few tips on reaching millennials with your marketing, engaging them, and

In addition to all the other goods that are hard to find these days—new cars, couches, even kitchen appliances—DC’s flower professionals say there’s a shortage of flowers that’s like nothing they’ve seen before. 

Currently, demand is at an all-time high as the industry navigates the boom of weddings that were rescheduled during the last 18 months. Some vendors say they’ve crammed three times the normal number of weddings into this season alone. On top of that, everyday consumers have also increased their demand for flowers. 

“With the isolation and separation brought on by Covid,” says

The American Floral Endowment is accepting applications for two floriculture/horticulture internship programs: the Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program and the Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Program. Applications are due Oct. 1.

AFE internships are the best way for students to gain hands-on experience that helps them toward their future careers. Since their inception, these programs have awarded $1.3 million in scholarships to deserving students in the industry.

Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program
The Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program provides the opportunity