CalFlowers announced that Lane DeVries has been appointed as executive director of CalFlowers, bringing his unparalleled industry expertise, vision and passion to the helm of the organization. In addition to leading CalFlowers’ operations, DeVries will take charge of the groundbreaking consumer marketing initiative, “That Flower Feeling,” with the mission to make fresh flowers a daily part of American life.

DeVries, a fourth-generation flower farmer from Holland, has spent over 40 years shaping the U.S. floral industry. As president & CEO of Sun Valley Floral Farms, he built one of North

In the wake of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, the floral industry is coming together to support florists and businesses affected by this natural disaster. CalFlowers, known for fostering growth and unity within the floral community, is acting by pledging to match up to $10,000 in donations to the AIFD Foundation Catastrophic Fund, amplifying relief efforts for those impacted.

Through the AIFD Foundation Catastrophic Fund, the Texas State Florists’ Association provided generous support with a specific donation for those affected by California wildfires. Adding to this initiative

The International Fresh Produce Association announced the continued growth and success of The Floral Conference, which has blossomed from a regional networking event into a cornerstone of the floral industry calendar. Now a national anchor event, the conference attracts top buyers, growers, breeders and industry leaders from across the country, fostering connections and shaping the future of the floral industry.

With its growing national footprint, The Floral Conference is poised to remain an essential gathering for industry professionals. This year’s event will take place on Feb. 24-26 in

Sakata Seed America Inc. announced a strategic executive leadership transition, effective April 1.

After more than 15 years of dedicated service as president and chief executive officer of Sakata Seed America Inc., Dave Armstrong will step into the role of executive chairman, where he will continue to provide strategic oversight and guidance for the business. Eduardo (Ed) Flores will assume the position of president and CEO, taking over operational responsibility and leading Sakata Seed America into its next phase of growth.

Flores joined Sakata Seed America in 2021 as chief operating

Star Roses and Plants, a leading genetics company involved directly in breeding roses, edibles, perennials and woody plants, is pleased to announce four recent hires to its sales team.

David Nuckolls

Territory manager serving Alabama and North Florida
Nuckolls joins the team with a strong background in sales and greenhouse operations. He most recently worked as a sales representative at McHutchsion’s. Before that, he was the production manager at Tippah County Growers, owner of Bloom Haven Farms and head grower at Southern Growers. Nuckolls can be reached by email at dnuckolls

Choice Farms is excited to announce the appointment of Melanie Spilbeler as its new director of marketing. With her extensive experience and passion for the floral industry, Spilbeler is the perfect fit to lead the company into an exciting future while strengthening its brand and market position.

Spilbeler brings nearly a decade of expertise in the floral industry, along with over 10 years of experience in consumer product marketing. She began her career as the Director of Marketing at Syndicate Sales, where she developed a comprehensive understanding of the floral industry. She later co