member spotlight
you can trust their judgment It’s a real need in the floral industry: a certification that lets you know, “This person is well qualified to judge floral design with professional competence and impartiality.” It’s especially important for the Membership Committee of AIFD (the American Institute of Floral Designers). Now AIFD has announced the very first members to complete the organization’s new Certified Floral Evaluator/Judge program. Not surprisingly, members of Teleflora’s education team are on the list. They include Marie Ackerman AIFD, PFCI, Teleflora’s Vice President of Education; Rich Salvaggio AIFD, PFCI, Vice President of Publications and Industry Relations; and Education Specialists Tom Bowling AIFD, PFCI and Tim Farrell AIFD, PFCI. Special credit goes to Teleflora Education Specialist Joyce Mason-Monheim AIFD, PFCI, who was active in creating the program for AIFD.
looking smart
the youngest florist?
Did you look in your FSG Marketing Kit (the one that arrived this past summer) to find your new apron? Chuck did, at Sarah’s Florist in Houston, TX. Teleflora’s Cathy Thrash happened to stop by just in time to snap a photo.
This photo from The Flower Merchant in Bradford, ON was too cute not to show! Four-year-old Martha loves helping out in the shop—and getting her picture taken, according to her mom, Heather Williamson. This shot was taken as the staff were preparing for Bradford’s Carrot Fest.
the governor says thank you This summer, Governor Mary Fallin of Oklahoma gave a thank-you reception at the state capitol for all the people who helped with the flowers for the prayer service that was given for victims of the disastrous tornado that struck the area of Moore, OK in May. She is pictured here with four staff members from Teleflora’s Oklahoma City office: David Graham, Marie Ackerman, Suzi Lawrence, and Danielle Ezell. “Of course we presented the governor with flowers,” says Marie. “She said of the flowers at the service that they were the prettiest flowers she had ever seen.”
in denver, the best times three Congratulations to Franklin Mera of Artistic Flowers and Gifts in Denver, CO, who received his third consecutive Best of the Best Florist award from Colorado Community Media (CCM). The winners are chosen by readers of the 19 CCM publications distributed throughout the Denver Metro area. Franklin has over 25 years experience in floral design, beginning in Venezuela. His owner-operated shop has been very successful in the Denver market for 14 years. In addition to his love of floral design, Frank is an instructor in traditional Japanese karate-do!
myteleflora news | oct/nov 13
the creative edge
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Teleflora Education Specialist Hitomi Gilliam AIFD never fails to inspire her audiences with her innovative approach to floral design. Among other recent programs sponsored by Teleflora Units, Hitomi shared design ideas and business tips at events organized by the Arkansas Unit, where she demonstrated wedding bouquets and arrangements, and the Western Pennsylvania Unit, where the emphasis was on holiday designs.