2014 Award Winners

Floral Industry Professionals Honored by AIFD

BALTIMORE (July 2014) – Robert Friese AIFD, CFD  and Richard Seaboldt AIFD, CFD have been recognized by the American Institute of Floral Designers’ (AIFD) National Board of Directors with the Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry. The announcement was made on July 5 during the Institute’s 2014 Awards Ceremony held in conjunction with its 2014 National Symposium “Transition Transformation” in Chicago, Ill.

Robert (Bob) Friese AIFD, CFD was honored for his tireless and continued support of AIFD as a leader, mentor, supporter, volunteer and friend. Bob has been a main stage presenter at AIFD Symposium, sharing his knowledge and artistry. He has also been the director of education at his school of floristry in Chicago and has helped the allied and trade associations in activities in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Midwest Wisconsin. Bob has held “Nature’s Creative Edge” at his home in Fruitport, Mich. for many years. He hosts this event at his Michigan estate and houses a number of designers, along with volunteers. Thousands of locals visit Natures Creative Edge every year and thousands of dollars have been raised which Bob has shared with AIFD National as well as the North Central Chapter. That money has gone to scholarships to attend Symposium as well as many other educational opportunities. As a first class teacher and mentor, Bob has shared his knowledge and skills with many who have gone on to become successful designers and leaders in the Floraculture community. He was inducted into AIFD in 1983. In the photo (l-r): AIFD President Tim Farrell AIFD, CFD, Bob Friese AIFD, CFD and AIFD Past President John Kittinger AIFD, CFD.

Richard Seaboldt AIFD, CFD has been a loyal supporter of AIFD for over 35 years. He was a national board member for four years and he designed over ten programs for Regional and National Symposiums. Richard was a board member and then president of the South Central region of AIFD for a total of eight years and started the “Friends in Need” to help fellow members. He has served on many committees over the years and has also been on the board of the Foundation. It was during the time he worked with the Foundation that Richard became the auctioneer for many Foundation Auctions. It was a skill that Richard had that made the audiences give more and more during his auctioneering. He has helped to raise thousands and thousands of dollars for the AIFD Foundation and is also very involved in his local area in civic work. He has been on the Advisory Board of Rosebrook Center for Battered women and children and founded the “Gourmet Gala” in Kansas City to benefit the March of Dimes. In all these actions, Richard continues to uphold the values of AIFD and the Foundation. In the photo (l-r): AIFD President Tim Farrell AIFD, CFD, Richard Seaboldt AIFD, CFD and AIFD Past President John Kittinger AIFD, CFD.

Kristen Philips, IOM has been recognized by the American Institute of Floral Designers’ (AIFD) National Board of Directors with the Special Award of Recognition. She is recognized by the Board of Directors for her meritorious and dedicated services to the American Institute of Floral Designers. Through her employment with the Joseph Shaner Company, Kristen has been involved in many aspects of the management of AIFD. Through each of her tasks, she has shown loyalty and dedication to AIFD. Kristen has been an instrumental part in the ongoing development of AIFD’s membership committee as well as someone who is able to provide almost any committee with the data and history of AIFD when exploring options for our future. In addition, Kristen also has the ability to see things from a point of view that we as members might overlook, and she is willing to share those opinions with our Board in a very positive manner. In the photo (l-r): Kristen Philips, IOM and AIFD President Tim Farrell AIFD, CFD.

This year, AIFD recognized two companies with the Award of Merit – Industry. This is an award that is presented to professionals in the floral industry who are not a member of AIFD, but who are serving a crucial role in advancing the industry.

Fitz Design, and president Dan Fisher, was honored for their long-held commitment and dedication to the AIFD Symposium. Dan has been a very generous contributor to AIFD for many years now. Not only has he contributed enormous amounts of product, he has shared with our audiences his knowledge of marketing and sales tools. Dan has taught “mini programs” at symposium and has also instituted “hands-on classes” at symposium over the years. He is aware of the importance of education in our industry and will do anything he can to help. Dan has also hired many AIFD members to work for him. He is also very generous to any AIFD designer that requests product from him for Design Programs or photo shoots. In the photo (l-r): AIFD President Tim Farrell AIFD, CFD, Dan Fisher and AIFD Past President John Kittinger AIFD, CFD.

Green Point Nurseries, and president Eric Tanouye, was honored for their long-held commitment and dedication to the AIFD Symposium. Eric has consistently supported AIFD National and Regional Symposiums with the most beautiful fresh product from Hawaii that is available. He always gives over and above what has been asked of him to AIFD member when they ask for his support. Eric is the 4th generation in his family owned tropical nursery and he ships flowers worldwide. He has an intense dedication to family, farm and future. Eric has brought much marketing experience to AIFD based on his training in University, and the marketing he does in his business. He is generous to a fault every time AIFD requests something of him. In the photo (l-r): AIFD President Tim Farrell AIFD, CFD, Eric Tanouye and AIFD Past President John Kittinger AIFD, CFD.

AIFD recognized the Chicago Flower & Garden Show and show director, Tony Abruscato, with the Award of Merit – Non-Industry. This is an award that is presented to individuals outside the floral industry who are selected because of their personal or professional use of fresh flowers in such a manner as to be a credit to the floral profession. The Chicago Flower & Garden Show richly deserves the Award of Merit Non-Industry for 2014, as we celebrate the year-round promotion, education, and support that it offers to the American Institute of Floral Designers, and to the floral industry as a whole. AIFD members look forward to participating in this vital public event in years to come. In the photo (l-r): AIFD President Tim Farrell AIFD, CFD, Tony Abruscato and AIFD Past President John Kittinger AIFD, CFD.

Each year, AIFD hosts its National Symposium in a different host city. The Symposium is an opportunity for internationally acclaimed designers to gather together to share ideas, educational tips, network and advance the industry of floral design. The 2015 National Symposium “Journey” will be held in Denver, Co. June 30-July 4, 2015.