South Central Chapter

As I step into the new year as your South-Central President, I am filled with excitement and deep gratitude. It is truly an honor to serve in this role, and I am enthusiastic about the opportunities and growth the year ahead holds.

First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Kay Schlaefli for her outstanding leadership over the past year. Kay has been a vital part of our region for many years, dedicating countless hours and consistently going the extra mile. Her commitment and passion have made a lasting impact, and we are all grateful for her service.

I’m so proud to announce that the South-Central Chapter has once again been awarded the $1,000 grant from the AIFD Foundation’s Friends of the Foundation initiative!  A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and supported this effort. Your generosity makes a real impact—helping us invest in the future of floral education throughout our region.

The year ahead holds so many exciting possibilities. The introduction of the new online platform for the Frankie Shelton Cup has opened the competition to a wider audience, and this past year we had 15 contestants—more than ever before. What a wonderful testament to Miss Frankie and her enduring legacy.

There’s also growing excitement around our upcoming High School Design Competition. What a fantastic way to spark a love of flowers early and inspire the next generation of floral artists!

This year, my goal is to connect and engage with all of our incredible South-Central members—AIFD and CFD alike. Each of us brings something unique and valuable to our organization, and I believe every voice deserves to be heard.

Whether you’ve been involved for years or are just starting out, your perspective matters. Let’s work together to make South Central the strongest, most vibrant region it can be!

So don’t be shy—reach out, say hello, and let’s make Flower magic happen together.

Have You Seen Our New Social Media Page?

• FACEBOOK: AIFD SOUTH CENTRAL CHAPTER
• INSTAGRAM: SCAIFD

If you haven’t visited or liked our new social media pages yet—now’s the time! Our amazing new Social Media Chair is absolutely rocking it, and we’re so excited about the fresh, creative content coming your way.

I’m looking forward to fun, meaningful engagement from everyone—this is your community, and your voice matters. Let’s connect, share, and celebrate all the talent and passion that makes South Central so special!

Give us a follow, leave a comment, and let us know you’re here!

Take a moment to share what AIFD means to you with someone new. Spark a conversation, offer encouragement, and inspire a CFD member to keep growing on their floral journey. Let your passion shine—share the excitement and pride you felt when you became a member. That energy is what keeps our community thriving!

Thank you
William Hattel AIFD
President, South Central Regional Chapter