Southwest Chapter

Message from Our President

It is with great honor and a deep sense of gratitude that I begin this year as President of the Southwest Chapter of AIFD.

After 35 years as a member of AIFD, I never imagined that I would have the privilege of serving as President for a second time. To return to the Southwest after 25 years in Florida has been a very special homecoming. It has given me the opportunity to reconnect with cherished friends, renew relationships that have meant so much to me throughout my career, and, just as importantly, open the door to new friendships and new possibilities.

As I look toward the year ahead, I am filled with excitement about what we can accomplish together. I am fortunate to be surrounded by an exceptional group of officers and directors who share a passion for our industry, our organization, and one another. I believe that when talented people come together with a common purpose, wonderful things can happen.

There is one word that continues to come to mind as I think about this year:

CONNECT

I want to connect with each of you.

I want us to connect with those who are able to be with us in person and with those who, for whatever reason, cannot. I want us to reach across our region, to reconnect with longtime friends and make a special effort to meet those we have not yet had the pleasure of knowing.

Our profession has always been about more than flowers and design. It is about people—the relationships we build, the knowledge we share, the encouragement we give, and the inspiration we receive from one another.

Connection creates opportunity.
Connection creates friendship.
Connection creates inspiration.
And connection strengthens our AIFD family.

I encourage each of you to reach out, introduce yourself, share an idea, invite someone to join you, or simply make a new connection. You never know where that one conversation might lead.

I also encourage you to consider becoming a mentor to a designer who may be interested in pursuing AIFD membership. Few experiences are more rewarding than watching someone you have encouraged and guided reach that special moment of induction. When you see them receive their AIFD pin, it is almost as if you are experiencing your own induction all over again.

Throughout the coming year, we will continue to share design ideas, techniques, shows, accomplishments, educational opportunities, and the many wonderful things happening throughout our Southwest Region. Our goal is not simply to keep you informed, but to keep us connected.

And if you have ever thought about becoming more involved, I hope this is the year you take that step.

Join a committee.
Help plan an educational program.
Share your knowledge.
Offer an idea.
Mentor someone.
Or simply lend a hand.

Every contribution matters, and every voice has value.

I believe our greatest strength as a region is not what any one of us can accomplish alone, but what we can accomplish together. Let us make this a year of sharing, learning, encouraging, and celebrating one another.

My hope is that when we look back on this year, we will remember not only the beautiful designs we created, the programs we attended, or the accomplishments we celebrated, but also the people we connected with and the relationships we strengthened along the way.

It is a privilege to serve you, and I look forward to sharing this journey with each of you.

Let’s connect. Let’s inspire. Let’s grow—together.

With sincere appreciation,

Paul Miller, AIFD
President
AIFD Southwest Chapter