Sunlighting - Florida State Florists - Summer 2022

THE FUTURE IS IN BLOOM

ow has a year gone by already and at the same time has it only been a year. After the challenge of 2020 and 2021, we will continue to have this mixed feeling of emotion and confusion all at once. As we start to make the arduous trip to the next normal, we are met with anything but normal times.

To say we are returning to any kind of normal is a stretch. What I can say is that all the events that I have had the pleasure to be involved in over the last couple of months, have had an air of excitement, a feeling of relief and confusion all at the same time as we see a return to in person with our floral family.

As we all know the Gateway to the Americas Cup competition is a great experience for our convention. We cannot thank Deborah and Gus De La Flor (Momma and Poppa Florida state) enough for all their hard work and efforts to make this year another exciting competition. Over 14 countries are represented with 26 contestants participating.

Without the extraordinary team of board members who have helped to get convention 2022 ready and the volunteers to support FSFA international, we would not be where we are today. There are so many members that I do not have room to mention by name that have had a hand in making this year a success.

Wont you please step up to help? Join us by becoming a board member, volunteer leader, or volunteer committee member. We need you to continue to make a difference.

Save the date, July 28-30, for convention 2023, we have the venue signed, sealed, and ready to roll. Mid-season will bring the incredible opportunity for a grower to table event like no other. Stay tuned for more on this as we continue to finalize plans. Our 2023 Convention will be held in Jacksonville. The Hyatt Riverfront will be our location and we are so excited to see the plans continue to bloom.

It is an honor to serve the members of FSFA International and the floral community. I look forward to seeing more of you joining in to help us be the difference we want to see in the state floral industry.

IN THIS ISSUE 06 // ScheduleConvention

Your guide to the FSFA 2022 Convention.Annual

11 // Florist Spotlight

Introducing Laura Dowling, former White House Chief Designer.Floral

12 // CornerCommentary

Michael D. Smith recounts his Program.MentorshipInternationalwithexperiencetheFSFA

14 // Featured Story

The industryoriststill feels the effects of the global pandemic of 2020.

18 // Competition Meet AmericasGatewayforcompetitorsthethe2022totheCup.

Jackie Lacey AAF, AIFD, CFD, PFCI

President - Florida State Florist's Association Director of Education and Industry Relations – Floriology/BloomNet

2:00PM–4:30PM

THURSDAY, JULY 21

4:00PM–5:00PM “Gateway” Competitors, Assistants and Judges rules meeting, questions and answers.

Gateway Competitors MUST attend

6:00PM–10:00PM “Gateway” Competitors and Judges Dinner

2:30PM–4:00PM

EVENING DINNER

FSFA 2022 Designer Of The Year Competition

Sponsored by BloomNet, Gardens America, FernTrust and Oasis Floral Products

Viewing Gateway Cup

Dinner On Your Own

Suggestions: Disney Springs (make reservations in advance) or Evening Poolside

6:00PM–7:00PM Vendor PresidentialAppreciationSuite

All Vendors and FSFA Board Members ONLY

FRIDAY, JULY 22

7:30AM 12:30PM

FSMD Testing & PFDE Mock Testing

Hosted By AIFD Southern Chapter Sponsored by Carlstedt's, FernTrust, and Oasis Floral Products

8:00AM 11:30AM Gateway Cup Competition Task 1: FTD Table Scape Theme “Embrace” | An intimate celebration for two” Sponsored by FTD, Jet Fresh, Giftwares Co., Oasis Floral Products, and Knud Nielsen

9:00AM–11:00AM Viewing Gateway Cup

10:00AM 5:00PM Vendor Set Up Trade Fair/Expo

12:00PM 1:30PM Lunch Competitors ONLY 12:00PM 1:00PM

FSFA Board Members ONLY

1:30PM–4:30PM Gateway Cup Competition Task 2: “FernTrust Cup” Gateway | Fabulous Foliage design | Surprise Package | All foliage design Sponsored by FernTrust, Oasis Floral Products and UCI, Unlimited Containers, Inc.

SATURDAY, JULY 23

8:00AM–10:00PM Ian Prosser Bridal Bouquet Competition

Bring your completed bridal bouquet to the convention registration desk. (Advanced registration required on the FSFA website)

8:00AM–11:00PM Gateway Cup Competition Task 3: Details Flowers Bridal Bouquet

Sponsored by Details Flowers Software and Jet Fresh

8:30AM–10:00AM Scholarship & Mentorship Interviews

Check registration desk for location

8:30AM–10:00AM Viewing Gateway Cup

10:00AM–11:30AM Main Stage Presentation

Featuring Donald Yim AIFD “Designing for Today’s Market with a Modern Style — Taking Retail to the Next Level"

Sponsored by BloomNet/Floriology, DK Wholesale, Knud Nielsen, Oasis Floral Products, Syndicate Sales and Accent Decor

12:00PM–1:30PM Luncheon & FSFA Annual Business Meeting

12:45PM–1:30PM Guest Luncheon Speaker

Featuring Kate Penn CEO Society of American Florist

9:30AM–10:00AM

1:30PM–5:00PM

Gateway Cup Competition

Task 4: Tele ora Sunshine Cup | Interpretive Design

Sponsored by Tele ora, Accent Decor, Kuhn Flowers, Knud Nielsen, Passion Growers, Galleria Farms, Zabo Plant, Rose Lily, Sun Valley Farms, Giftwares Co., and Oasis Floral Products

2:00PM–3:30PM

Main Stage Presentation

Featuring Randy Wooten AIFD PFCI

Sponsored by FTD, Orlando Wholesale, Knud Nielsen, Oasis Floral Products, Syndicate Sales and Accent Decor

3:30PM–5:00PM Viewing Gateway Cup

5:00PM–6:00PM Partners ReceptionExpo/Vendors

Hors d'oeuvre sponsored by CashBloomNationBar(intrade fair)

6:00PM–7:00PM

Main Stage The Gateway

Presents: ”Let's Talk Competitions” Featuring Hitomi Gilliam AIFD, Ken Senter AIFD, and Jacob McCall AIFD

Sponsored by Gateway to the Americas Cup, Gardens America and Naranjo Roses

EVENING DINNER Dinner On Your Own

Suggestions: Disney Springs (make reservations in advance) or Evening Poolside

SUNDAY, JULY 24

8:00AM–9:30AM Breakfast

8:30AM–12:00PM

Gateway Cup Task 5: Floriology Floral Fashion

Sponsored by BloomNet/Floriology, Kuhn Flowers, and Naranjo Roses

FSFA New Board Meeting Board Members ONLY

10:00AM–11:30AM Main Stage Presentation

Featuring Jody McLeod AIFD CFD NCCPF

“Embracing the Principles and Elements”

Sponsored by Tele ora, Floristcentric, Knud Nielsen, Oasis Floral Products, Syndicate Sales and Accent Decor

12:00PM–2:00PM Lunch On Your Own

12:00PM–4:00PM Vendor Breakdown of Partner’s Expo

2:30PM–4:00PM

Main Stage Presentation

Featuring Laura Dowling (former White House Florist)

Sponsored by Jet Fresh, Knud Nielsen, Oasis Floral Products, Syndicate Sales and Accent Decor

4:00PM–5:00PM Corsage & Boutonnière Bar

Sponsored by Fitz Design

5:00PM–6:00PM Cocktail Reception Cash Bar | Ballroom Foyer

6:00PM–9:00PM

FSFA International Presents Presidential"Embrace"

Gala & Awards Ceremony Dinner served (formal attire recommended)

Winners of the Gateway to the

DOWLINGLAURA

aura Dowling began her career in communications strategy and public policy analysis in Washington, D.C. Her turning point came in 2000 when she went to Paris, and became enamored with the beauty of the French floral style.

Laura frequently returned to Paris to study the uniquely beautiful style and pursued classes under the world-renowned French florist ChristianWorkingTortu.asa part-time florist out of her home, Laura was elected as the Chief White House Floral Designer in October, 2009. The application process involved an eight month national competition.

After several rounds of cuts and interviews, Laura arrived at the White House with 2 other finalists under the cover of darkness. Starting at 6:00 a.m., the 3 were ushered into separate rooms and embarked on a 4 hour timed floral competition. Each were tasked with creating a

state dinner tableau, a large Blue Room centerpiece and an Oval Office arrangement.

The competition culminated with an interview with former First Lady Michelle Obama. Shortly after the competition, Laura learned that she had been selected for the position of Chief Floral Designer.

Laura worked in the Executive Residence, closely with the Ushers team, the First Lady’s East Wing staff, and the Social Secretary and Communications team.

Planning and executing White

House events were always incredibly challenging. The annual White House Christmas installation was Laura’s favorite project. It was a year-round project and the most complex of all of the White House events. Her most memorable project involved inviting Gold Star family members to assist in creating Memorial Day wreaths, including making the wreath that the President lays at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. “I’ll never forget that day and the people I met whose loved ones sacrificed their lives in support of our country.”

— L AURA DOWLING

SPONSORED BY: AIFD FOUNDATION FLORIDA FLORIST ENDOWED FUND

"FOR ME, WORKING AT THE WHITE HOUSE AS CHIEF FLORAL DESIGNER WAS THE HONOR OF A LIFETIME, A PRIVILEGE AND A POSITION THAT ONLY A FEW PEOPLE HAVE EVER HELD."

MENTORSHIPPROGRAMFLORAL

STORY: MICHAEL D. SMITH CFD, FDI, FSMD

was so excited be a recipient of a Mentorship from FSFA International with Bob Tucker AIFD, CFD. I had no clue how lucky I was or how amazing it

The opportunity came up for Bob to do a program for Emerald Coast Florist Association. Bob turned his program into my mentorship project. I was given vague guide lines that I would come to find challenging and exciting. I was to make 3 to 4 armatures out of everyday unconventional items.

I went to the Dollar Store walking up and down the aisles picking items up and thinking what can I do with this? I filled up the cart with Q-tips, sponges and a few other items. Returning to my shop, my team thought I had lost my mind. The day came that Bob came to my shop. He worked with me and my team. They watched and were

included in the design process leaving them excited and thinking outside the box. Although both of us created very different armatures, we both started with the same wire base. This opened the door to start the program by teaching the basic wire armature for the participants to take home and create their own designs. We took turns presenting bouquets and describing them and the process that we used to create them. With a little creativity you can make beautiful bouquet out of everyday items. This was truly a treat. My team is still exited, as they still talk about Bob’s visit on a regular basis. I encourage everyone to apply for a scholarship or mentorship. You will not regret it. Thank you FSFA International for this opportunity. It has

AIFD FOUNDATION AWARDS A GRANT, UP TO $6,500.00, TO THE FLORIDA STATE FLORISTS’ ASSOCIATION

Funded by the Florida Florist Endowed Fund, the Grant underwrites the Convention Main Stage Design Presentation featuring former White House Florist Laura Dowling and provides up to four scholarships for FSFA members to add to their Lifetime of Learning during the 2022 FSFA Convention. Additionally, the Florida Florist Endowed Fund underwrote two Symposium Scholarships for professional floral designers to recently attend their first AIFD Symposium in Las Vegas!

ARE YOU A PROFESSIONAL FLORAL DESIGNER?

DO YOU WISH TO ADD TO YOUR LIFETIME OF LEARNING?

The AIFD Foundation offers numerous scholarships providing countless opportunities for professional floral designers.

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

To Apply Visit aifdfoundation.org

TAKE A LOOK!

AIFD FOUNDATION SYMPOSIUM SCHOLARSHIP

Have you ever attended AIFD Symposium? If not, this opportunity may be for you.

AIFD FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP TO ATTEND THE BENZ SCHOOL OF FLORAL DESIGN

The purpose of this scholarship is to support those, in need of financial assistance, with Registration Fees to attend classes at the Benz School of Floral Design at Texas A&M University or the Benz School of Floral Design in Korea.

A LIFETIME OF LEARNING SCHOLARSHIP TO ATTEND AIFD SYMPOSIUM 2023 IN CHICAGO

This scholarship will help you add to your “Lifetime of Learning” with an AIFD Symposium Premium Registration.

CERTIFIED FLORAL DESIGNER SCHOLARSHIP

If you are a Certified Floral Designer and are wanting to prepare for PFDE, the CFD Scholarship provides up to $1,000 for approved expenses to attend a PFDE Preparatory Class. The AIFD Education Partners, noted on the application, fund class registration to further enhance this opportunity.

SCHOLARSHIPS HELP INSPIRE NURTURING EDUCATION

Would you like to take your career to the next level? The recipient of S.H.I.N.E. will experience continued education through a mentorship in a specialized floral industry concentration.

STORY: SEAN SCIORTINO

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he Gateway to the Americas International Floral Design Competition was founded in 1996 by Gus and Deborah De La Flor to promote the art of floral design, education, and camaraderie within the floral community in theAfterAmericas.doing floral presentations and teaching in North, Central, and South America, Gus and Deborah fell in love with the beautiful floristry in these countries and knew they should do something to bring their love of the floral industry together.

The best and the brightest floral artists are selected for entry into this competition to represent their respective countries.

The competition runs over three days of intense competition covering five different categories of design. All competitors must complete the design within a time frame.

The competitors are judged on their extreme skill and creativity as well as all principles and elements of floral design. Gus and Deborah are extremely proud of all the great floral talents who have competed over the years in the Gateway Competition. Several winners have gone on to compete in the Interflora World Cup and have become icons in the floral industry.

Meet the contestants of this year's 2022 competition.

Growing a traditional FLORAL WHOLESALE for extraordinary times!

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r y Sales Denise Patchen

Suzanne Gustavel

Regional Vice President Mike Valade

Territory Sales Manager Claudia Moore

Territory Sales Manager Denise Patchen

Teleflora Technologies Suzanne Gustavel