Orlando, Fla. — Bill Byland, business manager of Micky's Minis Flora Express, a division of N.G. Heimos Greenhouse, has been named the 2010 Floral Marketer of the Year Oct. 15 by Produce Marketing Association (PMA). This year marks the 30thanniversary of theaward, which recognizes an outstanding floral professional who has served the mass-market floral industry with dedication and distinction.
Byland was presented with this year’s award by 2009 award winner Harrison Higaki, president of Bay City Flower Company.Higaki announced Byland’s award at a lunch general session during PMA’s 2010 Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition held in Orlando, Fla., USA, Oct. 15-18.
“Our winner is recognized as ethical, practical, creative and 100 percent customer oriented,” Higaki told general session attendees. “His floral peers note his tireless support of the floral industry and his generosity of time in helping others grow their floral operations. They describe him as ‘hard working,’ ‘honest,’ and ‘a consummate sales professional.”
Higaki also related Byland’s commitment to innovative product and packaging, as demonstrated by Micky’s Minis’ 2008 PMA Impact Award for the “All Dressed Up” mini gift set. He also noted Byland’s devotion to industry volunteering, including his current service on PMAMembership Committee and Exhibition Advisory Committees and past service on PMA Retail Board of Directors and as chair of PMA Floral Council. In addition, Byland sits on Fresh Produce & Floral Council’s Trade Show Advisory Board and is an editorial advisory member for Super Floral Retailing.
Micky’s Minis began 20 years ago as an idea to sell miniature plants as a novelty gift item. Its distinctive small-scale offerings sold in a two-inch pot included blooming potted plants, cactus and succulent plants, herbs, bamboo, foliage and poinsettias. Colorful seasonal and holiday accessories are added to give Micky’s Minis that special gift look. While national shipments began in 1990, the first several years were spent building a market for Micky’s Minis as a gift item. This was achieved primarily by attending up to 60 trade shows a year.
“I think Bill has participated and exhibited in more trade shows than anyone I have ever known,” commented Marcy Britigan, president of MEI. “He’s ‘The King of Trade Shows’ and must have a secret source for comfortable shoes.”
On a personal note, supporters of his nomination cited Byland’s strong family values, the countless hours he volunteers to school basketball programs and his avid devotion to St. Louis Cardinals baseball.
PMA’s Floral Marketer of the Year award was established in 1981. For more information about the award, visit PMA’s website at http://www.pma.com/resources/awards/floral-marketer-year;for more information about PMA’s Fresh Summit, visit www.pma.com/freshsummit.
About Produce Marketing Association (PMA)
Founded in 1949, the Produce Marketing Association is the leading trade association representing nearly 3,000 companies from every segment of the global produce and floral supply chain. Members rely on PMA year round for the business solutions they need to increase sales and consumption, build strong professional relationships, and expand their business opportunities. For more information, visit www.pma.com
Source: Produce Marketing Association
