Anaheim, Calif. – Micky Byland, senior VP of sales at N.G. Heimos Greenhouses and cofounder of Micky’s Minis Flora Express, was awarded Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) 2019 Floral Marketer of the Year Award on Oct. 18 at PMA’s Fresh Summit Convention & Expo in Anaheim, Calif., USA.
Carlos Oramas, the 2018 Floral Marketer of the Year, CEO and cofounder of Gems Group, Inc., and chair of PMA’s Floral Council, presented the award to Byland at PMA’s Floral Beach Bash Reception at the Anaheim Convention Center. About 500 colleagues from across the global, floral mass-market supply chain were in attendance for the bash and surprise award presentation.
Established in 1981, PMA’s Floral Marketer of the Year Award was created to honor an individual who has served the mass-market floral industry with innovative insight, passionate commitment, and who has demonstrated superior leadership in improving and advancing the industry with dedication, distinction and excellence. Each year, winners of the Floral Marketer of the Year award for the prior five years serve on the Nominations Committee to select that year’s honoree.
Byland was selected for her dedication, innovation, commitment to customer service, and longtime efforts to help retailers grow their floral sales.
“Micky has been a trailblazer and forerunner in our industry for many years. She is a fiercely committed supply partner, and a force in growing mass-market floral and consumer demand. I am honored to have been the one to give Micky the 2019 Floral Marketer of the Year Award,” said Oramas.
Coming from a large, tight-knit family, Byland grew up in the floral industry and started in the business with her hands literally in the dirt filling pots at her father’s greenhouses. She went on to graduate from the University of Missouri and Webster University with a degree in Horticulture and Business Management and returned to the family business working her way up through the ranks.
Byland cofounded another family business, Micky’s Minis Flora Express, 30 years ago this November. The greenhouse was the first of its kind in the United States dedicated to growing, shipping and promoting miniature potted plants. Since then, Micky’s Minis products have shipped to all 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.
“I was raised in a family that believes life is much better when the people you surround yourself with help create a positive outcome, and the more you share, the more you give, the focal point becomes the betterment of all. That is how our family was raised, and that’s how we raised our family,” said Byland. “I am so blessed to be surrounded by such a wonderful industry and tight-knit family. Any knowledge that we can impart on each other, will all be for the good of the industry. If we remain focused on doing things for the good of the industry together, we will continue to grow together.”
Byland was also a significant contributor to Kroger’s first Grades and Standards for Potted Plant Specs, and later greatly contributed to PMA’s Floral Marketing Association and SAF’s Grades and Standards for Blooming Potted Plants. She has also served on the Floral Marketing Advisory Boards of two of the largest companies in the United States.
In addition to her work life, Byland has three adult children, she volunteers with numerous social and charitable organizations, including Ronald McDonald House, Little Sisters of the Poor in Saint Louis and a marriage enrichment group.
“I can’t think of anyone else more deserving of this recognition than Micky. I’m proud to call her a friend,” said Stan Pohmer, CEO of Pohmer Consulting Group. “Micky and I go way back to the days of PMA’s Floral Marketing Association. She was dedicated to the industry then and continues to be just as committed and passionate about it today. She remains one of the best-networked individuals in the industry and is always willing to help in any way.”
According to Michael Schrader, Director of Floral for Schnuck Markets, Inc., Byland and her company have been instrumental in helping Schnucks grow their floral business. “Her attention and commitment to customer service is unparalleled,” said Schrader. “She is always looking for new ideas to help us drive our business and better connect to the customer. Schnucks is fortunate to have such a supply partner. It is truly a win-win relationship for both companies.”
Colleague and friend Marcy Fishback, president of MEI, also applauded Byland for her accomplishments in both her personal and professional life. “She is without a doubt a doting and loving daughter, beautiful wife, incredible sister, inspiring coworker, energetic team member, awesome mom, dedicated church volunteer, highly respected industry associate and valued dear friend,” said Fishback.
PMA’s Floral Beach Bash was sponsored by Ball Horticultural Company, Fresh Tulips USA LLC doing business as Bloomia, Galleria Farms, Natuflora Natural Flowers, Passion Growers, Queen’s Bouquet Network, Temkin PPC and The Elite Flower.
The Fresh Summit Convention & Expo, now in its 70th year, brings global produce and floral industry leaders from around the world together to network, create global connections, cultivate industry talent, find practical solutions to complex science and technology issues, and bring cutting-edge trends to the forefront. Beyond an event, Fresh Summit is a destination where seed companies, growers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, retailers and business solution providers showcase products and services including equipment, packaging, transportation, produce safety and other agribusiness technologies. This diverse marketplace of more than 1,200 exhibitors, over 3,200 buyers and 23,000 attendees from 60-plus countries provided endless opportunities in Anaheim for advancing and sharing innovation in the dynamic and diverse produce and floral industries. PMA’s 2010 Fresh Summit Convention & Expo is scheduled Oct. 15-17 in Dallas, Texas, USA.
About Produce Marketing Association
Produce Marketing Association (PMA) is the leading trade association representing companies from every segment of the global produce and floral supply chain. PMA helps members grow by providing connections that expand business opportunities and increase sales and consumption. For more information, visit www.pma.com.
