AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. — SAF Convention – Teleflora, the world's leading flower delivery service today proudly announced the recipient of the first annual Tom Butler "Floral Retailer of the Year" Award, Ken Freytag of Freytag's Florist (www.freytagsflorist.com) in Austin, Texas. The Honorary Award recognizes a retail florist and Teleflora member that best embodies the legacy of Teleflora's former Chairman, Tom Butler. In addition to running a first class retail operation, the award winner shows the highest level of commitment and service to their local community, is a dedicated ambassador to the floral industry, and provides leadership and guidance to fellow florists. The announcement was made at the American Floral Endowment (AFE) Fundraising Dinner taking place in conjunction with the Society of American Florists' (SAF) Annual Convention at the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island, Florida.
Teleflora established the Tom Butler "Floral Retailer of the Year" Award in honor of Teleflora's past Chairman Tom Butler, who led Teleflora in its mission to serve as a trusted business partner, friend and innovator to independent retail florists across the U.S. and Canada since 1995.
"I can't think of a more deserving individual to honor the values and legacy of Tom Butler, than Ken Freytag of Freytag's Florist," said Jack Howard, Executive Vice President of National Accounts at Teleflora. "Ken Freytag's 40-plus year career as an ambassador dedicated to the improvement, growth and sustainability of the floral industry and that of his fellow florists are just a few of many milestones that make him worthy of this year's Teleflora Floral Retailer of the Year Award."
About The Leadership Legacy of Tom Butler
Tom Butler's passion for the floral industry inspired an almost 50-year career. He served as Chairman of Teleflora, Chairman of the American Floral Endowment (AFE) and was a longtime devoted advocate for the Endowment, beginning his service as a trustee in 2006. Known for possessing an unparalleled knack for fundraising and for his significant interest in expanding and improving the Endowment, Tom's commitment to giving and innovation continues within the floral industry through the Tom Butler Family Fund that helps provide funds to support The American Floral Endowment's research and grant efforts. Among his many roles and accomplishments, Tom served as the Chair of the AFE Development Committee and as a Trustee on the AFE Board; TI World President; Member of the American Academy of Florists; Professional Floral Communicators International; Society of American Florists (Past Board of Directors). He was also a member of numerous national floral and state floral associations. Recipient of SAF's Hall of Fame Award and Paul Ecke, Jr. Award, Florida State Florists' Association Hall of Fame Award and Lifetime Achievement Award and Place in the Sun Award; Michigan State Florists' Association Award of National Industry Service; Michigan Floral Foundation Hall of Fame Award; Arkansas State Florists' Association Distinguished Service Award and Oklahoma State Florists' Hall of Fame. Tom passed away in August 2014 after a battle with cancer. For many who knew Tom, he was considered to be the 'Chief Champion of Florists' – always there when they needed him, always understanding their issues and concerns, and always representing their cause.
About Teleflora
Teleflora brings together the time-honored tradition of sending flowers with the modern benefits of an advanced florist network. By tapping over 13,000 member florists in North America alone, Teleflora offers the kind of personal touches, artistry and expertise you expect from a trusted neighborhood florist—even if that neighborhood is across the country. No prepackaged flowers in nondescript boxes dropped on your doorstep—Teleflora's network of professional florists create artistic arrangements personally delivered in a vase, often on the same day. And, with the organization's pioneering "Flowers in a Gift" Collection, the recipient gets a keepsake that turns the treasured gesture of a bouquet into a lasting memento. Luxe yet affordable, aspirational yet accessible, Teleflora makes every day an occasion. Follow Teleflora on Facebook.
Source: Teleflora