BALTIMORE – The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) announced four 2015 award winners on July 2 during the Institute’s 2015 Awards Ceremony held in conjunction with its 2015 National Symposium “Journey” in Denver, Colo.
Sylvia Bird AIFD, CFD, PFCI, AAF and Richard Milteer AIFD, CFD, PFCI have been recognized with the Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry. This award is presented to AIFD members who have made a significant contribution to the floral industry.
Bird was honored for her tireless and continued support of AIFD as a leader, mentor, supporter, volunteer and friend.
Inducted into AIFD in 1988, Sylvia has helped take AIFD internationally, has served on various boards and was the Symposium chairperson for the 2012 Symposium “Caliente” that was held in Miami. She is also recognized as an AIFD Laureate member, a special member category for those with 21 years or more of membership and who have also attended a minimum of ten (10) National Symposia. Milteer was honored for his tireless and continued support of AIFD as an educator. Inducted into AIFD in 1977, Richard has been passionate about sharing his knowledge and artistry with AIFD members through education opportunities with Koehler & Dramm Wholesale Florist. He is also also recognized as an AIFD Laureate member.
Jim Hynd AIFD, CFD has been recognized with the Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD. This award is given to longstanding members of the American Institute of Floral Designers in grateful recognition of extraordinary service to the Institute, upholding its goals and supporting its activities. Hynd was honored for his tireless and continued support of AIFD. As one of the Founding Members of AIFD, he has served as a mentor to other designers for many years. After receiving this award Hynd is now known as a ‘Fellow of AIFD’ and is granted Life Membership.
Denver Wholesale has been recognized with the Award of Merit – Industry. This is an award that is presented to professionals in the floral industry who are not a member of AIFD, but who are serving a crucial role in advancing the industry. Denver Wholesale was honored for their tremendous support of the industry and of floral associations. They have been a tireless supporter of AIFD, particularly as they were the receiving wholesaler for the 2015 Symposium.
Each year, AIFD hosts its National Symposium in a different host city. The Symposium is an opportunity for internationally acclaimed designers to gather together to share ideas, educational tips, network and advance the industry of floral design. The 2016 National Symposium “Inspiration” will be held in Orange County, Calif. July 3-7.
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About the American Institute of Floral Designers
The mission of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) is to advance the art of professional floral design through education, service and leadership, and to recognize the achievement of excellence in this art form. Established in 1965 AIFD is, today, the floral industry's leading non-profit organization dedicated to establishing, maintaining and recognizing the highest standard of professional floral design. AIFD and its accredited members are in the forefront of the industry in presenting educational design programs and in designing flowers for events worldwide. Find more information at aifd.org.
Source: American Institute of Floral Designers
