BALTIMORE – The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD®) announced five 2016 award winners on July 5 during the Institute’s 2016 Awards Ceremony held in conjunction with its 2016 National Symposium “Inspiration” in Orange County, Calif.
Jim DelPrince AIFD, PFCI, CFD has 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. DelPrince was honored for his tireless and continued support of AIFD as a leader, mentor, supporter, volunteer and friend. Inducted into AIFD in 1992, Jim has helped further the floral industry through his contributions to industry resources and education. As a Horticulture Specialist at Mississippi State University, DelPrince has served as a Professor and Student Chapter Advisor. He 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.
Lori Novak 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. Novak was honored for her determined and sustained support of AIFD. Lori serves on the AIFD Board of Directors, is a three time Symposium Program Coordinator, a member of the Financial Committee, and a Southwest Regional Chapter Board member among many other volunteer positions.
Fiesta Parade Floats 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. Fiesta Parade Floats was honored for their tremendous support of the industry and of floral associations. They have been a tireless supporter of AIFD.
René van Rems has been recognized with the Award of Design Influence. This is an award that is presented to floral design visionaries whose creative body of work has national influence and constitutes a legacy of innovation.
Ellen DeGeneres has been recognized with the Award of Merit – Non-Industry. This is an award that is presented to individuals outside the floral industry who are selected because of their personal or professional use of fresh flowers in such a manner as to be a credit to the floral profession.
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 2017 National Symposium “X” will be held in Seattle, Wash. July 1-5.
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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