JACKSONVILLE, Fla.– The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) has announced the appointment of Jackie Lacey, AAF, AIFD, CFD, PFCI, to the position of 2019/2020 AIFD National President. Mr. Lacey, who possesses more than 30 years of experience in the retail floral market and floral education fields, is Director of Education and Industry Relations for BloomNet®, an international wire service and world-class business solutions provider.
At BloomNet, Mr. Lacey is responsible for initiating and implementing strategies to strengthen and expand the extensive educational opportunities BloomNet offers to flower shop owners and floral designers. He assisted in the launch of Floriology® Institute located in Jacksonville, Florida and he serves as an instructor at the Institute. Floriology® Institute is recognized as one of the country’s foremost centers for innovative floral design and florist-related education. Mr. Lacey also engages florists and shares his knowledge throughout the floral industry at state and regional trade shows, company sponsored events, and Floriology® “on the road” educational events.
During his distinguished career, Mr. Lacey has owned flower shops in Tennessee, Texas and South Carolina and he is one of the nation’s leading authorities on retail floral operations and best practices. He has also won numerous awards and earned many accolades through floral design competitions at the national, state and local levels. He is also renowned internationally for his leading-edge approaches to design and his imaginative floral creations. In addition, he has shared the principles, elements and artistry of his craft during memorable stage presentations, wowing audiences around the world. His floral designs and educational insights have been featured in many magazines, including Floriology®, Flowers &, Modern Bride and Inside Weddings. He has provided his talents to such notable events as the Tournament of Roses Parade, and many celebrities have also called upon his expertise.
“I am honored at being named President of such a prestigious industry organization as the American Institute of Floral Designers,” said Mr. Lacey. “The journey to becoming President has been educational, enlightening, and filled with years of hard work. I thank each and every member of AIFD for the trust and confidence they have placed in me.” Dinesh Popat, President of BloomNet, Napco and 1-800-Flowers Franchising, added: “BloomNet is a proud sponsor of AIFD, an esteemed organization that works tirelessly on behalf of floral designers nationwide. We are thrilled that AIFD has chosen Jackie Lacey as its president.” Prior to being named National President of AIFD, Mr. Lacey had served the organization in several capacities, including nearly a decade on AIFD’s membership committee and eight years on the board of directors. He has also served and chaired several teams in developing many of AIFD’s educational courses and programs.
About BloomNet®
As the floral industry’s most innovative service provider, BloomNet, Inc. (bloomnet.net), a wholly-owned subsidiary of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., is focused on continually exceeding the expectations of its select community of florists. Retail florists across the nation and around the globe rely upon BloomNet as their trusted source for unique personalized service, comprehensive florist care, innovative programs, and quality products designed to increase their viability. BloomNet is committed to working side by side with our florists to foster industry education, build community, and develop long term relationships built on trust, commitment, and dependability.
About Floriology® Institute
As the premier floral education center, the Floriology Institute (floriologyinstitute.com) is dedicated to building a foundation for excellence, enabling innovative approaches in floral design, business, and retail business practices that empower florists to reach their full potential and allow their customers to recapture the joy and expression of the language of flowers. Floriology Institute offers an extensive range of courses, electives and forums featuring hands-on sessions, in-depth lectures, webinars and online learning opportunities. Instructors at Floriology Institute include award winning floral designers and highly experienced floral industry business professionals.
About AIFD®
Established in 1965, the American Institute of Floral Designers (aifd.org) is the floral industry’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to establishing, maintaining, and recognizing the highest standard of professional floral design. Accredited membership in AIFD is extremely selective and obtained only after a candidate has effectively demonstrated advanced professional ability of his or her floral artistry and a clear understanding of the elements and principles of design. Members proudly wear the AIFD addendum on their name to demonstrate that their peers have found them to be “Accredited in Floral Design.” They must continue to demonstrate their “cutting edge” art by meeting specified continuing education requirements.
