Ann Jordan AAF, AIFD, CFD, MMFD
Ann Jordan has over 25 years of retail floral experience and has studied floral design with some of the greatest designers in the world. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable, Ann is very active in the floral industry and has instructed design classes and hands-on workshops throughout the United States and Canada. She is currently featured in the FTD University video library at www.ftduniversity.com.
The floral industry has been impacted by Ann's work in many significant ways. She was the featured designer in the March 2007 issue of Florists' Review and she has participated in many AIFD programs including the AIFD booth at the famed Philadelphia Flower Show. Ann has served as the Procurement Chair for the AIFD National Symposium in 2003, 2004, 2006 & 2009, and her most recent accomplishment was her presentation entitled River Run on the Main Stage at the 2008 AIFD National Symposium in Chicago, IL. Ann is also the current Secretary for AIFD, as well as the AIFD Symposium Coordinator for the 2010 AIFD National Symposium in Boston, MA entitled REVOLUTION.
Not only is Ann recognized in the floral industry for her creative skills, but she is also known in her community as a business leader and prominent floral designer. She was nominated the New England Business Woman of the Year in 1998 and the Maine Small Business of the Year in 2004. At the world renowned New York Botanical Gardens, Ann teaches all aspects of floristry to floral design students.
A few of Ann's other career accomplishments include being recognized by FTD in 2000 with the John A. Valentine Award, as well as placing third in the AIFD Holland Cup Competition in 2004. Ann was also on the design team for President George W. Bush's
Inauguration in 2005.
Jerome Raska AIFD, AAF, PFCI, MCF
Blumz…by JRDesigns
Detroit / Ferndale, Michigan
Jerome Raska AIFD, AAF, PFCI, MCF is co-owner of two retail floral and event operations in Metro Detroit. Jerome, having been in the floral industry for over 25 years, was previously a general manager of a high volume multi-location floral operation and now shares his design and business experience with florists, garden clubs, and suppliers across the country as a consultant and Teleflora Education Specialist. His enthusiasm and sense of humor compliment his love for the floral industry and his desire to help others succeed.
Jerome currently serves as Chairman of the Professional Floral Communicators International (PFCI), is Vice President of meetings and education for the Metro Detroit chapter of the International Special Events Society ((ISES), is Chairman of the Board of his local Chamber of Commerce as well as many committees for other local civic and community organizations. He is a past president of the Michigan Unit of Teleflora as well as past president of the North Central Chapter of the American Institute of Floral Designers and the Michigan Floral Association.
Having served on the product development team for Syndicate Sales, as well as assisting other manufacturers in product development, Jerome stays on the forefront of trends in the industry. He has received many accolades for his originality, innovative ideas and design talents and continues to share with audiences across America. Highly regarded among his peers, his designs and feature stories have appeared in Florist’s Review, Florist’s Magazine, Flowers& magazine, and Michigan Florist Magazine.
Source: Iowa Florists Association