Floral

The Floriculture Sustainability Initiative has successfully started-off since its official launch at the IPM in January. A new FSI Executive officer, Jeroen Oudheusden, was appointed in March, followed by Caroline Le Grand, who will take up the communications for FSI as well as for Union Fleurs and the other organisations hosted by the Sacar head office. …

The assortment of flowers in the digital marketing system Clock advance sales has been expanded to include peonies. …

Mayesh Floral Wholesale Inc. has been recognized by the American Institute of Floral Designers' (AIFD) National Board of Directors with the Award of Merit Industry. The announcement was made on June 30 during the Institute’s 2013 Awards Ceremony held in conjunction with its 2013 National Symposium “Passion” in Las Vegas, Nev. …

Several florists were named winners of the 2013 OFA Short Course Florist Design Contest. The contest, sponsored by BloomNet, featured three categories: Innovative Mechanics, Innovative Techniques, and Innovative Container. The first-ever Student Design Contest was also held, with the theme of “Your Home for Innovation.” The contests were held in conjunction with the florist design sessions and workshops during the OFA Short Course, July 13-16. …

Brian Krug, University of New Hampshire, Roberto Lopez, Purdue University, and Diane Camberato, formerly of Purdue University were named recipients of the OFA Alex Laurie Award during the 2013 OFA Short Course. …