Del Demaree, Jr, AAF, was honored recently by the Michigan Floral Foundation. The well-respected floral industry leader was inducted into the MFF Hall of Fame at a gala dinner in Lansing, Michigan.
While he was unable to attend due to surgery, his acceptance speech was shown via YouTube. He noted that the award was a "fantastic, humbling honor…I am a simple but lucky guy". The award was accepted by his daughter Laura Shinall, president of Syndicate Sales, Kokomo, Indiana.
Demaree's parents founded the company. As a second generation owner, he took the firm to new heights expanding its product line to include among other things Hoosier Glass, Candlelite Cardette, and Aquafoam. Syndicate was the first company to use barcode shipping, adding a new level of transparency and accountability into the supply chain. He also pushed Syndicate to become among the first in the industry to implement online ordering.
Demaree has served the industry in many capacities including Society of American Florists president and treasurer for the Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association. Among his many awards are the American Institute of Floral Designers Award of Merit, WF&FSA's Leland T. Kintzele Distinguished Service Award and Michigan Floral Association Wholesaler Tradesman of the Year. In 2015 he was inducted into the Society of American Florists Floriculture Hall of Fame.
The dinner was sponsored by Design Master Color Tool, Kennicott Brothers Company, and Teleflora.
The Michigan Floral Foundation (MFF) has been established to support & advance the floral industry; it's members and the communities they serve. The Foundation meets this responsibility through educational opportunities and community enrichment activities.
The MFF will periodically honor outstanding members of the floral industry who have mentored and inspired their fellow industry members. The Michigan Floral Foundation Hall of Fame has been established to record the contributions of those so honored.
The Foundation will support and encourage educational opportunities between the public and design professionals approved by the MFF board of directors. These programs will be available at a reasonable charge to non-profit community organizations.
The Foundation will also make available financial assistance to those seeking to become a Certified Florist, such as providing matching funds when candidates purchase their study materials. The board of directors will furnish applications upon request. Grants will be award on a one by one basis in accordance with funds available for distribution.
The Michigan Floral Foundation (MFF) is a 501(c) 3 organization, every contribution is tax deductible and there are many ways that an individual can contribute to the MFF. They can give a living memorial by contributing a monetary amount in honor of a person’s birthday or anniversary or at holiday time. A donation to the MFF can be given in loving memory of a loved one at their passing. One might request the funeral director include the Michigan Floral Foundation as a possible organization to contribute to. A contribution can be given in honor of someone as a way of saying thank you, or make a professional gesture to let them know they are special by acknowledging them in this extraordinary manner.
Source: The Michigan Floral Foundation (MFF)