BALTIMORE (September 2013) – If you haven’t heard by now the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) is gearing up to celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2015. And in true AIFD style they’re not waiting to get the celebration started. The big Anniversary celebration was kicked off during the 2013 National Symposium held in Las Vegas, June 28 – July 2, where the anniversary logo was revealed and the festivities started. AIFD will continue to gear up for the big event during [URL='http://aifd.org/upcoming-events/2014-symposium/']the 2014 Symposium “Transition Transformation” taking place in Chicago, July 3-7[/url].
AIFD, now in its 48th year, has had many historical moments and the impact that AIFD and its members have had on the floral industry is irrevocable. “It’s hard not to acknowledge what an accomplishment it was for the founding members of AIFD who boldly decided to embark on making AIFD a reality over 50 years ago. To see AIFD where it is now and that it has grown and evolved into the leading floral organization devoted to recognizing and developing floral design as a professional art form deserves a celebration,” said AIFD President John Kittinger AIFD, CFD. “It really is an amazing feat considering all the changes happening in our industry over the past 50 years. AIFD is going strong and moving enthusiastically into the future.”
“I don’t remember the industry without AIFD, and to think that we now have many members who were not even born when AIFD was started is really quite a remarkable accomplishment. I tip my hat to the original twelve founding members who felt so strongly about the need for a group such as AIFD. To be part of it now is a great honor,” says Suzie Kostick AIFD, CFD, 50th Anniversary Task Force co-chair.
The 50th Anniversary Task Force has been charged with collecting information, photographs and stories that will help piece together the history of AIFD from its beginning to the current day. Over 25 years ago Bob Gordon AIFD, CFD worked on putting together a 25th anniversary book that helped tell the story of the first 25 years of AIFD.
“From what I am told very few copies of this book still remain and the information within it is interesting and important, not only to AIFD but for the industry” said Kittinger.
Task Force co-chairs Janet Black AIFD, CFD and Suzie Kostick AIFD, CFD hope to piece together the second 25 years so that all the important milestones of AIFD and its members are recorded for everyone to enjoy.
The 50th Anniversary Task Force has its work cut out for them as they collect and organize 50 years of AIFD history. They are in need of photographs of AIFD events and its members. Photos can be of past AIFD symposiums, regional events, members participating in floral events and really anything to do with AIFD. The Task Force is also looking for documented history such as memorable events that changed and developed AIFD and its regions. They are looking for information on national committees, regional boards and chapters. If you recall something important happening, the Task Force wants to know the details. Those who would like to contribute should contact Black or Kostick.
“AIFD has always been an innovative, forward thinking group, to not acknowledge our past would be a disservice to all those who have sincerely made a difference in the industry,” said Kostick. “We don’t want to re-live the past but we feel it is important to let our history propel us into the future. Our anniversary theme really puts a focus on what the next two years are going to be about: Appreciating the Past - Anticipating the Future. Our hope is to shine the spotlight on all that AIFD has accomplished and all the amazing things yet to come.”
For more information contact Janet Black at janetblackaifd.gmail.com or Suzie Kostick at [email protected].
About the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD)
Established in 1965, the American Institute of Floral Designers 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 worldwide accredited members are at the forefront of the industry in presenting educational design programs and in designing flowers for such renowned events as the Tournament of Roses Parade, Academy Awards and Presidential Inaugurations. More information can be found at www.aifd.org.
AIFD, now in its 48th year, has had many historical moments and the impact that AIFD and its members have had on the floral industry is irrevocable. “It’s hard not to acknowledge what an accomplishment it was for the founding members of AIFD who boldly decided to embark on making AIFD a reality over 50 years ago. To see AIFD where it is now and that it has grown and evolved into the leading floral organization devoted to recognizing and developing floral design as a professional art form deserves a celebration,” said AIFD President John Kittinger AIFD, CFD. “It really is an amazing feat considering all the changes happening in our industry over the past 50 years. AIFD is going strong and moving enthusiastically into the future.”
“I don’t remember the industry without AIFD, and to think that we now have many members who were not even born when AIFD was started is really quite a remarkable accomplishment. I tip my hat to the original twelve founding members who felt so strongly about the need for a group such as AIFD. To be part of it now is a great honor,” says Suzie Kostick AIFD, CFD, 50th Anniversary Task Force co-chair.
The 50th Anniversary Task Force has been charged with collecting information, photographs and stories that will help piece together the history of AIFD from its beginning to the current day. Over 25 years ago Bob Gordon AIFD, CFD worked on putting together a 25th anniversary book that helped tell the story of the first 25 years of AIFD.
“From what I am told very few copies of this book still remain and the information within it is interesting and important, not only to AIFD but for the industry” said Kittinger.
Task Force co-chairs Janet Black AIFD, CFD and Suzie Kostick AIFD, CFD hope to piece together the second 25 years so that all the important milestones of AIFD and its members are recorded for everyone to enjoy.
The 50th Anniversary Task Force has its work cut out for them as they collect and organize 50 years of AIFD history. They are in need of photographs of AIFD events and its members. Photos can be of past AIFD symposiums, regional events, members participating in floral events and really anything to do with AIFD. The Task Force is also looking for documented history such as memorable events that changed and developed AIFD and its regions. They are looking for information on national committees, regional boards and chapters. If you recall something important happening, the Task Force wants to know the details. Those who would like to contribute should contact Black or Kostick.
“AIFD has always been an innovative, forward thinking group, to not acknowledge our past would be a disservice to all those who have sincerely made a difference in the industry,” said Kostick. “We don’t want to re-live the past but we feel it is important to let our history propel us into the future. Our anniversary theme really puts a focus on what the next two years are going to be about: Appreciating the Past - Anticipating the Future. Our hope is to shine the spotlight on all that AIFD has accomplished and all the amazing things yet to come.”
For more information contact Janet Black at janetblackaifd.gmail.com or Suzie Kostick at [email protected].
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About the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD)
Established in 1965, the American Institute of Floral Designers 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 worldwide accredited members are at the forefront of the industry in presenting educational design programs and in designing flowers for such renowned events as the Tournament of Roses Parade, Academy Awards and Presidential Inaugurations. More information can be found at www.aifd.org.