64th Anniversary—”Mo Rockin` Flair”

Arkansas Florists Association
Pag e 4
Arkansa sFlo rists Associa tion
2 01 6 Conv entio n Edition
Ark ansa sFlo rists Asso cia tion
NEWSLETTER
2016 CONVENTION NEWSLETTER
Bitsy Carter AIFD, AAF, AMF
Hope Floral—Hope
President
I am so excited to have the opportunity to serve an amazing association as President.
This association is top of their game nationally in, first and foremost, offering educational opportunities and networking opportunities. You may ask, “What does this association have to offer me?” Let’s start with one of the best floral conventions in the
nation. Come join us August 18-21st in Hot Springs, Arkansas for some of the cutting edge designers and educators bringing us
their tips, hot tricks and ideas! We have a line up that is second to none.
Also, plan to visit the largest floral convention trade show around....The Arkansas Floral and Gift Market, formally AFA
Trade Market. We will be featuring some of the most unique vendors around and also bringing back many that are staples to
our industry. Come support those who support us everyday!
Let me also encourage any designers to compete this year! Open up your horizons...you never know what you are capable of until you try! Oh, and its fun! Take note of the forms included with this newsletter and also on our website at ARFlorists.org. Involve yourself not only this way but also in many volunteer opportunities.
Don't miss our one of a kind opportunities this year...as we celebrate in a Morrocan fashion ...a floral affair of education
and fun! Join us for "Mo-Rockin' Flair"...August 18-21st. Keep your eyes and ears open through our Facebook page and also all
the up to date info on our website...www.arflorists.org.
Thanks to a hard working, hands on board that makes this all happen. Arkansas is lucky to have amazing people who stand
for not only education but in turn furthering the industry and passion of floral design to others. I personally am more than honored to lead this group of forward, advancing leaders of our industry.
See you there!
64th Anniversary—”Mo Rockin’ Flair”
Billy Wells Memorial Golf Tournament Thursday, August 18 at the Country Club of Arkansas in Maumelle.
Tee time is 10:05AM. This event sponsored by FTD. See website at ARFlorists.org for details .
INSIDE
Mid America—Arkansas Master Florist
Classes—AR Flower & Garden Show
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SHOP WITH OUR VENDORS
Design Programs—Immediate Past
President—AIFD—Corsage Bar
*Moonlight Madness” Plan Now
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THEY SUPPORT US
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Candidates for Board—Keepsake Program—Join Association—Trade Market
Golf Tournament—2016 Committees—Competition-Friday Night Dinner
Welcome Bags—Volunteers Needed
In Memoriam—Convention Rates
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For additional information about the
Arkansas Florists Association
visit our website at
www.ARFlorists.org
VENDOR APPRECIATION BREAKFAST
Sponsored by
Arkansas Capital Corporation
2015-16 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS
Bitsy Carter, President
Scott Brents, 1st Vice President
Shelby Shy, 2nd Vice President
Chris Norwood, 3rd Vice President
Bill Plummer, Secretary/Treasurer
Robert Robertson, Immediate Past President
Chip Philips, Director
Melanie Pentecost, Director
Monroe Cranford, Director
Stephanie Collie, Director
Shane Cranford, Associate Director-Appt’d
Arkansas Florists Association
2016 Convention Edition
Education
2017 AR Flower & Garden Show-Alison Hobson, Chair
- Shane Cranford & Committee
Design Programs
by Stephanie Collie, Pocket Full of Posies, Malvern
We are more than excited to have some of the best names in the floral industry coming to educate
and enlighten us!! We will be announcing names soon, some of which will include Jon Hosek,
AIFD sponsored by Teleflora, and Randy Wooten, AIFD sponsored by FTD. We will kick off Friday Night
with our annual dinner...with a Mo-Rockin' Flair this year! Don't miss constant shows all day Saturday
and Sunday!
Are you looking for a great opportunity to learn hands on--up close and personal?? Call me or Stephanie Collie for information about volunteering behind the scenes. One of the best ways to learn from
some of the most amazing teachers in the nation.
Many volunteer opportunities available....if you can give 30 minutes or a whole day...guess what this is
your association too! We would love to have you! Starting Thursday and going through to Sunday! Step
up, show up and learn more than you ever imagined!!
Thanks,
Bitsy Carter, AIFD
Hope Floral, Hope
870-777-6667
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Stephanie Collie
Pocket Full of Posies, Malvern
501-337-4299
The 2017 Arkansas Flower & Garden Show will be held February
24-26. The theme for the 2017 show is “Local Roots” . Make
plans now to compete in the tabletop competition. Contact Alison
Hobson at 479– 521-1444
Scott Brents—Fairy Tale Florals—N Little Rock was the 2016 winner of the Tabletop Competition. Linda Harkenreader was winner
of a new competition called “Diamond Dozen” .
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT - Robert Robertson
It was such an honor serving as your 2015 President. Serving on the Board for the last several
years has truly inspired me. Because of the Arkansas Florist Association and my friendship
with fellow florists and members I have been able to reach some of my biggest floral goals and
dreams.
I want to say “thank you” to all who dedicated your time and talent to make “Vegas Baby” a
great Convention and a hearty “thank you” to all who attended, florists and vendors. We
continue to have an amazing convention and trade fair thru the hard work and dedication of the
Board of Directors and Volunteers who continue to donate your time and talent to the Arkansas
Florist Association.
Mid-America Invitational Design Cup Competition 2016
Let this be “your” call to action to become involved with the Arkansas Florist Association, the
Board of Directors, as well as your 2016 President, Bitsy Carter. Share your ideas and talents
with YOUR association, let them hear your ideas and ways to make the Arkansas Florist Association truly the best. Plan now to attend the .Annual Convention on August 18-21, 2016 as we
celebrate “Mo-Rockin’ Flair”.
Jo Buttram, AAF, AMF, PCF, Shelby Shy & Scott Admire
And again, thank you. It was truly my honor to serve as your president
The annual Mid-America Design cup competition will take place on August 19th at 1PM
at the Hot Springs Convention Center in conjunction with Arkansas Florist Association
annual convention. The Competition will be open to the public to watch all the exciting
designs come together. There will be 4 categories. Flowers to wear, sympathy, wedding,
and surprise package. Mid-America Design Contest has become one of the most prestigious in the nation. The Prize monies are fabulous with the winner receiving $1500.00
cash, $1,000.00 for winning and another 500.00 if the winner registers and competes in
the Sylvia Cup at SAF. The cash prize is given generously by Teleflora. The winner also
gets the Mid-America Trophy and a Teleflora Education Scholarship, if the winner is a
good standing member of Teleflora. This is the only High Profile Design contest that has
one person to represent their state in the awesome Design Contest. States that have been
represented in the past are Texas, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Missouri,
Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kansas, Georgia, Alabama and South Dakota! Would it not be great to have all
states represented! If you would like to represent your state contact Jo Buttram AAF,
AMF, PCF at [email protected] or call 479-619-8262 or 479-636-0118. if you
know anyone who would like to represent their state give them my number! Time is
running out, deadline for entry is July 15, 2016 and entry fee is only 125.00.
ARKANSAS MASTER FLORIST— Robert Robertson & Kay Schlaefli
This was a GREAT year for the re-launch of the Arkansas Master Florist Class. We were hosted
this year by Jim Gaston and Staff of River Valley Floral Wholesale in Fort Smith and they did a
great job. Many thanks to Jim and Staff, we wouldn’t be able to have these classes at the prices we
offer without our flower wholesalers. Again, Thank You…
We had 15 Students who took the class this year, and the feedback from the students is they really
learned a lot. We are excited to have them get their Master Florist Certificate and Pin at Convention.
Many thanks to Althea Wiles, Alison Hobson, Bill Plummer and Mary Ann Tate, for coming and
sharing your time and talents with us.
We will have Arkansas Master Florist Classes in 2017 in Little Rock, so get on the website and print
the registration application, and get registered now. Reach for your Dreams in 2017. Take the
Master Florist Class, Come to Convention and learn some new Design Techniques,
Attend a Hosted Design Program, Test for AIFD. Education is the Future of OUR Industry.
Robert Robertson CFD, AMF
Kay Schlaefli CFD, AMF
Editors Note: A huge “THANK YOU to Robert & Kay for an outstanding job!
AIFD Inductees
Congratulations are in order for the following members of AFA who
will be inducted in AIFD on July 5, 2016 in Anaheim, California at
2016 Symposium, “Inspiration. Alison Hobson, Robert Robertson,
Kay Schlaefil & Trish Upshaw tested during 2015 Sympoisum
“Journey” in Denver, Colorado and all received an invitation to join
AIFD. Again, Congratulations to the Arkansas Four!
Corsage Bar — Michelle Redd
The Corsage Bar will be open on Saturday from 9A-4P. Stop by anytime to
create a masterpiece to wear to the banquet and show off your talent.
If you are interested in helping out at the Corsage Bar, please contact
Michelle at 501-778-3717 or [email protected]. We need volunteers to
help make corsages and boutonnieres.
PLAN NOW (Florist Review Tip)
If you’re attending the Arkansas Florist Convention in August now is the
time to start planning.
Make a list of your planned re-orders, things that have sold well since the
last show, the types of new products you will be looking for. Keep in touch
on the website at ARFlorists.org for any information needed.
Define your budget before you head to the show and plan your preferred
shipping and billing dates. Arriving with a plan will save time and will
make shopping a pleasure.
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL presented by Syndicate Sales & Various Vendors with Tom Bowling AIFD, PFCI designer.
This will be in Hall A throughout the day Saturday & Sunday in 30
minute segments.
MOONLIGHT MADNESS
FRIDAY NIGHT—8:00-10:00PM
Sponsored by our Vendors
AFA Headquarters Address
Bill Plummer—Secretary/Treasurer - P O Box 500 –Plumerville, AR 72127—PH: 501-208-2882
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Arkansas Florists Association
THE CANDIDATES FOR THE BOARD FOR 2017...
Nomination Committee: Robert Robertson, Chr, Glenn Oswalt & David Goodman
The following slated to run for 3 open positions on the AFA Board of Directors .
Shane Cranford AIFD, CFD, AMF of Southern Wholesale in Little Rock
Rusty Eldridge CFD, AMF of Springdale Flowers in Springdale
Alison Hobson CFD, AMF of Bentonville
Michelle Redd AMF of Bill’s Flowers in Benton
Kay Schlaefli CFD, AMF of Expressions Flower in Fort Smith
Nick Schembra in Dover.
Election will be Saturday, August 20 at the AFA Convention.
Friday Night Dinner
The Friday Night Dinner will be a plated sit-down dinner. Doors will
open at 5:30 PM and dinner will be served at 6 PM (sharp).
It is very important that you be seated by 6 PM. Dinner will only be
served to those who are seated at 6PM. The evening program will begin
at 6:30 PM with Moonlight Madness opening at 8:00 PM. Thanks for
your cooperation.
DINNER TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED BY AUGUST 12
FOR FRIDAY NIGHT & SATURDAY NIGHT MEALS!
From the Floral & Gift Market Floor
by J. Ted Lewis, Floral & Gift Market Chairman
I am excited to see changes happening to keep our association on the cutting
edge. Education through the Arkansas Master Florists Program is in full swing.
Our by laws updates to open our membership is official and I have been tasked
to make changes to our Trade Market to encourage new vendors, even a new
name Arkansas Floral & Gift Show. Change is good. We want to keep up with
this ever changing floral industry.
Encourage vendors to attend. Reach out on our web-site www.arflorists.org to
register. Booths are only $350.00 and many sponsorship's are available.
Happy to announce FTD will be our sponsor to our 9th Annual FTD Billy Wells
Memorial Golf Tournament held in Little Rock on August 18th.
Details on the website at ARFlorists.org.
We are going to have a "MO-Rockin" Time. Come join us.
SPONSORSHIPS FOR THE GOLF TOURNAMENT
A sponsorship for the Golf Tournament is $25 per hole or 3 for
$50 . Advertise your business as the golfers play with a sign on
every hole you sponsor. Or you may purchase a Mulligan—1 for
$10 or 3 for $15. Sponsor a team for $500, play with a team for
$125 OR buy a ticket for $20 to play for a car if you get a Hole-in
-One on the 18th hole.
Come join us at the Country Club of Arkansas—3 Country Club
Circle in Maumelle. Tee time is 10:05AM on Thursday, August
18. Registration form is on the website at ARFlorists.org.
COMPETITION
The Arkansas Florists Association offers many opportunities for designers to hone their skills through
education and competition throughout the year.
Enter the competition in one of the following contests:
Education Scholarship
Scholarship Design Competition
Arkansas Cup
Competition registration form is included in this newsletter or available on the website at ARFlorists.org. Complete rules are on the website. You may contact Bill Plummer at 5 01-208-2882 or
[email protected].
2016 Convention Edition
CONVENTION KEEPSAKE PROGRAM
by Robert Robertson, Chair
It is time to get your ad together for the Convention
Keepsake Program honoring the 64th year of the Arkansas Florists Association Convention & Floral & Gift Market.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS JULY 8, 2016. (HARD
DEADLINE) AND YOUR PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR COPY, PAYMENT MUST BE MADE BY
CREDIT/DEBIT CARD OR CHECK. WE WILL NOT
BILL YOU. Copy of the Ad Form is enclosed.
You can reach me at 479-783-3210 or by email at
BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR
Know of a new florist in town or around? Tell them
about AFA and invite them to join and attend the convention.
JOIN THE ASSOCIATION
To become a member of the Arkansas Florists Association you may
download the application form on the website at ARFlorists.org. under
the “Convention” tab. You may join as a florist owner member, an
associate as an individual active in the floral industry, an out of state
florist owner or a business related to the floral industry.
2016 Committees
General Chairman—Bill Plummer
Convention Chairman - Bitsy Carter
Membership Chairs—Melanie Pentecost, Monroe Cranford, David Goodman
Parliamentarian—Ted Lewis
By-Laws—Robert Robertson, Ted Lewis, Wendell McCorkle, , Bill Plummer
Convention Registration— Melanie Pentecost, Stephanie Collie
Corsage Bar—Michelle Redd
Decoration Chairperson— Shane Cranford
Trade Market Entrance—Alison Hobson, Melanie Pentecost
President’s Reception—Joe Turner
Friday Night Dinner—Scott Brents
Saturday Night Banquet—Monroe Cranford, Shane Cranford
Head Table—Chris Norwood
Scholarship Design Competition —Joe Turner
Arkansas Cup —Kay Schaefli & Rusty Eldridge
Mid America Competition—Jo Buttram, Shelby Shy & Scott Admire
Design Programs—Bitsy Carter & Stephanie Collie
Education—Shane Cranford & Committee
Election —Donna Horton, Glenn Oswalt, Jan Diedrich
Hospitality Bags—Shelby Shy & Crew
Billy Wells Memorial Golf Tournament— Chip Philips, Ted Lewis
FaceBook—Robert Robertson
Newsletter/Website—Garlene Lewis, Alison Hobson, Bill Plummer
Nominations-Robert Robertson, Glenn Oswalt, David Goodman
Procurement—June Owen, Chip Philips, Lance Larsen ,Chris Sullivan, Jim Gaston
Program Book & Ad Sales—Robert Robertson
Reserved Seating—Sara Crain
Trade Market—J. Ted Lewis & Chip Philips
Move-In—David Lewis & Volunteers
Vendor Registration—Garlene Lewis & Terry Bates
Arkansas Master Florist Program—Robert Robertson & Kay Schlaefli
Arkansas Flower & Garden Show—Alison Hobson
Welcome—Potential Board Members Running for Office
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Arkansas Florists Association
Arkansas Florists Association Newsletter
623 Chickadee Dr - Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: 501– 499-8044
Fax: 501-663-6274
[email protected]
Welcome Bags sponsored by Teleflora
We will have our Welcome Bags at convention
again this year and WE NEED YOUR SHOP GIVEAWAYS to put in them. You MUST have your
items to us by Friday, August 19th by10:00AM to
be included in the bags. You can bring the items
to us at convention on Friday morning or send
them ahead to the following address:
AFA c/o Monroe Cranford, Flowers & Home, 245
Cornerstone Boulevard, Hot Springs, AR 72913.
Call Monroe at 501-525-0444 or email to [email protected] if you have any questions.
Or you may send to AFA c/o Terry Bates, The
Arrangement, 769 Park Avenue, Hot Springs, AR
71901. Call Terry at 501-321-2413 if you have
any questions.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
There are many opportunities to offer your services for the success of
our convention.
If you want to learn what goes on behind
the scenes volunteer to help.
Contact Bitsy Carter, President at 870-777-6667
TRADE MARKET - DESIGN SCHOOL
PROCUREMENT— WELCOME BAGS
DECORATIONS— CLEAN-UP
GOLF TOURNAMENT
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HELP OUR VENDORS MOVE-IN ON FRIDAY
CALL DAVID LEWIS—501-850-8729
RETURN ADDRESS:
623 Chickadee Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
64th Annual
Arkansas Florists Association
Convention Floral & Gift Market
“Mo Rockin Flair”
August 18-21, 2016
Don’t miss it!
2016 Convention Edition
In Memoriam
Lou Cook—President 1989 & Education Chairman
Walter Larsen—Father of Brian—Grandfather of Lance
Patrick Daniel Owen—Son of June Owen
George McCool - Father of June Owen
Debbie Parsons—Owner of Parsons Wholesale-Searcy
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“If it is to be, it is up to me” Zig Ziglar
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If you have news you think would be of interest to the members of
AFA, contact Garlene at 501-499-8044 or [email protected].
Convention Rates
General Admission—Saturday $25—Sunday $25
Friday Night Program $50 - Saturday Night Program—$75
Full Registration $150—Pre-Registration by mail with check only—$150
A $5 surcharge will be added to total for credit/debit card payment.
Pre-Registration Form is enclosed—NO REFUNDS FOR ANY REASON
Questions? Contact Bill Plummer at 501-208-2882
Get involved—Volunteer!!
PLEASE SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER WITH YOUR STAFF
AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO GET INVOLVED IN THE
ARKANSAS FLORISTS ASSOCIATION