the bloomin' texan

The Bloomin’ Texan | October 2015 | 1

The Bloomin’ TexanO c t o b e r 2 0 1 5

“Indian summer weather brings a crispness to the air forecasting cooler temperatures are ahead. A color palette that is ever-changing to the

warm tones of red, yellow, orange, copper and brown; green colors of foliages and grasses take on a richness found only in a change of seasons!”

Matt Wood AIFD

be inspired!


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At the end of August, the Floral Industry lost a very dear member, volunteer and Past President of TSFA, Sheri White AAF TMFA. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue through a TFE Scholarship.

There are TSFA members and friends that are experiencing health and|or personal challenges. Please know that TSFA is proud to know each and every member and genuinely wishes you the best, always.

Life is not a race, but indeed a JOURNEY. And …on any journey, there is always a pit-stop or two. Take

notice and appreciate every moment as you may not experience it again. There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind. Remind yourself that there is no day like today!

Our third and final 2015 Texas Floral Showcase in Lubbock, with J Schwanke, was captivating! TSFA is pleased and proud to have so many new attendees at our floral events. With increased interest and involvement by our loyal members, along with new faces and fresh ideas, this association will continue to thrive and flourish.

There is a lot of ongoing efforts by many volunteers that have dedicated their time and energy to make these great events possible. The only place where SUCCESS comes before WORK is in the dictionary!

Our NEW TSFA journey has begun, with our plans and ideas serving as our fuel. Now is the time to put the “PETAL” to the metal and continue to speed towards our positive changes. At this pace and with our great supporters…there’s no stopping us now!

A final “few” thoughts…Search your purpose and always do the best you can.Your life doesn’t get better by CHANCE…it gets better by CHANGE.Appreciate the little things and remember to laugh often.

The Bloomin’ TexanPresidentFrom the

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TEXAS STATE FLORISTS’ ASSOCIATIONP.O. Box 170760 | Austin, Texas 78717 | 512.834-0361 | FAX 512.834.2150 | 800.375.0361 | www.tsfa.org | E-mail [email protected]

TSFA BOARDPresident Susan Weatherford

Immediate Past President Pam Fuller AAF TMFA First Vice President Norman Northen TMFA

Second Vice President Mary McCarthy AIFD TMFA Retail Directors

Elaine Carrell TMFA | Bruce McShan | Sandy Ramirez TMFA Wholesale Director Luke Harwell TMF

Grower Director Patrick Berry

STAFFExecutive Director | Bloomin’ Texan Editor | Dianna Nordman AAFAdministrative Assistant | Tanner Kudela | Production | Barb DonovanCover Credit | Cover Design courtesy of Texas Floral Education Bronze Level Underwriter WinwardDesigner | Winward Creative Director Matt Wood AIFD

2015-2016 TSFA BLOOMIN’ TEXAN EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARDNora Cisneros TMFA | Annie Fentz-Smith | Sheri Jentsch TMF | Dov E. Kupfer AIFD CFDLynn Lary McLean AAF AIFD PFCI TMF | Sandy J. Ramirez TMFA

The Bloomin’ Texan USPS 304-350.is published monthly, except for July. $8 of the annual membership dues is applied toward a subscription to The Bloomin’ Texan. Located at 9004-C Anderson Mill Rd., Austin, TX 78729. Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas and at additional mailing offices. Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect official policy of the Texas State Florists’ Association. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Bloomin’ Texan, P.O. Box 170760, Austin, TX 78717.

O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5 | V O L U M E X X X XI | N U M B E R 10

Susan Weatherford

The Value of TSFA Membership

4-7

8

9-1213 14

15

17-19

2021

22

EDUCATION

NETWORKING & TRAINING

INVOLVEMENT

CERTIFICATION

VOLUNTEER

REPRESENTATION

SUPPORT

INSURANCE & SAVINGS

PROMOTION & MARKETING

COMPETITION & SCHOLARSHIPS


In this issue, we will share many valuable reasons to get involved, enhance your professional development through education and certification, and make an impact on your industry by giving back.

Being actively involved in the Texas State Florists’ Association can be valuable in many areas of your life, both personally and professionally.

Cultivating Member Success and a Strong Floral Community for 101 Years!Education | Networking | Involvement | Certification | Training | Volunteer | Representation | Support

Insurance | Savings | Promotion | Marketing | Social | Competition | Scholarships

The Value of TSFA Membership

The Bloomin’ Texan | January 2015 | 17

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by

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LEVEL

1 FLORAL DESIG

N C

ERTIFICATIO

N

Principles & Elements Curriculum

January 27, 2016The Summit Club | Longview, Texas

Chair: Shana Brittain TMFA

March 30, 2016Club at Sonterra | San Antonio, Texas

Chair: Cheryl Vaughan TMFA

July 16-17, 2016Tapatio Springs | Boerne, Texas

Chair: Gina Waters TMF

October 8-9, 2016InterContinental Dallas | Dallas, Texas

Chair: Charles Ingrum

Professional Development

EducationCertification


LEVEL TWO

FLORA

L DESIGN CERTIFICAT

ION

E X P O • 2 0 1 7


K evin comes to the floral industry with a background in art that

includes a concentration in sculpture and weaving. He has been

in the floral industry for more than forty years.

Kevin is a freelance designer with his company KLY Floral International offering design shows, trend consulting and personal tutor in store design programs. He is an Oasis Design Director creating designs for shows, Smithers Oasis IDEA Magazine, advertisements and Oasis IDEA channel on YouTube. Kevin has also worked on product development and color palettes for Smithers Oasis. He is a Teleflora Education Specialist presenting design shows and classes around the country. He has worked on both the current Teleflora Selection Guide and the Teleflora Wedding Guide. Kevin has been featured in Teleflora’s Flowers& Magazine numerous times. He has worked with Accent Décor to produce designs for their catalogs, their “T2” video series and set up their showrooms across the country. Kevin is a certified member of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) (CFD) and is also a Past President of AIFD. He is a member of PFCI, the Professional Floral Communicators International. He is a member of the Canadian Academy of Floral Artists (CAFA). Kevin is a past President of the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Florists Association (WUMFA). Nationally he has designed and judged for garden clubs, wholesalers, state associations, floral organizations and floral wire services. He has presented at several of the Art In Bloom weekends as a guest speaker and judge. Kevin was a presenter at the 2011 Newport Flower & Garden Show “Entertaining Newport Style” in Newport, RI. Kevin was a member of the Design Team for the Inauguration of President George H.W. Bush in Washington, DC 1989. He was a Design Team Captain for the Inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993. He has presented international design programs and taught classes in England, Ireland, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Canada and Puerto Rico. Kevin was honored to be a Judge for the 1997 Tournament Of Roses Parade in Pasadena California. In 1999 he was a member of the floral design team for the Fiesta Float Company. In his personal time he enjoys his hobby of fused glass design and garden railroading.

Kevin Ylvisaker AIFD CFD PFCI CAFA Floral Trend Consultant

TSFA is pleased to announce Kevin Ylvisaker as the featured presenter at the 2016

Texas Floral Showcases and the Texas Floral Forums

He will take us “Beyond the Basics!”


J SCHWANKE The Flower ExpertBasics 101…Anything but Basic

Number 1 all the way – a great

learning experience for anyone.

— Lana King TMF

“

Members share the reason they attend educational events!

Education and inspiration go hand in hand,

and that is exactly what the Texas Floral

Expo brings to the Design Table.

— Fabian Salcedo ”The lineup of talented designers and presenters

was amazing! So many new ideas were

presented! Loved every session.

— Amy Neugebauer TMF

“”

“ ”

Educa

tion


Texas Thanks J SchwankeTexas was thrilled to host J Schwanke as he traveled through Texas

presenting Basics 101! The program was Anything but Basic! Filled

with tips and techniques to use in the flower shop

each and every day, he truly made

a difference in educating today’s

florists as Texas launched the new

approach to floral education in

Texas! With heartfelt

appreciation, Texas thanks

you!!! What a year it has been!

J is Brilliant on the Basics!What did we ever do without Oasis Floral Adhesive?! We have created Duchess Roses for years! Glamellias were made from Gladiola blossoms even before that! With Oasis Floral Adhesive the possibilities are endless! Take a look at what a few petals combined with a little creativity presents in this composite beauty! Photos courtesy of uBloom.com Flower Expert J Schwanke AAF AIFD PFCI TMF

Talk about Quick and Easy and right on Trend! To highlight your Fall design, all it takes it a spritz of Design Master to glaze the succulent in copper! Metallics is what it is all about so take that extra minute to stand out and offer a new look for Fall! Photos courtesy of uBloom.com Flower Expert J Schwanke AAF AIFD PFCI TMF

Glass empowers and reflects the beauty in a design so why not take it inside! The beauty of pin cushion protea is enhanced with a combination of textures all placed within the glass with just a little extending to invite you in. An understanding of texture separates the novice from the master. Begin today to study this element of design and quickly see how an understanding makes all the difference. Photos courtesy of uBloom.com Flower Expert J Schwanke AAF AIFD PFCI TMF


Netw

orking

Train

ing A S S O C I A T I O NS C H O O L O F F L O R A L D E S I G N

Welcome to a Career

in Floral DesignLet your creativity flower in a

comprehensive 2-week intensive program to train florists

c Basic Floral Designc Wedding Designc Sympathy Designc Floral Management/Care and Handling of Cut Flowers, Foliage and Plants

Locations:Houston

2030 North Loop West, Suite 103

Houston, TX 77018

Austin12108 Roxie Dr

Austin, TX 78729

www.tsfaschooloffloraldesign.com

Industry Networking Happens Everywhere

Texas Floral Expo

Texas Floral Showcases

Committee meetings

Board meetings

Social media

Take advantage of the opportunities and get involved!


A fter analyzing for more than a decade the different

segments of the floral industry our hall of fame recipient was founded in 1986.

The core of development continues today to place heart, mind, and soul into even the smallest of decisions. It has long been with commitment, a passion for this industry, and willingness to provide education that has made the difference that contributes to their success.

Left to Right: Texas Floral Events Coordinator Lynn Lary McLean, Oscar Fernandez, Director of Sales, Rio Roses,TSFA President Susan Weatherford, Yvette Speziani, Director of Marketing, Rio Roses

Involvement

Hall of Fame Award — Rio Roses

“It has been said that we do not remember days.We remember moments.”

From the time of their founding they have made a difference in this industry, setting out to accomplish what others had not yet done.

All levels of harvest, grading, and packaging defined an unsurpassed quality leading to the development of a brand that would become known worldwide. When invited to be a Texas Floral Education Underwriter, they not only stepped up to the plate but exceeded all expectations. The support that has been shown to Texas

in each and every project presented has helped us to surpass what we hoped to accomplish.

It will be these qualities that will continue to be the secret of their success for years to come.

It has been said that we do not remember days. We remember moments. Thank you Rio Roses for creating moments to remember each and every day.

Presented by Lynn Lary McLean AAF AIFD PFCI TMF


have had the distinct pleasure of being involved with the

Memorial Day Flowers program in Houston for the last three years. This year, it was especially heart wrenching for me due to the fact my father SSGT James Frank Whitmore passed away from a traumatic head injury on April 2, 2015. At that time we started thinking of a time our family and friends could all get together for his celebration of life. My brother and sisters were pretty busy in April so it would have to be May and the later it got to the end of the month I saw Memorial Day coming up and told my siblings, “Wow, wouldn’t that be awesome if we could bring the Memorial Day Flowers program in Sacramento for Dad”. They all agreed that it would be something he would have been proud of, so we set the wheels in motion.

Our first obstacle was my father’s ceremony. When my sister Erin Hill called the Sacramento Valley Veterans Cemetery they said that they usually don’t have services on Sunday or for that matter a holiday weekend but they just so happen to have a service on Sunday morning and they cleared the way for our fathers’ service at 11am on Sunday, May 24, 2015 with full military honor. I cried knowing that this was meant to be.

In 2014, we received enough donations for 3,000 roses for the Houston National Cemetery’s Memorial Day celebration. I felt confident we could commit to no less than that. I set my sights on 3,000 for Houston and 3,000 for Sacramento. My husband said “How will you be able to handle two cemeteries if you will only be at one?” “With a little help from my friends”, I proclaimed, so I called on my friends.

Invo

lvement

I

Bea Cerna, my wonderful co-worker and also my awesome neighbor Courtney Versles, agreed to head up the day in Houston and we had many volunteers like the ladies of SAFD who also donated roses matched by Southern Floral Houston. My friends Jessica and Tracy Campbell who have been involved all three years also pitched in to help so Houston was a go!

My family was slated to help in California. My sister Deanna Carpenter got her sorority sisters to pitch in and the Cemetery asked the Air Cadets to lend a hand so we had plenty of boots on the ground.

Now for the Roses. Susan Weatherford asked RIO Roses to provide roses for both cemeteries — 6,000 total. Thank you so much Rio Roses.

We shipped the roses for Houston to Southern Floral where they processed them for us and Bea picked up using For All Occasions van Monday morning which was truly generous since they were giving up their holiday sleep in order for us to get the roses at 7:00 am.

I knew no one in the Sacramento area and my sister worked for a few weeks trying to find somewhere for us to store that many roses until

By Nicola Parker AIFD CFD TMFA

TSFA Members Promoting Flowers


Memorial Day, so once again, Susan Weatherford got on the phone and worked out a plan with an amazing man named Allan Nishita, the owner of Flora Fresh in Sacramento. He generously paid for the shipping of the roses and agreed to store, process, and even deliver the roses to the cemetery on May 23rd. I could not believe it, all of these people were extremely generous in their help in more ways than one. I got a chance to visit Flora Fresh Inc. upon my arrival to California and was pleasantly surprised by the vast array of flowers there. It is a huge wholesaler with an amazing array of beautiful and unusual flowers. I took advantage of my visit and got all of the supply’s that I would need for my father’s easel and took a quick tour of his wonderful facility. Their stem cutter was a huge underwater cutter that turned and cut the flowers very quickly and efficiently, very impressive indeed. I was also impressed by the USDA certified flowers that they have there. Allan stated that they

were organic and could actually be eaten. Wow, what a great place. Their glass and silk flowers were equally impressive. I could have stayed there all day! After leaving Flora Fresh, Allan went to the cemetery and it was closed so there was a little hiccup in our delivery process, but my sweet husband Tim came to the rescue and spoke to the Holiday Inn Express where we were staying and they arranged for us to receive and store the flowers in their unoccupied boardroom. Thank you so much Holiday Inn Express, Vacaville. You ROCK!

The next day was my father’s service. It was a true honor to be there and hear the 21 gun salute and see my sweet son-in-law Barrett saluting as they passed with his remains. The flag was folded in sharp military style with respect for the flag and our father. The flag was then handed to my Dads wife, Nancy. There is nothing so heart breaking as to hear Taps played at your father’s service. It is truly a

symbol of the end of a life well lived, but I didn’t cry like I thought I would. Tears of respect and admiration sure, but not the grief I thought I would feel.

The next day was Memorial Day and we were up early getting the roses from the hotel. My brother-in-law Kevin Carpenter and my Brother Philip Whitmore helped to load the flowers into Kevin’s truck and off to the cemetery we went. This was the first time the Memorial Day Flowers program was introduced to California and it was well received. Cynthia Nunez, the director of the cemetery was there to meet us and welcome us to the cemetery with condolences on our loss of our father. We set up the tables and tents to start giving away roses. Not long after arriving we were greeted by a reporeter from Channel 10 news of California and she did an interview with me, asking about our story. I could barely speak at that time as things were getting a little emotional for me at that point. My father was very proud of my work with Memorial Day Flowers in the past and to be able to do this and honor him in this way was truly a blessing and it’s still hard to believe we pulled it off.

I went on a mission to find the plot for my childhood friend Kevin Tyler whose father was buried in Sacramento Valley National Cemetery so that I could put a rose on his father’s grave. I entered his name the same way as I had done a thousand times at Houston National Cemetery for numerous other friends and received his plot and placement, then I entered my own fathers name and I was shocked when his name came up. He was only buried there the day before and a flood of emotions came over me. It was somehow so final when I saw his name on the screen and I began to cry right there. My Dad was one of the thousands of heros that gave so much of his life for our country and now he lays in eternal rest among our nation’s finest.

I returned to the ceremony and spent the rest of the morning handing out flowers to veterans and their families and the cemetery announced that we were there and thanked us for our participation that day. After the ceremony thousands of people came to get their rose and thank us personally for being there and thinking of them and to just give us a hug. What an emotional and wonderful day.

Many thanks to all of the good people who donated money and time to make this possible. God knows who you are. A huge thanks to Southern Floral, Flora Fresh Inc., and Susan Weatherford for all that you did and continue to do for our fine industry and special thanks to my husband Tim, brother Philip, sisters Deanna and Erin, my kids Devin, Barret and Skyler and my friend Sylvia Sharp who flew all the way from Texas to be with us. I am blessed to have the best friends and family and I will continue giving back. Let me end with a note for the sorority that will be picking up the tradition of handing out roses in Sacramento next year. I will be sure to remind them of a special grave that will need a rose. We love you Dad… Salute!!

Editor’s Note: Many companies donated to the success of the Memorial Day Flowers Program. Thank you for contributing to this outstanding, nationwide program.

After the ceremony thousands of people came to get their rose and thank

us personally for being there and thinking of them and

to just give us a hug. What an emotional and

wonderful day.


T he American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) would

like to encourage you to begin the journey of becoming a Certified Floral Designer or an Accredited Member of AIFD. The Professional Floral Design Evaluation (PFDE) will take place in Orange County on July 1, 2016 and will be followed by the annual floral design extravaganza known as the AIFD Symposium, themed “Inspiration”! AIFD has some helpful and exciting tools and incentives that may assist you in your journey to become Certified and/or Accredited.• FREE videos that give in-depth

examples of the evaluation criteria used on your floral design work. The videos can be found on the website, at the bottom of this page: http://aifd.org/membership/become-cfd-and-aifd/

• AIFD also offers five different online classes. For non-members, the courses are $99 each, but once you sign up as a Candidate, the classes are just $79 each and they start back up in just a few days! These classes are a great way to refresh and refine your design skills, and use the AIFD Guide to Floral Design (2nd Edition) as

the backbone to the courses. For more information on these courses and to register online, visit this page on our website:http://aifd.org/online-education/course-descriptions/.

• Many of AIFD’s elite Education Partners offer courses specifically aimed at fine tuning your skills in preparation of AIFD’s evaluation process. Check out the ongoing calendar of events which list many courses offered by our Education Partners, as well as AIFD Regional conferences: http://aifd.org/upcoming-events/events/

• We suggest finding an AIFD mentor in your area if you have not already. You can always utilize the “Find a Designer” tool on the website, www.aifd.org (top of the homepage). If you are having trouble finding a mentor, AIFD would be happy to find someone in your area to connect you with.

All you need to do is complete the AIFD PFDE Candidate Enrollment Form and pay the Candidacy fee (http://aifdsite.membershipsoftware.org/assoc_subscribe.asp). Then, in February, AIFD will send you the Application to Participate in the

Steps to AIFD CertificationOrange County PFDE. Once you complete the application and return it to AIFD (no later than April 15, 2016) with your deposit, you will have access to Part One of the PFDE: an online test that helps you prepare for the hands-on portion of the evaluations in Orange County. AIFD is asking you to join them in their mission to advance the art of professional floral design through education, service and leadership, and to recognize the achievement of excellence in this art form. If there is something that AIFD can do to help you achieve this goal, please contact them at 410-752-3318.

Invo

lvement

TSFA Congratulates the New AIFD Certified Floral Evaluators and Judges

Dov E. Kupfer AIFD CFD, El Paso, TX | Julie Rogers AIFD CFD TMFA, San Antonio, TX

Ken Senter AIFD CFD, Houston, TX | Kim O’Brien Jones AIFD CFD, Spring, TX

Marisa Chanel Guerrero AIFD CFD, El Paso, TX | Mary McCarthy AIFD CFD, The Woodlands, TX

Pat Shirley-Becker AIFD CFD TMFA, Austin, TX | Rebecca L. Sherman AIFD CFD, Spring, TX

Ted J. Bruehl AIFD CFD PFCI, Irving, TX | William J. McKinley Jr. AIFD CFD ICPF, College Station, TX

T he following TSFA members have successfully completed the new AIFD CERTIFIED FLORAL EVALUATOR/JUDGE program, and as such, are to be duly recognized by AIFD and the Floral Industry. Each certified judge will

• Dedicate their knowledge and be of service to the floral industry • Have the generosity to help others succeed • Be impartial and consistent in decisions at all times • Be able to validate all of their decisions • Have the ability to give competent feedback and praise • Maintain integrity, respect and professionalism at all times • Uphold the AIFD Certified Floral Evaluator and Judge standards.

Richard Ace Berry AIFD CFD

Kim O’Brien Jones AIFD CFD

Kiyomi Kurihara AIFD CFD

G. Alan Masters AIFD CFD

Michael McCarthy AIFD CFD

Nicola Gail Parker AIFD CFD TMFA

Marilyn J.M. Schuenemann AIFD CFD

Donna Senter AIFD CFD

TSFA Congratulates Members Inducted

into AIFD


Certification2015 Texas Master Florist Graduates

Tricia Baker TMFWhatever it Takes 4 U | Atlanta, TX

Kathryn Bell TMFRoswell, NM

James Burrage TMFKnapp Flower Shop | Galveston, TX

Alexandra Rangel TMFFlowerland | Midland, TX

Courtney Rosenbalm TMFGilmer, TX

Tina Rosenbalm TMFBig Sandy High School | Gilmer, TX

Tatiana Weakley TMFNeedville, TX

Tom Williams TMFMark Knox Flowers | Odessa, TX

2015 Texas Master Florist Advanced

Graduates

Josh Anderson TMFAJames Madison High School

San Antonio, TX

Lenzie Fuller-Betancourt TMFABloomer’s Flower Shop

Harlingen, TX

Debra Hill TMFAFlowers and More | Granbury, TX

Amy Neugebauer TMFAThe Blooming Idea | Spring, TX

Cheryl Vaughan TMFACreative Petal DesignsDripping Springs, TX

A&M Consolidated High SchoolAlief ISD

Allen High SchoolAtascocita High SchoolBanquete High School

Beckville ISDBelton High School

Big SandyBirdville ISD

Bishop High SchoolBridgeport ISDBryon P Steele

Byron Nelson High SchoolCalallen High SchoolCaldwell High School

Caney Creek High SchoolCanutillo High School

Canyon Lake High SchoolCedar Park High School

Center High SchoolChapel Hill High School

Chavez High SchoolClear Creek High School

Clifton Career Development SchoolCollege Station High SchoolComo-Pickton High School

Crosby High SchoolCuero High School

Cy-Fair HighCypress Creek High School

Cypress Lakes Dayton High School

Decatur HS Deer ParkDeKalb ISD

Edinburg High SchoolEL Campo High SchoolFlorence High School

Friendswood High SchoolFrisco Career

Gainesville High School Galena Park

Gilmer High SchoolGonzales High SchoolGorman High School

Grandview ATCGrapevine High SchoolGreenville High SchoolHarmony High School

Hendrickson High SchoolHuntsville ISD

Jacksonville High SchoolJames E Taylor High School

Jefferson ISDJudson High SchoolKaty High School

Klein Collins High SchoolKlein Forest

Klein High SchoolLanier High School

LaVernia High SchoolLeaky High School

Texas High Schools Participating in Level 1 Floral Design Certification

The Bloomin’ Texan | January 2015 | 17

SHOP NOW SHOP NOW SHOP NOW

dutch flowersDirect from Holland.

standing ordersEveryday essentials and more.

oasis foamKeep flowers fresher longer!

Get everything you need online in no time.

our one-stop online shop

With instant access to a huge selection of Teleflora containers, farm-direct flowers and supplies, it’s easy to love our new one-stop online shop. Sign on to MyTeleflora.com and experience themarket today!

Shop themarket.myteleflora.com

CONTAINERS FLOWERS SUPPLIES

it’s love at first site!themarket

by

themarketby

LEVEL

1 FLORAL DESIG

N CERTIFICATIO

N

Lehman High SchoolLewisville High School

Louise High SchoolLuling High School

Magnolia High SchoolMagnolia West High School

Manor High SchoolMarcus High School

McAllen ISDMcKinney BoydMedina Valley

Methodist SchoolMillsap High SchoolMineola High School

Mineral Wells High SchoolMontgomery High School

Morton RanchMt. Pleasant

Muleshoe ISDNacogdoches High School

Needville High SchoolNew Caney

Nimitz High SchoolNorthwest HS

Orangefield High SchoolOre City

Pflugerville High SchoolPlano East

Plano West High SchoolPleasanton ISD

Queen City High SchoolRider High School

Ridge Point High SchoolRio Vista High School

Royal High SchoolSaginaw High School

Samuel Clemens High SchoolSan Diego High School

San Marcos CISDSanta Gertrudis Academy High School

Seven Lakes High SchoolShepard High School

Shoemaker High SchoolSkyline High School

Somerset High SchoolSonora ISD

Southwest ISDSplendora High School

Stony Point High SchoolTatum High School

Thomas Jefferson High SchoolTidehaven ISD

Tomball Memorial High SchoolTompkins High School

Travis Bryan High SchoolWeatherford High School

West HardinWestfield High School

Woodlands High SchoolWoodville ISD

Yoe High School


Presented by First Vice President Norman Northen TMFA

“TSFA is an organization of Volunteers, and you are all appreciated.”In 2012, the TSFA Board of Directors recognized a need to create a new special award to honor those with exemplary volunteerism. The award was named after Mr. Jim Orr, a long-time supporter, former board member, former member of many TSFA committees and a man who embodied the title of “Mr.Volunteerism” within the circles of TSFA. Jim Orr was always willing to help in any form possible and never hesitated to accept the challenge to do whatever needed to be done.

Today we come to recognize the next volunteer who embodies his spirit of volunteerism. The TSFA volunteer we recognize has been a TSFA member since 2000. They have attended every convention since 2000. They have worked in almost every volunteer position that one can volunteer to assist whether it be registration, designer workroom, trade fair, auction, assist with classes, education committee, and countless and thankless jobs to make the convention and now Expo, possible.

This incredible volunteer has assisted with Texas Master Florist and Texas Master Florist Advanced workshops, Texas Certified Florists retreats, and Vocational Ag Teachers Conferences.

Our incredible volunteer has served on the Bloomin’ Texan Advisory Committee from 2006-2007. The Education Committee from 2009 to the present and is currently serving on the TSFA Board as Retail Director, since 2014 and Co-Chair of the 2015 Industry Communications Committee.

It is my honor to present the 2015 Jim Orr Volunteer Spirit Award to my fellow TSFA Board MemberElaine Carrell TMFA.

Left to right: Norman Northen, Elaine Carrell and TSFA President Susan Weatherford

Volu

nteer

Texas State Florists’ Association Jim Orr Volunteer Spirit Award


Representation

Teleflora proudly announced the recipient of the first annual Tom Butler “Floral Retailer of the Year” award — Ken Freytag

of Freytag’s Florist in Austin, Texas. The Honorary Award recognizes a retail florist and Teleflora member that best embodies the legacy of Teleflora’s former Chairman, Tom Butler. In addition to running a first class retail operation, the award winner shows the highest level of commitment and service to his local community, is a dedicated ambassador to the floral industry, and provides leadership and guidance to fellow florists. The announcement was made at the American Floral Endowment (AFE) Fundraising Dinner taking place in conjunction with the Society of American Florists’ (SAF) Annual Convention at the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island, Florida. “I can’t think of a more deserving individual to honor the values and legacy of Tom Butler, than Ken Freytag of Freytag’s Florist,” said Jack Howard, Executive Vice President of National Accounts at Teleflora. “Ken Freytag’s 40-plus year career as an ambassador dedicated to the improvement, growth and sustainability of the floral industry and that of his fellow florists are just a few of many milestones that make him worthy of this year’s Teleflora Floral Retailer of the Year Award.” The Texas State Florists’ Association is proud of TSFA Past President Ken Freytag.

M arcia Wilson AAF is the owner of Breen’s Florist, a full-service florist operating in Houston, Texas for more than 70 years. She gained much of her knowledge and skills

from her father who purchased Breen’s in 1986. As a business owner, she is hands-on and actively supervises daily and financial operations, sales and marketing, as well as personnel. Under her leadership, the second-generation business has expanded to include three retail locations. Wilson, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the floral industry, is a member of the Texas State Florists’ Association, the Allied Florists of Houston and the Great Lakes Group. An FTD Master Florist, she has participated in numerous industry events and conferences, where she can often be found sharing her deep well of knowledge on the floral industry and marketing. A committed community member, Wilson has held leadership roles with the Professional Referral Organization of Women (PROW), the Houston Executive Roundtable (HER), Charter 100 (a networking organization for women) and the Federation of Professional Women. In addition, for five years, she was a board director of the Cancer Survivors Fund. She is also active with local arts organizations, including the Houston Art Festival. Wilson earned a bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. She has one son and daughter-in-law.

Floral Retailer of the Year Award

Left to right: Cole Brumby, Ken Freytag, McKenna Brumby and Amy Brumby. Photo Source: American Floral Endowment

TSFA Member Inducted into the American Academy of Floriculture

T exas Floral Events Coordinator, Lynn Lary McLean AAF AIFD PFCI TMF, with the extraordinary talent of Texas

Cup Winner Chris Collum AIFD TMF and Designer Extraordinaire Lisa Schuessler TMF, set a flower shop on stage featuring the products and services of the Texas Floral Education Underwriters. From design concept to merchandising and marketing strategies, these area’s most important to floral retailing were presented. The awesome folks at WTNM through their purchases from the program contributed $1,200 to the Texas Floral Endowment. Thank you WTNM for this support of floral education. Lynn Lary McLean represents The Texas Floral Education Underwriters

Texas Floral Education Underwriters Represented at WTNM

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TSFA Achievement Award —Jimmy Klepac Presented by Jack Weatherford | Written by Pat Berry

I would like to thank Dianna and the board for all of your hard work and dedication this year and for allowing me to present this prestigious award, TSFA’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

This individual has been deeply rooted in this industry since birth. Literally. Time was spent working in the family business during his high school years before being told that it was mandatory to attend college and get a degree if serious about working permanently in that business.

Born in Austin, this person grew up as a diehard Longhorn fan. Unfortunately some wires got crossed along the way and the burnt orange blood turned maroon.

An agronomy degree was obtained from Texas A&M University in 1987, and after a short stint elsewhere, he joined the family business. After only a few years of being back and learning the greenhouse production business, his father passed away unexpectedly. He eventually bought the family business and now owns and operates this business.

He attended his first TSFA convention in 1997, where he had to borrow a suit from Jack Cross, then president of TSFA, so that he could attend the President’s Ball. He has made it to every TSFA convention since then. I think he may have bought his own suit before the next convention, but I can’t swear to it.

One of TSFA’s most dedicated members, he likens TSFA to being extended family. He is a lifetime TSFA Member and has served on the board of directors many times. He has served on almost every committee within TSFA and chaired many; including Legislative, Finance, Budget, Long Term Asset, Strategic Planning, Nominating, Achievement, Bloomin’ Texan Advisory, and Membership.

He has served in the past as a trustee for the TSFA Insurance Trust. He has also served as TSFA’s Treasurer. And even though he is a Past President, he is the outgoing TSFA Grower Director.

He has also been an important cog in the wheel of the Texas Floral Endowment serving on the Board of Directors as President of the Endowment.

He is a founding member of the Ellison Chair in International Floriculture at Texas A&M.

In short, he is dedicated. He is dedicated in many ways. To God and family first and our industry second. A devoted husband and loving father of four children, his entire family has been prevalent at TSFA conventions and events. Many of you know them all personally.

Even though he is still young, by my standards at least, as you can see he has already put in a lifetime of work, accomplishment and unselfish devotion to others.

My friends, please join me in honoring my friend and yours as we present the 2015 TSFA Lifetime Achievement Award to Jimmy Klepac of Klepac Greenhouses!

Support

The Klepac family surrounds Jimmy to celebrate this achievement.


Gold Level Texas Floral Education Underwriter —

Pikes Peak of TexasWhere did the idea come to start Pikes Peak of Texas? The Haley Family has been involved with the floral industry for over two generations. In the early 1940’s, they produced chrysanthemums, snapdragons, and carnations in greenhouses. The family also produced field gypsophelia and a forage crop known as alfalfa. The majority of their production was marketed through The Denver Wholesale Florist Company, where Jim Haley’s father, O. Ben Haley was recruited as its General Manager in 1947. In 1952, the Haley’s invested in the Pikes Peak Floral Company, which included a number of greenhouses, a wholesale florist, and an attached retail flower shop. The family elected to focus its attention on growing and wholesaling, and sold off the retail operation. Pikes Peak Wholesale Florist, Inc. was operating in Denver and in Colorado Springs as a grower-shipper wholesale florist, marketing the production of two different Colorado flower growers when they elected to open a branch operation in Houston at 1620 Tuam on July 05, 1978. The new branch was to be operated as a full service, terminal wholesale florist serving the Houston retail florist market. In April of 1982, the Houston Branch of Pikes Peak Wholesale Florist, Inc. split apart from its parent company, and came into its own as Pikes Peak of Texas, Inc. with a branch in Louisiana known as Pikes Peak of New Orleans.

Left to Right: Ken, Dick, Jim, Lynne, and Mike,

Supp

ort

What feature(s) cause Pikes Peak of Texas to stand out above the competition? What makes Pikes Peak of Texas different from the rest? As one of the founders of Pikes Peak of Texas, Inc., President Jim Haley brought a unique set of leadership skills and experiences to the Company. Growing up in the Denver area, he worked in his father’s carnation greenhouses in Denver and occasionally at The Denver Wholesale Florist Company during the holiday rush periods. It was there that he gained a great fascination and sense of appreciation for the importance of effective marketing. In 1962, he spent a year working in a greenhouse operation in Aalsmeer, Holland gaining exposure to the international aspects of the industry. Subsequently, Haley earned his degree in Business Marketing and completed

several post-graduate courses in accounting along with an intense hands-on course in computer data processing techniques sponsored at IBM in 1968. Working for a national wholesale florist chain in California, he developed and managed a central accounting office for their new branch operations. In late 1975, Haley was transferred to Houston to serve as the Houston Branch Manager for the same company, where he worked for two years before resigning to join the family business in Colorado after the Mothers Day season in late May of 1978. Today, Pikes Peak of Texas, Inc. operates in Texas and Louisiana with four branches known as Pikes Peak of Houston, Pikes Peak of Austin, Pikes Peak of New Orleans, and Pikes Peak of Dallas. Pikes Peak of Texas is managed by President Jim Haley, Vice President Dick Haley, Vice-President of IT Ken Haley, Secretary-Treasurer

Haley’s greenhouses in Denver in the 1950’s. Roughly 50,000 sq ft, the range was known as Junglewood, Inc., rather small by today’s standards. This is where it all began for the Haley family.


Lynne Haley and Mike Haley, Hard Goods Department Manager for Pikes Peak of Houston and Pikes Peak of Dallas.Haley takes great pride in Pikes Peak of Texas’ ability to recruit and retain the best floral marketing talents available in the industry as evidenced by its international reputation as one of the industries’ finest wholesale floral operations. He credits the Company’s policy of a decentralized marketing plan that focuses on listening carefully to its customers, along with a business model that features a generous bottom line profit sharing plan designed to synchronize the operating goals of the local branch with those of the parent company. While it operates technically as a single Corporation with multiple branches, Pikes Peak of Texas’ business model more closely resembles a Franchise Chain operation and as such, it has been remarkably successful.

We all talk of the changes in the floral industry. How will the changes in recent years shape the floral industry of the future? What is Pikes Peak of Texas doing to maintain the integrity of your customer? What is Pikes Peak of Texas doing to help shape a successful future? When we think of changes coming to the flower industry, we are reminded of the early days of the dot-com phenomena when so many of the retail flower shops began cutting out the wholesale florist as an unnecessary middle man in the flower delivery chain. With great concern, the Wholesale Florists’ trade association (WF&FSA) retained the services of a market research firm to learn how the

Austin Manager and Sales Staff, from left: JR, Cathy, David, Crystal, Lisa, Jennifer, Carl, Joe

Dallas Manager and Sales Staff, from left: Raul, Andy, Josh, Lloyd, Allen, Steve

Houston Manager and Sales Staff, from left: Cat, Kendra, Amilcar, Wil, Taylor, Diana, Rhonda, Mike, Tracy, Leslie, Tommy (kneeling)

What do you find today’s floral consumer is looking for? While Pikes Peak keeps an ear to the ground with regard to upcoming trends & preferences, it knows that it is the Company’s suppliers who spend a great deal of their resources to determine future trends and color preferences that floral consumer will likely be looking for. Pikes Peak of Texas has learned the importance of being a good listener to both its suppliers, and to its customers. As an active supporter of the primary trade associations including WF & FSA, SAF, and the local Allied Associations, and with its daily communications with its suppliers and customers, Pikes Peak of Texas has become extremely sensitive to the continuously changing needs of today’s floral consumer. Among other things, Pikes Peak of Texas has learned that its customers will be looking for both a broad selection of the highest grade flowers available in the world markets at reasonable prices, and an equally broad selection of high quality floral supplies.

In what way do you directly help those selling flowers today meet the need of the consumer?As mentioned earlier, Pikes Peak of Texas depends heavily on information that its sales force gleans from the frequent and

direct communications with its customers. Pikes Peak of Texas buyers have been trained to listen closely to their sales force for merchandise and/or service needed by its customers. Conversely, the sales force has been trained to keep its customers abreast of the changes in the industry’s trends and preferences. Finally, Pikes Peak of Texas goes to great lengths to respond favorably to customer requests, but without making promises that it can’t keep.

Why did Pikes Peak of Texas support TSFA’s new floral education direction?Pikes Peak of Texas operates in an industry that relies on extraordinarily talented people trained to meet the needs of today’s floral consumer. While there are terrific opportunities for interested students to learn about the challenges offered in our beloved industry, Pikes Peak of Texas finds that far too few young students are truly aware of what the flower industry has to offer. This is particularly true of the wholesale sector of the flower business. When TSFA announced the details of its new floral education program, Pikes Peak of Texas opted to seize the opportunity and jump in with its support. Pikes Peak of Texas is grateful to TSFA for recognizing the importance of education to our industry, and is proud to be a part of this effort.

wholesaler must change its way of doing things in order to stay in business. A year into the study, it became apparent that the retailers were returning to the traditional wholesaler in a big way.WF&FSA had to shift direction and set out to learn what was actually happening. It turned out that the retailers placed great value on the personal relationships they can build with their local wholesalers. The problem is that a national shipper rarely has the in-depth knowledge of the wide array of merchandise handled by a retail florist when compared to that of the local full-service wholesaler. The national shipper’s knowledge is excellent with respect to their own products, but they fall short of being able to meet all of the retail florists’ changing needs in terms of service, advice, and product availability in the way that the local full-service wholesale florist can.Early on, Pikes Peak of Texas recognized the importance of keeping the sales staff well-informed with regard to current events affecting its suppliers and its customers. So, Pikes Peak of Texas elected to utilize a boiler-room style of sales office, placing all of its sales staff in a common office along with the buyers. This model facilitates a flow of information in real time between the national and international markets to the retail florists, who is charged with having to meet the needs of the final consumer. And while things in the flower business can never be perfect, Pikes Peak of Texas always strives to maintain inventories that will facilitate last-minute adjustments to a customer’s order. Because of its sizable customer base, Pikes Peak of Texas feels that it can do this better than many of its competitors. Pikes Peak of Texas is also known

for the periodic floral design shows that are put together using designers that are nationally renowned for their creative ideas and trend-setting techniques. These are the people that help to keep Pikes Peak and its customers up-to-date with the latest design techniques, color trends and ideas. These shows are always well received and very popular.


“FLOWERS ARE YOUR PASSION.OUR PASSION IS SERVING YOU”

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[email protected]

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T he Texas State Florists’ Association

members created a Bridal Gallery in Full Bloom that provided the brides attending, the opportunity to make flowers a part of their wedding experience.

We can hardly wait for you to see the November issue where the details will unfold.

O ctober begins the holiday season for businesses and marketers. Before the holiday mania gets fully underway, it is important to consider how you will embrace the season in your social media marketing campaigns. This is the perfect

time to produce relevant content that revolves around a shared situation both you and your customers are currently in—the holidays. Here are a few tips:

1. Customize your FB cover photo and Twitter header to reflect the season. When your online presence reflects the season you are in, it is an opportunity to be seen as relevant and current by

your consumers.

2. Search for relevant seasonal hashtags and implement them in your content strategy. Using these hashtags regularly will increase the reach of your message on Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.

3. Share content relevant to the season. The holidays are a great time to share seasonal tips and trends your audience will find valuable and want to use.

4. Create a Pinterest board revolving around the season. During the holidays, users flock to Pinterest for seasonal gifts, ideas and tips. A seasonal board is a great opportunity

for you to increase your reach, visibility and traffic to your website.

Marketing

Promotion

Simply Social — It’s Fall, Y’all…

Brides choosing flowers at TSFA’s Exhibit “Bridal Gallery

In Full Bloom”


Compe

tition

Scho

larships

T exas State Florists’ Association held the prestigious Texas Cup Competition at the Texas Floral Expo in

Sugar Land, Texas, this past July.

The competition was beautifully coordinated by Texas Cup Chair Rebecca Sherman AIFD, The Blooming Idea, Spring, TX. Eleven talented competitors from across Texas each made an impressive presentation in each of the three design categories: Wedding Bouquet, Surprise Situation and Interpretive Design.

First place winner was Chris Collum AIFD CFD TMF, Flowerland, Midland, TX. Chris received $500, a silver cup and the National Designer of the Year scholarship presented by the Texas Floral Endowment to compete in the National Alliance of Floral Associations competition held this fall in San Antonio, TX. The scholarship is awarded through the Texas Floral Endowment.

Second place and $300 was won by Alan Masters AIFD, Compton’s Florist, La Porte, TX; Third Place and $200

Left to right: Texas Cup Chair Rebecca Sherman AIFD, Chris Collum AIFD CFD TMF, Texas Cup Winner, TSFA President Susan Weatherford

T he Texas Floral

Endowment Board of Directors would like to thank you, the Texas Floral Expo attendees, for your tremendous support of floral education through donations to TSFA’s Silent Auction held at the Texas Floral Expo. These donations provide scholarships for industry and those interested in floral design as a career.

The Texas Floral Education Fund has been established to participate in the underwriting of new education projects. Special thanks to those that launched the start up contributions to establish this fund:Lynn Lary McLean AAF AIFD PFCI TMF, GreenGlo and the TSFA Grower’s Division.If you wish to contribute a tax deductible contribution, please complete the contribution form or telephone the Texas Floral Endowment at 512.834.0361.

Texas Cup Winner Chris Collum AIFD CFD TMF

was won by Nora Cisneros TMFA, Flowers of Kingwood, Kingwood, TX.

Texas State Florists’ Association extends Congratulations to all these worthy competitors.


Sheri Montgomery White S urrounded by her loving family, Sheri Montgomery

White, a floral industry legend, passed away Saturday, August 29, 2015 at Houston Methodist Hospital at the age of 58. She was born to Ivas and Jewitt Smith Montgomery in Houston, Texas on February 4, 1957 and raised in Baytown, Texas. Sheri attended Austin Elementary School, Cedar Bayou Junior High School, and was a graduate of Sterling High School. She was a Sterling Star and President of DECA. She was introduced to her husband, Donnie White, by her sister Vicki when Sheri served as Vicki’s maid of honor and Donnie was best man. Needless to say, they fell in love and and were married

within a year. They had 2 sons, Christopher and Bryan, whom Sheri could not have been more proud. Sheri and Donnie would celebrate 40 years of marriage this September. Sheri went to work for her parents immediately following high school in their florist shop. In 1985 she purchased the florist upon her parent’s retirement. Serving the floral industry for over 40 years, she was awarded Texas Master Florist certification in 1987 and advanced Texas Master Florist Certification in 2005. In 1990, she was inducted into the American Academy of Floriculture. She is a member of the Society of American Florists and served as Retail Director. As a respected leader, she served as President of the South Texas Teleflora Unit, as well as President of Allied Florists of Houston and Texas State Florists’ Association for two terms. Her involvement in Texas continued, serving as a member of the Texas Floral Endowment Board of Directors. Advocating on behalf of the floral industry on numerous occasions, she attended Legislative Action Days at the Texas State Capitol as well as representing Texas in Washington, D.C. at our nation’s Capitol. Sheri served on the Design Team for the 2001 and 2005 George W. Bush Inaugural Event in Washington D.C. Recognized for her service to the industry, she received the highest award Allied Florists of Houston bestows upon its members, the Buddy Benz Award as well as the Texas State Florists’ Association Lifetime Achievement Award. Her life of service also included serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the Baytown Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador Committee, and Baytown Rotary. While enjoying a legendary career Sheri’s true passion was to help change lives through her community service. She tirelessly promoted the Baytown Youth Fair in the business community as a founder of the Baytown Spur Club. She solicited donations for their Auction which also raised funds for scholarships and monies to help defray costs for the kids whose projects didn’t make the auction. Sheri’s family and friends knew her as a loving, generous, and caring person whom would gladly give you the shirt off her back and the shoes off her feet, both of which would be impeccably stylish. Friends were treated as family, and her family was indeed her closest friends. She loved all babies and animals and will be remembered as a wonderful aunt. Her playful spirit was contagious and her smile made her blue eyes sparkle with delight. Sheri had a great wit and if you caught her at work or play she was always laughing. Her infectious laugh could be heard throughout the room…you always knew she was there. Sheri was just as comfortable in formal attire to attend a black tie affair as she was in rubber boots and camouflage. She joined her husband and boys fishing, hunting, and was just as comfortable sitting around the camp fire at the deer lease as she was at the head table at her Presidential Events. Sheri left this world knowing that she left her mark by her incredible artistry as a floral designer, as a devoted wife and mother, sister, daughter, aunt, and mother-in-law. Her community has been a better place from her substantial contributions and her family and friends have lost a treasured soul. Sheri’s loved ones will honor her legacy by following her example of making the world more beautiful and just. She is survived by her loving husband Donnie White of Baytown, her first born son Christopher Michael White and son-in-law Jerry Allen Perry of Brooklyn, New York, and her son Bryan Jason White; Her parents Ivas and Jewitt Montgomery; her sister Vicki Montgomery Knupple and brother-in-law Lester; her sister Robyn Montgomery Howell and brother-in-law Ricky; and mother-in-law Betty White, all of Baytown Texas. Brother-in-law C.P. White of Texas City, Texas. Nieces and nephews Jared Keene and wife Whitney, Katie Davidson and husband Luke, Melony Kunkel, Joel White and wife Lacy, and Brent White and wife Chloe. For those who want to honor her, a scholarship has been established in her name by the Texas Floral Endowment. Memorial donations may be made to the: Sheri Montgomery White Memorial Scholarship | Texas Floral Endowment | P.O. Box 170760 | Austin, TX 78717.

In MemoriamLois Robertson Frizzell

L ois Robertson Frizzell was

born April 21,1928 to A.J. Robertson and Caroline Mabry Robertson in Bryan, Texas. Mr.Robertson’s business took them to the Rio Grande Valley where Lois met Joe Frizzell. They came

to Austin, where Lois was employed by the University Church of Christ and Joe attended the University of Texas. Lois was employed by the Texas State Florists’ Association in 1956 as Manager of the Members Insurance Program. Her able direction grew the program to such proportion that she added three to her staff and took on the claims settlement process in house, which made her department the major income stream of the Association. Lois was elected by the Board of Directors in 1978 to serve as Executive Director. Lois directed a great number of changes, including the building of a new headquarters building better suited to the conduct of a growing profession. Lois was awarded the TSFA Achievement Award in 1989. Lois confronted the State of Texas comptroller on behalf of the Florist Industry in general and her success in gaining Rule 3.307 http/tinyurl com/. Florists sales tax approval benefitted all florists tax relief on wire orders out of state. Lois was a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and served as Chairman of the 50th year of custodianship of the French Legation which hosts the history of the Republic of Texas. Lois was the great, great, great granddaughter of General James Robertson, who was commissioned by General George Washington. General Robertson led a contingent of settlers across the Cumberland River to settle Nashville, TN in 1789. He also established the first school there, Davidson Academy. He was appointed Brigadier General of Territorial Militia by General Washington 1790. His servies ended in 1796. Others of the Robertson clan pushed further west. Terling Clark Robertson was awarded an enormous land grant from the Mexican Government that included Saledo, of which he was a founder. The Robertson House, built by E.S.C Robertson is still occupied. A portrait of General Robertson still hangs over the fireplace in the library. Liz Carpenter was born in that house and was second cousin to Lois. Lois’ mother, Caroline Mabry Robertson was related to Adjutant General Woodford H. Mabry, for whom Headquarters of the Texas National Guard, was named in 1892. Lois’ departure will be mourned by a host of true friends in the State and National Floral Industry. Lois was preceded by her parents and her husband, Joe.Lois is survived by her son Randy Frizzell and her aunt Billie Mabry Alford of Houston.


TSFA 2015-2016 CommitteesBloomin’ Texan Advisory CommitteeNora Cisneros TMFAFlowers of Kingwood1962-B Northpark Dr., Box 2Kingwood, TX 77339-1752Work Phone: 281-883-7792

Annie Fentz-Smith, Pressed Garden10616 Mellow Meadows Dr., Apt. 1BAustin, TX 78750 Work Phone: 512-992-0003

Sheri Jentsch TMF, Blumen-Meisters111 S. UnionNew Braunfels, TX 78130-4455Work Phone: 830-629-1604Fax: 830-629-1826

Dov E. Kupfer AIFD CFD Designs By Dov E.6700 Escondido Ste D3El Paso, TX 79912-3159 Work Phone: 915-585-0467

Sandy J. Ramirez TMFA, Bloomstreet133 River Bend RoadWimberley, TX 78676 Work Phone: 210-237-8806Fax: 512-847-7968

Bylaws CommitteeJack Cross, Jr. AAF TMFA, ChairArthur Pfeil Smart Flowers803 West Ashby PlaceSan Antonio, TX 78212-3809Work Phone: 210-734-5166Fax: 210-734-5185

Bruce Easley AAF TMFA 109 Launch LaneMabank, TX 75156 Work Phone: 903-880-2955Fax: 903-887-1571

John Priest, Priest International, Inc.2633 Andjon Dr.Dallas, TX 75220-1309 Work Phone: 972- 620-9889Fax: 972-620-1110

Education CommitteeDebbie Gordy AAF AIFD TMFA, ChairCompton’s Florist1031 S Broadway StLa Porte, TX 77571-5327Work Phone: 281-471-2124Fax: 281-471-7525

Debbie Woltmann TMFA, Chair Brenham Floral Company2630 Hwy 36 SouthBrenham, TX 77833 Work Phone: 979-836-3566Fax: 979-251-9977 Debbie Wright AAF TMFA, ChairEnchanted Florist4416 Fairmont Parkway, Ste 104Pasadena, TX 77504 Work Phone: 713-944-4303Fax: 832-850-7687 Joshua Anderson TMFA James Madison High School5005 Stahl Rd.San Antonio, TX 78247 Work Phone: 210-834-0168Fax: 210-637-4435

Shana Brittain TMF Southern Seasons5075 St HWY 87 SouthShelbyville, TX 75973 Work Phone: 936-598-5009

James Burrage TMFKnapp Flower Shop1505 Ave LGalveston, TX 77550 Work Phone: 409-763-8581Fax: 409-763-6313

Elaine Carrell TMFA, E DesignsPO Box 1926Cypress, TX 77410-1926Work Phone: 281-788-7710 Chris Collum AIFD CFD TMFFlowerland413 Andrews HighwayMidland, TX 79701-5835Work Phone: 432-682-1634Fax: 432-682-8949

Shawn Coyle TMF Dallas ISD Skyline Career Dev. Center7777 Forney RdDallas, TX 75227Work Phone: 214-212-3521 Bruce Easley AAF TMFA 109 Launch LaneMabank, TX 75156Work Phone: 903-880-2955Fax: 903-887-1571 Ed Fimbel TMFA 3519 Cardiff Mist Dr.Katy, TX 77494 Peggy Franklin,TMF Franklin’s Flowers1807 N. GravesMcKinney, TX 75069-3423Work Phone: 972-542-0000Fax: 972-542-8435 Mikaela Hall TMF 4958 FM 3383Corsicana, TX 75110Work Phone: 817-480-0746 Pat Hermes TMF TSFA School of Floral DesignPO Box 70801Houston, TX 77008Work Phone: 713-444-6096Fax: 713-977-0578

Gregg Hoppe AIFD TMF McShan FloristPO Box 702442Dallas, TX 75370-2442 Work Phone: 214-686-8433

Sheri Jentsch TMF, Blumen-Meisters111 S. UnionNew Braunfels, TX 78130-4455Work Phone: 830-629-1604Fax: 830-629-1826

Lupe Martinez TMF, Brandon’s Flowers123 N. CuylerPampa, TX 79065Work Phone: 806-665-5546 Kimberly Murphy TMF Gary’s Floral Gallery4465 South TreadwayAbilene, TX 79602Work Phone: 325-695-7000

Amy Neugebauer TMFAThe Blooming Idea15 South Dulcet Hollow Cir.Spring, TX 77382Work Phone: 281-465-8740 Sandy J. Ramirez TMFA, Bloomstreet133 River Bend RoadWimberley, TX 78676 Work Phone: 210-237-8806Fax: 512-847-7968

Brandon Richards TMF, Brandon’s Flowers123 N. CuylerPampa, TX 79065-6419 Work Phone: 806-665-5546Fax: 806-665-4447

Shari Sandlin TMFA 440 S. BurnettBaytown, TX 77520 Work Phone: 713-724-3332 Pat Shirley-Becker AIFD TMFAPS Designs8008 OsborneAustin, TX 78729-8067 Work Phone: 512-422-9633

Cheryl Vaughan TMFACreative Petal DesignsPO Box 542Lytle, TX 78052 Work Phone: 512-970-3446Fax: 512-858-4575

Gina Waters AAF TMFAThe Flower Forrest7101 B San Pedro Ave.San Antonio, TX 78216-6219Work Phone: 210-822-6766Fax: 210-822-2720

Finance CommitteeNorman Northen TMFA, ChairPrecious Memories1404 South 31st StreetTemple, TX 76504-6706Work Phone: 254-778-2242Fax: 254- 899-0242

Patrick Berry Vickery Wholesale Greenhouse4911 E Grand AveDallas, TX 75223-2209Work Phone: 214-824-4440Fax: 214-827-4321


Jack Cross, Jr. AAF TMFAArthur Pfeil Smart Flowers803 West Ashby PlaceSan Antonio, TX 78212-3809Work Phone: 210-734-5166Fax: 210-734-5185 Ken Freytag, Freytag’s Florist2211 W Anderson LnAustin, TX 78757-1223 Work Phone: 512-345-4142Fax: 512-345-1336

Jimmy Klepac, Jr.Klepac Greenhouses, Inc.PO Box 790Blanco, TX 78606-0790 Work Phone: 830-833-4574Fax: 830-833-4579 Jack WeatherfordWeatherford Farms Inc.PO Box 1707Stafford, TX 77497-1707 Work Phone: 281-498-7261Fax: 281-498-4749

Industry CommunicationsMary McCarthy AIFD TMFA, Chair The Blooming Idea8008 Ashlane Way, Suite 110 The Woodlands, TX 77382-2106Work Phone: 281-465-4288

Norman Northen TMFA, Chair Precious Memories1404 South 31st StreetTemple, TX 76504-6706 Work Phone: 254-778-2242Fax: 254-899-0242 Kassie BakerTMF, House of Flowers4210 82nd St Ste 224Lubbock, TX 79423Work Phone: 806-795-1112

David Keith Brooks TMFA Postoak Florist900 Harvey Rd Ste 12College Station, TX 77840-3556 Work Phone: 979-764-0091Fax: 979-693-9843 Penny Esparza, HEB1711 South 11thTemple, TX Work Phone: 254-541-9276 Abel Gonzalez, Acolyte908 S. WillowLa Feria, TX 78559Work Phone: 956-792-7788

Lana K. King TMF Blooms From the Heart9740 Barker Cypress, Ste 106Cypress, TX 77433Work Phone: 281-861-4784

Billie Jeanne Kirschner AAF PFCI TMF308 Bluff StBuda, TX 78610Work Phone: 254-702-8392 Amra Kolasinac, Scent and Violet12811 Westheimer Rd.Houston, TX 77077 Work Phone: 281-761-6300 Robin Martinez AAF TMFA Flowers of Kingwood1962-B Northpark Box 2Humble, TX 77339Work Phone: 281-360-1364Fax: 281-360-1035 Kimberly Murphy TMF Gary’s Floral Gallery4465 South TreadwayAbilene, TX 79602Work Phone: 325-695-7000 Amy Neugebauer TMFAThe Blooming Idea15 South Dulcet Hollow Cir.Spring, TX 77382Work Phone: 281-465-8740

Becky Northen, Precious Memories1404 South 31st St.Temple, TX 76504Work Phone: 254-778-2242 Susan Piland TMF Windsor Florist Mesquite, Inc.201 West Main StMesquite, TX 75149-4225 Work Phone: 972-289-7030Fax: 972-289-7758

Sandy J. Ramirez TMFA, Bloomstreet133 River Bend RoadWimberley, TX 78676 Work Phone: 210-237-8806Fax: 512-847-7968 Pat Rendon TMF, Oak Hills Florist1729 Babcock RdSan Antonio, TX 78229-4657Work Phone: 210-349-6549Fax: 210-349-8945

Shari Sandlin TMFA440 S. BurnettBaytown, TX 77520 Work Phone: 713-724-3332

Gina Waters AAF TMFA The Flower Forrest7101 B San Pedro Ave.San Antonio, TX 78216-6219Work Phone: 210-822-6766Fax: 210-822-2720

Investment CommitteeNorman Northen TMFA, Chair Precious Memories1404 South 31st StreetTemple, TX 76504-6706Work Phone: 254-778-2242Fax: 254-899-0242

Ken Freytag, Freytag’s Florist2211 W Anderson LnAustin, TX 78757-1223 Work Phone: 512-345-4142Fax: 512-345-1336 Bruce McShan, McShan Florist, Inc.10311 Garland RdDallas, TX 75218 Work Phone: 214-324-2481Fax: 214-324-4733 Elaine NevarezElaine’s Florist & Gift Baskets4796 BeechnutHouston, TX 77096Work Phone: 713-661-6788Fax: 713-661-6892 John Priest, Priest International, Inc.2633 Andjon Dr.Dallas, TX 75220-1309 Work Phone: 972-620-9889Fax: 972-620-1110

Hein Verver, Zoom! Roses3715 Conflans Rd.Irving, TX 75061Work Phone: 817-226-3459Fax: 972-408-3414

Legislative CommitteeJack Weatherford, Chair Weatherford Farms Inc.PO Box 1707Stafford, TX 77497-1707Work Phone: 281-498-7261Fax: 281-498-4749

Patrick BerryVickery Wholesale Greenhouse4911 E Grand AveDallas, TX 75223-2209 Work Phone: 214-824-4440Fax: 214-827-4321

Chad Freytag, Freytag’s Florist2211 W Anderson LnAustin, TX 78757-1223 Work Phone: 512-345-4142Fax: 512-345-1336 Tiffany Houck, House of Blooms16180 City WalkSugar Land, TX 77479 Work Phone: 281-451-7744 John Priest, Priest International, Inc.2633 Andjon Dr.Dallas, TX 75220-1309 Work Phone: 972-620-9889Fax: 972-620-1110

Nominating CommitteeDebbie Wright AAF TMFA, Chair Enchanted Florist4416 Fairmont Parkway, Ste 104Pasadena, TX 77504 Work Phone: 713-944-4303Fax: 832-850-7687 Patrick Berry Vickery Wholesale Greenhouse4911 E Grand AveDallas, TX 75223-2209 Work Phone: 214-824-4440Fax: 214-827-4321 Pam Fuller AAF TMFA Bloomer’s Flower Shop2001 S. 23rdHarlingen, TX 78550 Work Phone: 956-425-2500Fax: 956-428-0731 Mary McCarthy AIFD TMFAThe Blooming Idea8008 Ashlane Way, Suite 110The Woodlands, TX 77382-2106Work Phone: 281-465-4288

Hein Verver, Zoom! Roses3715 Conflans Rd.Irving, TX 75061Work Phone: 817-226-3459Fax: 972-408-3414


800-McShan McShanFlorist.com

214-324-2481

Proudly Serving The Metroplex Since 1948

DALLAS

The Value of TSFA MembershipCultivating Member Success and a Strong Floral Community for 101 Years!

Education | Networking | Involvement | Certification | Training | Volunteer | RepresentationSupport | Insurance | Savings | Promotion | Marketing | Social | Competition | Scholarships

We welcome these new members who have recognized the Value of TSFA membershipAUSTIN, TX Megan Murphy512-565-4335 • [email protected]

COMO, TXRachel Claxton 903-456-0962 • [email protected]

CORPUS CHRISTI, TXMichelle Lucas 361-991-5666 • [email protected]

CRYSTAL BEACH, TXAlicia Lopez 409-939-4573 • [email protected]

CYPRESS, TXDee A. Ambrosino 281-330-7219 • [email protected]

DALLAS, TXGina Hansen 214-361-6991 • [email protected]

Richard Trujillo 214-682-0179 • [email protected]

FRESNO, TXMaria Lunsford 281-804-5032 • [email protected]

FRIENDSWOOD, TXCandace Zombory 281-482-7070 • [email protected]

FRISCO, TXSharon Chisholm 214-705-0650 • [email protected]

FULSHEAR, TXSusan Collings 214-733-6355

GILMER, TXCourtney Rosenbalm TMF 903-790-9340 • [email protected] HARLINGEN, TXKaitlyn Groves 956-245-4933 • [email protected]

HOUSTON, TXRebekah Edwards Cunningham 713-383-6900 • [email protected]

Fronnie Flowers-Valencia 713-446-4088 • [email protected]

Julie Lechtenberger 832-647-1795 • [email protected]

Cathryn Linn 713-705-7705 • [email protected]

Lissette Martinez 832-833-6238 • [email protected]

Jennifer Stewart 281-597-9211 • [email protected]

Nu Tan 832-298-9327 • [email protected]

Cheryl Tay 682-802-8772 • [email protected]

Mary Ann Webb 281-597-9211 • [email protected]

KATY, TXHelen Nguyen 832-541-4620 • [email protected]

LA RUE, TXDebra Mulholland 903-876-2373 • [email protected]

LAGO VISTA, TXCecilia Lozano 523-560-1967 • [email protected]

LEANDER, TXSara Allen 512-528-1192 • [email protected]

Stephanie Johnson 512-528-1192 • [email protected]

MAUD, TXPatsy Griffin 903-278-3298 • [email protected]

MIAMI, TXRex Thompson 305-477-4483 • [email protected]

MISSOURI CITY, TXAlice Hsiao 775-200-8619 • [email protected]

PEARLAND, TXMary Cyrus 713-858-2508 • [email protected]

PLANO, TXLeah Bomgardner 972-398-6404 Heather Boyt 214-546-3295 • [email protected]

QUERO, TX Ken Broughton 281-627-4888 • [email protected]

ROUND ROCK, TXSable Sparks 830-298-4130 • [email protected]

SAN MARCOS, TXJill K. Hobbs 512-203-2924

SEABROOK, TXBrittany Smith 281-309-7185 • [email protected]

TEMPLE, TXRebecca Northen 254-778-2242

WEATHERFORD, TXJulie Campbell 817-304-5493


TSFA members support the Bloomin’ Texan. Please support these advertisers.

Texas State Florists' Associations'94th Annual Convention and Trade Show

July 13-16, 2007Embassy Suites Hotel-Austin Downtown & The Palmer Events CenterPlease make your reservations soon as the room blockthe Texas State Florists' Association has held at theEmbassy will fill up. Telephone the Embassy at (800)362-2779, mention the Texas State Florists' Associationand receive a discounted rate of $119 king or $129 dou-ble. Discounted rates are guaranteed through June 21,2007 or until the TSFA room block is full.

The Bloomin’ Texan ◆ May 2007 / 13

A Wholesale Florist

Fresh flowers from around the world

(817) 457-9869theconnectionwholesaleflorist.com

AUSTIN

FORT WORTHAUSTIN

CORPUS CHRISTI

SAN ANGELO

WACO

Joel Paul ShirleyPresident

440 W BeauregardSan Angelo, TX 76903www.shirleyfloral.come-mail: [email protected]

Phone: 325 655-9111Fax: 325 653-8585

800 588-9111

Shirley Floral Company& Greenhouse

2105 HWY. 281 NORTHMARBLE FALLS, TX 78654

(830) 693-7006

109 N. MAINBURNET, TX 78611

(512) 756-4401

BURNET/MARBLE FALLS

FLOWER & GIFT SHOPS

BAYTOWN

SPECIALIZING INFLORAL EXCELLENCE

SHERIMONTGOMERY

WHITEAAF • TMFA

610 PARK STREETBAYTOWN, TX 77520281•427•7454888•538•7721

TSFA Order Exchange NetworkSupport Your Advertisers!

SAN ANTONIOABILENE

Gary NormanOwner

1800 Industrial - Abilene, TX 79602

Phone: (325) 695-7000 www.garysfloralgallery.com

Greg Waters

SAN ANTONIO

1-800-252-9145Fax 1-512-345-1336

Ken Freytag • TSFA Past Presidentwww.freytagsflorist.com

DALLAS

Design Smart…Find it Here

AUSTIN

Est. 1935401 WEST 20TH STREETHOUSTON, TEXAS 77008 713.862.8811

800.723.3252fax 713.864.2686

www.heightsfloralshop.com

HOUSTON

Texas State Florists' Associations'94th Annual Convention and Trade Show

July 13-16, 2007Embassy Suites Hotel-Austin Downtown & The Palmer Events CenterPlease make your reservations soon as the room blockthe Texas State Florists' Association has held at theEmbassy will fill up. Telephone the Embassy at (800)362-2779, mention the Texas State Florists' Associationand receive a discounted rate of $119 king or $129 dou-ble. Discounted rates are guaranteed through June 21,2007 or until the TSFA room block is full.

The Bloomin’ Texan ◆ May 2007 / 13

A Wholesale Florist

Fresh flowers from around the world

(817) 457-9869theconnectionwholesaleflorist.com

AUSTIN

FORT WORTHAUSTIN

CORPUS CHRISTI

SAN ANGELO

WACO

Joel Paul ShirleyPresident

440 W BeauregardSan Angelo, TX 76903www.shirleyfloral.come-mail: [email protected]

Phone: 325 655-9111Fax: 325 653-8585

800 588-9111

Shirley Floral Company& Greenhouse

2105 HWY. 281 NORTHMARBLE FALLS, TX 78654

(830) 693-7006

109 N. MAINBURNET, TX 78611

(512) 756-4401

BURNET/MARBLE FALLS

FLOWER & GIFT SHOPS

BAYTOWN

SPECIALIZING INFLORAL EXCELLENCE

SHERIMONTGOMERY

WHITEAAF • TMFA

610 PARK STREETBAYTOWN, TX 77520281•427•7454888•538•7721

TSFA Order Exchange NetworkSupport Your Advertisers!

SAN ANTONIOABILENE

Gary NormanOwner

1800 Industrial - Abilene, TX 79602

Phone: (325) 695-7000 www.garysfloralgallery.com

Greg Waters

SAN ANTONIO

1-800-252-9145Fax 1-512-345-1336

Ken Freytag • TSFA Past Presidentwww.freytagsflorist.com

DALLAS

Design Smart…Find it Here

CORPUS CHRISTI

TSFA Calendar of Events

OCTOBER12 Columbus Day (Observed)

12- TSFA School of Floral Design Classes

15 Houston and Austin, Texas.

Basic Floral Design | Wedding

Design | Sympathy Design | Floral

Management | Care & Handling of

Cut Flowers and Foliages.

For registration information

telephone the TSFA office at

512.834.0361 or online at

texasschooloffloraldesign.com.

16 Bosses Day

19- TSFA School of Floral Design Classes

22 Houston and Austin, Texas.

Basic Floral Design | Wedding

Design | Sympathy Design | Floral

Management | Care & Handling of

Cut Flowers and Foliages.

For registration information

telephone the TSFA office at

512.834.0361 or online at

texasschooloffloraldesign.com.

21 TSFA Education Committee meeting,

TSFA School of Floral Design,

Austin, Texas 10:00 am

28 TSFA Finance Committee meeting,

TSFA School of Floral Design,

Austin, Texas 10:00 am

31 Halloween

NOVEMBER1 Daylight Savings Time

8 TSFA Board of Directors Meeting

11 Veteran’s Day

26 Thanksgiving

TSFA AdvertisersInside Cover BloomNet | 866.256.6663

27 Freytag’s Florist | 800.252.9145 | www.freytagsflorist.com

27 Heights Floral Shop | 713.862.8811 | 800.723.3252 | www.heightsfloralshop.com

26 McShan Florist | 800.331.3349, ext. 7931 | www.mcshanflorist.com

Back Cover Teleflora | 800.421.2815 | www.myteleflora.com | 800.291.1061 | 512.834.0361

27 Tubbs of Flowers | 800.288.1978 | www.tubbsofflowers.com

7 Hanukkah Begins

22 First Day of Winter

24 Christmas Eve

25 Christmas

31 New Year’s Eve

DECEMBER


cheer up with teleflora.

drop-shipping got you down?

myteleflora.com (800) 421-2815

When other floral companies are turning their backs on you, rest assured that we’ll always have yours. In fact, we are now the only major floral service that channels 100% of all orders to local florists. We’ve been a faithful partner for over 80 years, and we’ll continue to support you foryears to come. So smile—our future together is looking bright.

©2015 Teleflora. All Rights Reserved. FM12319

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