Industry Resources - Associations

Alabama State Florists’ Association

George (Buddy) Robbins, AAF, AIFD
7651 Bankhead Hwy.
Dora, AL 35062
205-648-2002

Marty Doty
3101 County Rd. 316
Trinity, AL 35673
205-486-7106

The Alamo Area Allied Association (along with six other regional organizations) is allied with the Texas State Florists’ Association. Together they strive to provide the florists of Texas with a forum for increased professionalism through education and cooperative efforts to strengthen the floral industry. Their contact information appears below:

Texas State Florists' Association
PO Box 140255
Austin TX 78714
512-834-0361

You can contact the Alaska State Florists Association at (907) 333-6908.

The following is taken from their official website:

Allied Florists of Houston is a professional trade association of retail florists, wholesale florists, growers and associate members who work together to provide the highest quality products and services to Houston metropolitan area customers.

http://alliedfloristsofhouston.org/

Established in 1965, the American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) recognizes industry members that meet the Academy's high standards of service to their industry and community. Nomination and acceptance into the Academy is open to qualified persons in all segments of the industry.

Current Academy members include retailers, wholesalers, growers, educators, scientists, designers and business persons in allied services.

Click here to see more information on the AAF section of the SAF website.

The American Floral Endowment is the leading not-for-profit, non-governmental source for floricultural/environmental horticulture research and development funding in the United States. Tax deductible contributions make funding resources possible and support it’s work for a stronger & better floral industry.

More information can be found on their official website.

From their official website...

The American Institute of Floral Designers was established in 1965 by a small group of leading floral designers dedicated to recognizing and promoting the art of floral design as a professional career. Today, it is the floral industry's leading non-profit organization committed to establishing and maintaining higher standards in professional floral design. With over 1,200 members worldwide, AIFD and its members are in the forefront of the industry in presenting educational and design programs.

Accredited Membership in AIFD is selective. To be accredited, a floral designer must fulfill rigid qualifications and demonstrate advanced professional ability. Members are distinguished by the letters "AIFD" used as an addendum to their name. To maintain accreditation, they must meet certain continuing education requirements.

From diverse backgrounds and interests, from small-town florists to large-scale party designers, from college professors to Rose Parade consultants, from nationally known corporate advisors in product development to winners in international design competition, AIFD members are found in virtually every aspect of floriculture.

From their website:

Owners of flower shops in the state of Tennessee, neighboring states of North Carolina and Virginia are invited to join the Appalachian Professional Florist's Association. If you are interested in becoming a member, you may print the Membership Form off our website.

For more information please contact Ryan Salyer at apfanewsletter@yahoo.com or Roddy Bird at 423-929-0575.

The Arizona State Florists' Association is a professional trade association of retail florists, wholesale florists, growers and associate members who work together to provide the highest quality products and services to Arizona area customers.

http://www.azflorists.org/

Arizona State Florists' Association
5842 E Justine Road
Scottsdale AZ 85254
Phone: 602-494-9094
Fax: 602-995-0351

The Arkansas State Florists Association is a professional trade association of retail florists, wholesale florists, growers and associate members who work together to provide the highest quality products and services to Arkansas area customers.

Each year the Arkansas Florist Association host an annual convention in Hot Springs, Arkansas on the third week-end of the year. The Convention is held at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Hotel Rooms are available at the Austin Hotel with a special convention rate, as well Embassy Suites. Both hotels connect with the convention center.

http://www.arkansasfloristsassociation.org/

Arkansas State Florists Association
Margaret Abbott, President
Lunsford's Flower & Gift Shop
1505 West Main Street
Blytheville AR 72315
870-763-7001

The British Florist Association is the only trade association in the florist industry that is recognised by Government both here and in Brussels. As the exclusive UK member of FEUPF, the European Federation of Florist Associations, the BFA is recognised as the ‘voice of the industry’ representing nearly 6,500 florists.

While commercial matters are top of the list in terms of activity, training is an essential ingredient of the BFA service mix and it is currently working on bringing the only officially recognised European Masters Degree into the UK ... a move that will see the introduction of the highest level of floristry qualification available.

For more information please visit the official website:

http://www.britishfloristassociation.org

The California State Floral Association was formed in 1948 to organize and unite all segments of the floral industry at the state level. CSFA is committed to increasing the effectiveness of the California floral industry by networking with its membership, addressing their concerns through government relations representation, and by promoting unity with the sponsorship of seminars and conventions.

http://www.calstatefloral.com/

California State Florists' Association
1521 I Street
Sacramento CA 95814
916-448-5266

The Central Tennessee Professional Florists’ Association is allied with the Tennessee State Florist Association. Their contact information appears below:

Tennessee State Florist Association
Beth Clay, TCF
TNSFA President
1442 Gallatin Road North
Madison TN 37115
615-868-8600

Contact information for the Central Virginia Florists Association appears below:

501 Courthouse Road
Richmond, VA 23236
Phone: (804) 378-0700

The Chattanooga Area Professional Florists are allied with the Tennessee State Florist Association. Their contact information appears below:

Tennessee State Florist Association
Beth Clay, TCF
TNSFA President
1442 Gallatin Road North
Madison TN 37115
615-868-8600

The following is taken from the association website:

The Chesapeake Floral Association was formed in June 2003 by a group of Traditional Retail Florists for the sole purpose of supporting the Local Retail Florist.
CFA Membership consists of Retail & Wholesale Florists, Growers, Manufacturers and Business Associates.

We all know there have been many changes taking place in the floral industry over the last several years that have affected the profitability of all traditional retail and wholesale florists.

Order gatherers have been taking away the local retail florists' most profitable order (the outgoing wire order) and returning to a selected few florists a heavily discounted order that is impossible to make any money if filled to 100% value.

With the help of the CFA, the local retail members can fight back and protect their local customer through; marketing, advertising, education and many other benefits derived through membership.

http://www.chesapeakefloralassoc.com

Penny Bradford
Kitty's Flowers
733 S. Salisbury Blvd.
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-208-0579

The Colorado Retail Florist Association is a professional trade association of retail florists, wholesalers florists, product suppliers, students, and other individual members who work to advance the sale and service of flowers through education, events, and social functions; and to promote integrity, honesty, and professionalism in the floral industry.

http://www.coloradoflorists.org

Colorado Retail Florist Association
3919 E 120th Avenue
Unit B
Thornton CO 80233
303-250-0997

The CFA is the state's only trade association representing the floral industry: independent flower shops, wholesale florists and growers of flowers and plants.

Announcing the new Northeast Floral Expo...drawing nearly 1,000 florists from more than 8 states, with a large trade show, design shows, hands-on workshops, business seminars & Saturday evening entertainment.

http://www.flowersplantsinct.com

590 Main Street - Bart Center
Monroe, CT 06468
800-352-6946

The East Tennessee Professional Florists’ Association is allied with the Tennessee State Florist Association. Their contact information appears below:

Tennessee State Florist Association
Beth Clay, TCF
TNSFA President
1442 Gallatin Road North
Madison TN 37115
615-868-8600

Extra Touch is a non-profit association formed in 2001 by hundreds of retail florists nationwide, working together towards a common cause - helping independent foral retailers generate more business within their local market. Our volunteer Board of Trustees - real retail florists, just like you - are dedicated to offering services that will help your shop keep pace with large floral and specialty retailers. There is a better way to increase your local sales and lower your marketing costs.

http://www.etfa.org/

The Florida State Florists' Association (FSFA), founded in 1921, is a professional trade association for retailers, wholesalers, growers, manufacturers, brokers, shippers, and importers. Its goal is to provide its members with a variety of benefits and services that can help them become more knowledgeable about the industry, learn new skills, and improve the operation of their business.

http://www.flst-floristassoc.com

Florida State Florists Association
PO Box 1030
Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459
866-900-3732

The New York City Flower Market was the first central city market on the East Coast of the United States. It was founded in the mid-nineteenth century and moved to its current location on 28th Street in the 1890's. Many different types of businesses stand together on 28th Street and the surrounding streets. Multiple generations of families sell wholesale cut flowers, plants, dry and silk flowers and accessories. The Flower Market is comprised of approximately 45 businesses, services 2,000 customers (estimated), with 1,500 transactions per day (estimated) and has annual gross sales of over $100 million. Customers are welcomed to explore the market and meet all their floral decorating needs.

The Flower Market Association of NYC, Inc. (FMA) was formed in 1999 to speak for the needs of stores within the 28th Street Flower Market and the many companies we supply. FMA's goal is to increase business for its members and promote, foster and advance the goals and interests of the New York City flower business. The 1995 rezoning of its neighborhood has brought many pressures on the businesses. FMA's role is to give a united voice to address these matters.
Flower Market Association members include: cut flower wholesalers, potted plant wholesalers, pot and basket wholesalers, artificial plant wholesalers, floral supply wholesalers, retail florists, floral designers, event and party planners and delivery companies.

http://www.fmanyc.org/

Flower Market Association of NYC, Inc.
120 West 28th Street
New York, NY 10001
212/741-9254
Fax 212/741-2868

The Flower Promotion Organization (FPO) is a unique alliance between Colombian and US flower growers. It was created to develop and direct a US marketing campaign aimed at increasing consumer demand for fresh cut flowers. The initial campaign launched in fall 2000.

FPO's marketing support encourages the everyday use and consumption of flowers outside of the traditional gift and occasion periods, such as holidays. In the "Flowers. Alive with Possibilities" promotion, flowers are featured as the perfect and natural home decorating solution. Unique usage ideas and display suggestions are presented featuring flowers used in a variety of ways throughout the house, reinforced through all of the integrated marketing elements.

The FPO positioning message is totally directed to the consumer and is retail channel neutral; it is focused on raising consumer awareness, changing their attitudes towards flowers and positively impacting their purchase behaviors without regard to where the flowers are purchased.

FPO's campaign theme and related materials are available for use by industry businesses, groups and associations. FPO has worked successfully with a number of groups to leverage and expand the campaign in their markets.

Please visit their official website for more information.

The Flowers & Plants Association, formed in 1984, is the UK's promotional organization for all commercially grown cut flowers and indoor plants.
It is an unbiased, non-commercial source of expert advice representing the whole floriculture industry. The Flowers & Plants Association educates, informs, and inspires through:

• presentations and designer demonstrations
• promotion and publicity
• phone, fax and email information service
• radio and tv interviews and programs
• exhibitions for the trade and public shows
• advertising campaigns

www.flowers.org.uk

Founded in 1897, Flowers Canada is the Voice of the Canadian Floriculture Industry.  Flowers Canada is a not-for-profit association whose members represent retailers, distributors, growers, educators and associates.

We speak for an industry that touches the impacts Canadians from coast to coast — by providing jobs; consumer value; world-class product selection; design flair, and economic inputs.   Canadian florists take pride in their industry and the contributions we have made to the ecomony, our customers and the marketplace.

Our Vision
Flowers Canada is the floriculture organization of choice for florists, distributors, growers and educators in Canada and is the leader in advancing and protecting our member interests.

Our Mission
The purpose of Flowers Canada is to improve the strength and the unity of the Canadian floriculture industry through communications, education, marketing, member services and representation.

Our Mandate
The mandate of Flowers Canada is to be “the voice of the Canadian Floral industry” in Canada by providing:

• Communcations: To collect and effectively disseminate information of value to both members and appropriate outside publics.

• Education: To promote the means for members to upgrade skills & knowledge.

• Marketing: To expand the market for floriculture products by increasing public awareness and providing members with effective sales tools.

• Representation: To represent members as a whole, to third party organizations and to support individual members in their dealings with third party organizations where Flowers Canada can be of assistance.

The Fort Worth Florists' Association (along with six other regional organizations) is allied with the Texas State Florists’ Association. Together they strive to provide the florists of Texas with a forum for increased professionalism through education and cooperative efforts to strengthen the floral industry. Their contact information appears below:

Texas State Florists' Association
PO Box 140255
Austin TX 78714
512-834-0361

The Georgia State Florists' Association, founded in 1947, is a professional floral association for all branches of the floral industry. The purpose of GSFA is to promote goodwill and cooperation within the floral industry and to support the University of Georgia in it's efforts to be of service to the floriculture industry. The GSFA collective is bound together by common interests, including students, retired florists, university professors, growers, wholesalers and researchers.

You can find more information on their website:

http://www.georgiastateflorist.com

HFSA was founded in 1948 and is an organization of florists, growers and shippers, nurseries and support industries directly connected to the horticultural industry. There are over 400 statewide members and each island is represented on the board.

Please visit their website for more information.

From their website:

The Heartland Independent Florists Association is a group of real, local florists who are working together to inform the public about deceptive and misleading practices used by some internet and 1-800 companies and to make you aware of how to avoid the pitfalls associated with them.

We're the ones who send flowers to your friends in the hospital, help you plan your wedding, get you out of trouble when you forgot a birthday and help you convey your sympathy when someone you care about experiences a loss.

So why is this group of seeming competitors who would rather be designing flowers for you joining forces to spend our time and money on this issue? It's important to us as industry professionals and it's important to you as a consumer.

We've created this website to help everyone involved. We want you to know that your best value, quality and service come from your local florist. We also want to protect the industry we love and from which we earn our livelihood.

http://www.heartlandflorists.org/

For more information please call (208) 522-1150

The Illinois State Florists' Association is the only statewide Association for the floral industry, representing over 2000 florists and floral suppliers that serve Illinois. The objectives of the Association shall be to promote the advancement of Floriculture throughout the state and world by:

http://www.illinoisflorists.org

1442 Gallatin Road North 
Madison, TN 37115 
(615) 868-8606

Contact information for the Indiana State Floral Association appears below:

P.O. Box 133
Monrovia, In 46157
Phone: (317) 996-2241
sales@remindsme.com

The Kansas State Florists’ Association - founded in 1921 - is a professional association for all branches of the floral industry, including retailers, growers, manufacturers of floral products and supplies, brokers, and others who serve the floral industry. The members of the association are bound together with the common interest of promoting professionalism in their industry. If you are looking for a Kansas Florist, shop our membership list and seek out a professional. These professional florists stay abreast with new industry trends and also the latest in care of floral products.

For more information please visit the official website:

http://www.kansasstatefloristsassociation.com/index.htm

From their website:

Our mission is to promote appreciation of floriculture and to be the trade organization for the floral industry in Kentucky. We are a non-profit organization first chartered in January, 1957. If you are a member and this is your first time visiting, we recommend that you bookmark this page for easy reference.

http://www.kyflorists.com/

The Louisiana State Florists' Association, founded in 1939, is a professional association designed to assist all areas of the floral industry. Members include licensed florists, retailers, wholesalers and other individuals who service the floral industry. The LSFA serves the floral industry for all of Louisiana working closely with the Louisiana Horticulture Commission as its' governing agency.

You can find more information on their website at the address below:

http://www.lsfaonline.com/

The Maine State Florists' and Growers' Association strives to provide for all its members different educational opportunities during the year, at various locations in the state, through design shows, seminars and trade fairs. In 2008 alone they hosted both a convention in April and a Fall Design Show in October.

These functions are intended to keep members up to date with the latest trends and advancements within the industries as well as to provide members with the opportunity to talk with each other to gain other perspectives into their operations in different areas of the state.

MSFGA also promotes the floral and nursery industry in other areas by having its representatives go to various functions at the State House, meetings with the State Secretary of Agriculture, and co-sponsors design shows at public fairs to help with consumer education.

MSFGA is always trying to find more ways to promote the industries of its members and to provide benefits to its members.

http://msfga.net/

The Master Florists Association was incorporated in 1952. The goals of the association are:

• to promote the sale of flowers and related products
• to encourage better business methods and uniform trade practices
• to foster friendly relations and cooperation among growers, wholesalers, retailers, educators, and allied tradesmen
• and to work closely with state and national floral industry organizations.

Members of the Master Florists Association represent all facets of the industry. Although membership is open to anyone engaged in the floral trade in Northern California, it is primarily a Bay Area association. A president, vice president, and treasurer are elected every two years. There is also a Board of Directors consisting of the officers and other members, which includes retailers, growers, wholesalers, and educators. A full-time executive secretary maintains all records and treasury accounts, and helps to coordinate association activities.

http://www.masterfloristsassn.org/

1171 Broadway Street
San Francisco, CA  94109
415-298-1943

The Memphis Professional Florists’ Association is allied with the Tennessee State Florist Association. Their contact information appears below:

Tennessee State Florist Association
Beth Clay, TCF
TNSFA President
1442 Gallatin Road North
Madison TN 37115
615-868-8600

The Michigan Floral Association (MFA), founded in 1920, is a full-service trade association representing florists, growers, suppliers, wholesalers, educators and students. Located in Haslett, MI, MFA provides education and professional partnerships, which help to position the members of MFA at the forefront of the floral industry. It is the sponsor of the Michigan Certified Florist (MCF) program; creates and hosts an annual conference and trade show; conducts educational seminars though out the year at the Professional Education Center located at the association headquarters; partners with local wholesale houses around the state to produce design seminars and product reviews, publishes the Michigan Florist magazine; hosts the MFA web site, and interacts with state / federal government agencies. Please have fun exploring our site and discover the joy of flowers.

http://www.michiganfloral.org

1152 Haslett Road
P.O. Box 67
Haslett, MI 48840
517-575-0110

A professional association of florists' in the state of Minnesota

Minnesota State Florists' Association
1738 Grand Ave, St.
Paul, MN 55105
Phone: (651) 255-5917
Toll Free Phone: (800) 868-0665
Fax: (651) 695-3236

http://www.minnesotastateflorists.org/