 July 10, 2008, Columbus, OH — As a final thankyou to the floriculture industry, the remaining funds from FloraStar ($36,318.50) will be donated to the American Floral Endowment (AFE) during this year’s OFA Short Course. FloraStar was dissolved after 19 successful years when it was determined the unique value of the FloraStar award program had diminished due to the rapidly changing market.
According to Sten Crissey, AFE vice-president of development and industry relations, AFE has the most comprehensive programs in research and scholarships of any organization in the floral industry. Established in 1961, AFE has combined assets of nearly $14 million. Funds are invested and proceeds from the investments are used to fund research and provide scholarships for the benefit of the industry.
Gary Hudson, former executive director of FloraStar, and Bob Humm, FloraStar’s last president, would like to thank all former board members, officers, longtime executive director Mike Novovesky, and the participating breeders and trialling locations that participated in the FloraStar program for so many years. “We are certain the FloraStar donation will be used by AFE to continue to bring new and improved genetics to market in the years to follow.”
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