The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) members consist of thousands of growers of flowers and ornamental plants around the world who are together united by one essential goal – promoting the place of plants in people’s lives.
AIPH hosts several conferences, webinars and events such as the International Grower of the Year award throughout the year. Read about these along with the latest news about the association’s activities.
AIPH’s key aim is to stimulate demand for ornamental trees, plants and flowers worldwide. We are committed to supporting growers in achieving this by protecting and promoting the interests of the industry.
The American Floral Endowment (AFE) announces appointments
The American Floral Endowment (AFE) announces the appointment of its new Chairman of the Board and incoming Trustees. The announcement was made during AFE’s annual event, Funding the Future of Floriculture, held last Tuesday, September 6, 2022, in Orlando, Florida, at the SAF Convention.
Current AFE Chairman Laura Shinall of FreshPath Marketing spoke about her two years of leadership during COVID-19 and her work with the Trustees during this most challenging time. She highlighted the advances made through AFE’s new Strategic Plan for 2022-2025, industry outreach, and collaboration.
Shinall passed the AFE gavel to incoming Chairman Ken Young of Phoenix Flower Shops, noting, “The great work of the Endowment continues as it has for the past 61 years and will continue for decades more!”
Young begins his two-year term immediately. He has been in the industry for over 40 years and owns Phoenix Flower Shops in Scottsdale, Arizona. Phoenix Flower Shops operates multiple retail locations and a wholesale division.
He has been on the AFE Board since 2012 and has served as Treasurer/Secretary, Investment Committee Chairman, Education Chairman, and most recently, Public Relations & Development Committee Chairman. In that role, he guided AFE’s annual fundraising campaigns. Ken served one year as Chairman-Elect before his Chairmanship appointment.
Young expressed his vision for AFE over the next two years guiding AFE and thanked Shinall for her incredible leadership over the past two years. Shinall remains on the Board as Past Chairman through 2024.
Additionally, four new Trustees were also announced to the Board. Each brings vast industry experience and fresh perspectives to support AFE’s mission and initiatives.
Jeronimo Herrera of Jardines de los Andes
Herrera has 13 years of experience in the floral industry and has expertise in breeding, growing, and post-harvesting. He is currently Quality & RD Manager at Jardines de los Andes. He also serves as a Flower Council Member for the International Fresh Produce Association and as an Advisory Board Member for Centro de la Innovacion de la Floricultura.
Janet Kister of Sunlet Nursery, Inc.
Kister is the Co-Owner of Sunlet Nursery, Inc, a wholesale grower of florist-quality indoor and outdoor flowering plants. She and her husband started the nursery in 1986. She manages the sales and financial portion of the business. She also serves on AmericanHort’s Advocacy Committee, as Chair of the Nursery Advisory, and as Trustee of the San Diego Botanic Gardens. She was also a past Director of the Society of American Florists.
Jackie Lacey of Floriology/BloomNet
Lacey has over 35 years of experience in the retail floral market and the floral education field. His portfolio includes an extensive background in the retail floral market and wedding/event design experience. His current position as Director of Education and Industry Relations with Floriology, BloomNet, and Napco and Senior Design Team Specialist and Senior Editor for Floriology Magazine keeps him on top of market trends, current design trends, industry education, and retail trends marketing. He has also served as a Floral Marketing Fund (FMF) presenter, sharing key consumer data research findings at industry events.
Tim Noble of Hortica, a brand of the Sentry Insurance Group
Noble has been with Hortica since 2018 and serves as President. Hortica exclusively serves the horticultural industry and, under Tim’s guidance, has also regularly supported both AFE and the FMF. His extensive insurance background and understanding of the importance of the horticultural industry allow him to ensure the company offers the programs and coverages needed to help protect the businesses that provide so much natural beauty to people.
AFE Trustees serve a three-year term and can be re-appointed for a second term. They are industry leaders who give their time and talent to help guide Endowment activities and programs benefitting the industry. Each Trustee is appointed to at least one of the following committees: Education, Public Relations and Development, Research, or the Floral Marketing Fund.
To see a complete list of AFE’s Trustees, click here.
Young begins his two-year term immediately. He has been in the industry for over 40 years and owns 
