“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” — Sir Isaac Newton.

It’s fascinating to me that this manifesto was proclaimed in the 1600s by one of the world’s greatest scientific minds, Sir Isaac Newton, the master of astronomy, chemistry, physics, mathematical science and theology. Quite simply, Sir Isaac Newton discovered how the universe stays together.

Fast-forward 350 years, and we have the 2014 Society of American Florists Convention in Marco Island, FL, Aug. 13-16. There, I had the privilege of channeling my very beginnings in the traditional florist business, witnessing both the old traditions and the new discoveries of our time. The giants of the industry were there and the new explorers were also there.

The education sessions were represented by true industry experts conducting interactive learning on today’s important topics: project planning, branding, marketing, product management, visual merchandising, human resources, salesmanship, financial management and technology.  

Many industry giants were recognized, including Ken Tagawa, chairman of Tagawa Inc. in Brighton, CO, whose induction into the Floriculture Hall of Fame will forever preserve his work, dedication and standards within the industry.

David Armellini, president and chief executive officer at Armellini Express Lines Inc. in Palm City, FL, was named the 2014 SAF Paul Ecke Jr. Award honoree, representing his exemplary devotion to the industry, and most important, supplying the resources and logistics to those in dire need during Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy.

Sun Valley Floral Farms in Arcata, CA, led by Lane DeVries, president and chief executive officer, was honored with the 2014 Marketer of the Year award for the creation and implementation of a multi-channel awareness and marketing campaign to promote Women’s Day in the United States.

The 47th Annual Sylvia Cup for Floral Design was awarded to Jacob McCall, design director at The Elite Flower in Miami. Twenty-five of the floral industry’s top design talent was provided with a theme and design elements at the beginning of the two-hour competition, and were asked to develop three distinct, high-style floral masterpieces based on this year’s theme, “Studio 54.”  

Plus, in true “Isaac Newton form,” the science community was also recognized with John Dole, professor and head of the Department of Horticultural Science at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC, and David Clark, professor at the University of Florida’s Department of Environmental Horticulture in Gainesville, FL, winning top awards.

In conjunction with the SAF Convention was the fundraising dinner for the American Floral Endowment, the industry’s nonprofit organization established to secure funding for scholarships and grants relevant to the floriculture and environmental horticulture industry. The chairman’s gavel was passed from Paul Bachman, president of Bachman’s Inc. in Minneapolis, to Gabriel Becerra, president of Golden Flowers in Miami.

There were many other educational events, recognitions and celebrations that took place, but most importantly, the SAF Convention crystallized the precept that the achievement of each individual depends on a community of people.

Indeed, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Cindy Hanauer is the founder of Grand Central Floral. She can be reached at [email protected] or 1-844-MYFLORAL (693-5672), extension 700.