Illinois State Florist Association

Illinois State Florist Association Held Springfield Spring Conference March 10 – 12, 2006

By Holly Milburn
The Finishing Touch Florist
Crete, Illinois
Moving from Decatur IL to Springfield IL didn’t damper the enthusiasm of Illinois florists attending our Spring 2006 Conference. The Crown Plaza hotel was the sight for this year’s event. With events held in both Chicago and Springfield, the ISFA is able to offer these great conferences to shops from all areas of Illinois. Lucky is the shop that can get to all of them.
Shop owners, designers and employees from all over the state were treated to a weekend of education, enlightenment and support. Hands-on classes, business management and design sessions were plentiful.
Designer Holly Money Collins, AIFD with her wedding show “Wedding Spectactular” was well attended. She gave a creative touch to bouquets, wristlets, hair clips and body flowers. Always thinking outside the box, she shared tips on creative solutions to these and other wedding flower dilemmas.
If you take chicken wire, mud and plenty of prairie grasses you’ll get one of Gregor Lersch’s magnificent table arrangements. His mix of elements keeps the mind wondering…”what will he use next”?
If you’re wondering what the well dressed Promette is wearing this year, ask J Schwanke, AIFD. His many designs include ribbon, wire, beads and rhinestones, all with a distinct style loved by young and young-at-heart. All the designers were captivating with their stories, thoughts and dreams of this incredible industry.
FTD, Teleflora and Bloomnet came with their field reps, their newest codified products, their technology and their best incentives for joining their force. Vendors brought their best showing of green and blooming plants, gourmet foods, vases, baskets, silks and supplies for the floral industry. All the newest wares were on display. From “Rock Candy” wristlets to “Candy Stripe” vases, the attendee’s had a fabulous selection to choose from.
In what other industry can you put together shops that are in direct competition with each other and still find everyone willing to share their greatest success stories? I always walk away with a sense of pride to be a part of the big picture.
Thanks to all the committee-people who put forth great efforts to make this year’s program a spectacle for the eyes, ears and soul. JOB WELL DONE!
Make plans now to attend our 2006 HOLIDAY CONFERENCE,
September 8-10, 2006 at Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare in Rosemont IL.