SAF Recognizes Floriculture Superstars

The Society of American Florists (SAF) announced the winners of the floral industry’s top honors on Sept. 28 during the association’s annual convention in Palm Springs, Calif. The winners were recognized for their commitment and contributions to the floral industry.

SAF’s highest honor, the Floriculture Hall of Fame, was awarded to Rocky Pollitz, Teleflora’s former vice president of industry relations, best known for revolutionizing education in the floral industry.

The John H. Walker Award, which recognizes floral industry executives for their leadership roles, went to Drew N. Gruenburg, SAF chief operating officer.

The Alex Laurie Award went to James W. Moyer, head of the North Carolina State University’s Department of Plant Pathology, for his contributions to research and education in the floriculture industry.

The Gold Medal Award went to Henk van Dam, founder of Triflor B.V. in Oude Niedorp, Netherlands, for transforming the tulip industry with a range of new varieties and helping standardize practices that revolutionized tulip production.

The Paul Ecke Jr. Award, a symbol of exemplary devotion to the floral profession, industry and community, went to Edgar Engert, blooming plans sales manager of Paul Ecke Ranch in Encinitas, Calif.

The Century Award, honoring companies that have served the floral industry for 100 years or more, went to the 101-year-old Olympia Hearns Flower Shop in Bronx, N.Y.

For more information, visit www.safnow.org.