Nov 21, 2008

News From OFASource: OFA

After much discussion and debate, OFA – An Association of Floriculture Professionals – members approved constitution and bylaws revisions mid-November during a second balloting. The original process was halted due to procedural error.

All ballots were anonymously received and sequestered, unopened, at OFA headquarters. An auditor from Schoonover Boyer + Associates oversaw the opening and counting of the 479 ballots that were received.

OFA members adopted the revisions by 331 to 148, a more than 69 percent margin. Revisions will become effective on Jan. 1, 2009.

In other news, after two years of being an Ohio-only offering, the OFA Scholars Program is now open to students nationwide. Any student attending a graduate or undergraduate school in floriculture, horticulture or a related field are encouraged to submit their applications.

The program is a great way to expose students to various facets of the industry. OFA Scholars receive complimentary registration to the 2009 OFA Short Course, assist the Generation Next committee as needed, meet with industry mentors, attend educational sessions and network at various social events.

Applications are being accepted until Jan. 15 and winners will be announced in March.

For more information about OFA, visit www.ofa.org. To learn more about the OFA Scholars Program or to submit an application, visit www.ofa.org/scholars.aspx.