What's New in the Kentucky Florist's Association

Lynn Pennington, KMF, inducted into 2009 KFA Hall of Fame

Congratulations to Lynn Pennington, KMF, who was inducted into the KFA Hall of Fame this year. In her introduction of the inductee, Past President Pam Gaddie stressed, "Lynn's most outstanding accomplishment was her determination that no individual who wanted to broaden their knowledge of the industry or begin a career in this industry should be held back because of a lack of finances. Therefore, through her recommendation and direction, the Board of Directors developed many scholarships and grant funds. It has been said that this individual can 'Squeeze three cents out of a penny.' Because of her gift for budgeting, fund raising and financial organization, funds are available not only for the summer education classes but for district shows throughout the state."

Lynn is the owner of Bel Air Florist in Versailles and has been a florist and busines leader for over 20 years. She became involved with KFA early in her career and served as President in 1997-98. She also served as district director and spent several years as the education director where she made her mark in the field. In 2004, she was Kentucky Designer of the Year.

Director

Amanda Heck, KMF, Amanda’s Creations and Florist, Mount Washington.
Amanda has been a florist for 15 years and has been the owner/proprietor of Amanda’s Creations and Florist for four years.
Roger Vannatter Scholarship Winner, 2008.
Education chairperson of Bullitt Co. Woman’s Club.

New District 5 Director

Chad Ellis, KMF, Dreisbach Wholesale Florists, Inc., Lexington.
Chad has been the District 5 Director for the past two years.
Kentucky Designer of the Year, 2008
Southern Retail Florists convention, First Runner-up.

Michael Gaddie, AIFD, KMF, and Bobby Eldridge, AIFD, KMF, once again joined florists from around the country to build floats for this year's Tournament of Roses parade. Above is one of the main floats that they built, "Hats off to New Mexico - BEEP! BEEP!" which won the Bob Hope Humor Trophy.

Destiny Mackey, KMF, has been appointed to the KFA Board to assist with member outreach and event promotion for KFA. She is the co-owner of Fassler Florist and Events in Covington, KY, with her mother, Celeste Mackey, KMF. She attended Northern Kentucky University. Fassler is a family-owned shop in exitence for over 45 years. Destiny is the third generation in her family to enter the floral industry. Destiny loves using new technology and social networking for marketing and always has new ideas to help improve KFA. Contact Destiny at 859-331-7673 or fassler2destiny@fuse.net.

Download the
SPRING 2009
Newsletter here

Election Results
Election results were announced at the noon meeting at the KFA Convention, Saturday, January, 31, 2009.

President Elect
S. Franklin Brinner, Jr. AIFD, KMF
Nanz & Kraft Florists, Louisville

Executive Secretary
Tammy Gibson, KMF
Belmar Florist, Louisville

Secretary
Dawn Eldridge, Prestigious Affairs,
Seymour, Ind.

Treasurer
Harriette Miller, AAF, KMF
Parkway Florist, Louisville

Parliamentarian
Beth Sebastian, KMF
Dept. for Facilities Services and
Support, Frankfort

Director of Education
Mark Bradford, KMF
City Florist, Grayson

Director at Large
Kim Lockman, KMF
Kroger Design Center, Lexington

District 1 Director
Mike Bloodworth
Sebree Wholesale, Sebree

District 7 Director
Celeste Mackey, KMF
Fassler Florist, Covington

For the third year in a row, the generous people of KFA have donated their talents for a great cause– finding a cure for breast cancer with the "Hats for Hope" fundraiser. The KFA family generously donates Derby hats for the auction. It's become a fun competition for designers to show their best work during KFA's People's Choice contest. This year about 25 decorated Derby hats were donated.