Arkansas Florists Association

The Arkansas Florists Association is committed to supporting and advancing the interests of florists throughout the state. Our organization takes pride in providing educational and networking opportunities for all florists by hosting events, setting up workshops and hands-on classes, and providing a creative outlet for competition. We have a rich history and are deeply dedicated to enriching the future of the floral industry in Arkansas.

AFA By-Laws

The rules and regulations governing AFA’s internal operations.

Board of Directors

Elected AFA members appointed to oversee the operations of our organization.

Our History

Back in 1952, the Arkansas Florists Association blossomed under the guidance of Mrs. C.L. Tipton, the organization’s chairperson. The founding committee included creative visionaries such as Joe Hurst, Albert Shepherd, Bill Plummer AIFD, Wade Black, Buddy Meyer, Opal Lawton, and Bill Purdy.

For over seven decades, the Arkansas Florists Association has been at the forefront of the floral industry. With 250+ members and associates, the organization’s family continues to flourish.

One of the ways in which the Arkansas Florists Association has established itself as a leader in floral education is through its annual state convention. The convention plays host to scholarship competitions that promote florists’ knowledge and education. The scholarship design competition is a ground-level and skilled designer’s contest that rewards cash prizes and top schooling scholarships to winners.

Notably, the Arkansas Cup is open to designers from all over the United States, with the Arkansas Cup Trophy, Bill Plummer scholarships, cash award from Southern Wholesale, and a chance to represent Arkansas in the Mid America Invitational Cup competition up for grabs.

Since its inception by Jo Buttram of Shirley’s Flowers in Rogers, Arkansas in 2006, the Mid America competition has grown to become one of the leading design competitions in the nation. Kay Schlaefli AIFD of Expressions Flowers in Fort Smith, Arkansas took over the reins as chairperson and steered the competition to new heights.

The 2022 event saw 22 designers from all over the country come together to compete for Mid America Trophy, a $1500 cash prize awarded by the Arkansas Florists Association, and a $500 cash prize for Sylvia Cup registration, with a chance to compete at SAF.

Looking ahead, the Arkansas Florists Association is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of the floral industry. With steadfast leadership that has kept the organization blooming for over 71 years, the future only looks brighter for this vibrant association.

In Memoriam

It is with heartfelt and fond memories that we honor the following people who have given so much to the Arkansas Florists Association:

• Mary Robertson – Mother to Robert Robertson AIFD, CFD, AMF. Past President of AFA. Owner – Expressions Flowers of Fort Smith.
• Bill Plummer AIFD – Founding member of AIFD. Founding member and long-time secretary/treasurer of AFA.
• Thelma Gatson – Mother to Jack Gatson (Southern Wholesale) & Jim Gatson (River Valley Floral Distributors).
• Shelby Shy AFF – 2018 AFA President. Owner – Shirley’s Flower of Rogers.
• Brandon Red – Southern Wholesale. Son of Michelle Red – AFA Board Member of Benton.
• Corrine Shepherd – Wife to Albert Shepherd – Past AFA President. Co-Owner – Shepherd’s Flowers of Pine Bluff.
• Bige Wray – Husband of Lisa Wray – Past AFA President. Co-Owner – Carren’s Flowers of Searcy.
• Shirley Lovett – AFA Member. Owner – Unique Florist of Alma.
• Ron Winkle – Arkansas Florists Association Photographer of Bryant.
• Sue Dell Black – Past AFA President.
• Raymon Caple – Past AFA President.
• William “Bill” Cole – AFA Member. Former Owner – Accent Flowers & Gifts of Fort Smith.
• Bobbi Blatchford Ecker – AFA Convention Commentator.
• Nick Schembra CFD – Flowers & Home of Benton.
• Bea Leonard – Green With Ivy of Fort Smith.
• Haroldean Wilson – Past AFA President.
• John Purdy – Past AFA President.
• Pat Haering – Past AFA President.
• Garlene Lewis – AFA Website Editor. Member of Numerous AFA Committees.
• Norman Caldwell – Benton Floral Design of Benton.
• Debbie Parsons – Parsons’s Wholesale of Searcy.
• George McCool – Father of June Owen.
• Patrick Owen – Son of June Owen.
• Walter Larsen – Father of Brian Larsen. Grandfather of Lance Larsen.
• Lou Cook AIFD – Former AFA President. Founder of Arkansas Master Florists program. Member of Numerous AFA Committees.