Bachman Tragedy Leaves Industry to Mourn Loss of Leader, Celebrate Life of Friend
Todd Bachman and the smile that 'said it all.'
The stabbing of two American tourists at the Beijing Olympics this weekend immediately made headlines across the world, but when the couple was identified as Todd and Barbara Bachman of Farmington, Minn., the news became deeply personal to the floral industry, where the Bachman family and its successful Twin Cities retail business are loved and respected.
Shock and grief at the news of Todd's death and Barbara's serious injuries gave way to a flood of tributes and outpouring of support. Given the variety and scope of tributes — from complete strangers, long-time customers, even former employees whose first job had been at Bachman's decades ago — it's clear that his loss is felt so widely and deeply because his generosity and kindness knew no limits. In the floral industry, that wisdom and warmth will be missed, but not forgotten. We asked colleagues and friends (though most would argue you couldn't be one and not the other) to share their memories of Todd and prayers for Barbara, who at press time had been moved out of intensive care. On Wednesday, the AP reported that she was able to speak with relatives visiting her in China.
An event planner in Florida is "rescuing" leftovers from any event, then recycling, re-distributing and re-purposing them. Saved items run the gamut, from leftover brochettes to beer bottles to boutonnières.
When the owners of Haentze Floral in Fond Du Lac, Wis., celebrate their shop's 150th anniversary this fall, the party will be simple — but big-hearted.
Organic fruit, wild-caught salmon and certified flowers may still line
the aisles of Whole Foods nationwide, but, according to an Aug. 2 New
York Times story, the rotten economy is threatening to spoil the
high-end grocer's bottom line. In response, Whole Foods is trying to
recast itself in an unexpected role: a place for bargains.
Californians already know how to set their tables with local food, such as salmon, avocados, pears and grapes, and now a group of growers is helping Golden State consumers pick the perfect centerpiece: local flowers.
Looking for that next "Aha!" moment? Bright ideas will show the way as mental light bulbs pop and strategies are swapped at the Idea Exchange at SAF Palm Beach 2008.
