Your Dec 08 / Jan 09 issue of Focal Points is here! With information on how to make your holiday florally festive and how to manage your business, this newsletter is packed with great information and updates.

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Help AIFD to better serve its members! The Marketing Committee is looking for ways to enhance your membership in AIFD. Please take a moment to complete this survey and return it to us by Dec. 15. Our thanks in advance!!

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Order your set of 2008 AIFD Symposium DVDs NOW! They are a great way to remember Symposium, catch up on what you missed, or to gain 10 CEUs. The set features 13 design programs as well as bonus DVDs of the 2008 AIFD Awards/Induction Ceremonies and the Symposium recap.

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Seventy-three of 142 candidates who participated in AIFD's Accreditation Evaluation Session (AES) in Chicago, were successful in their quest to become AIFD Accredited, it was recently announced by AIFD.

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Be A Part of the 2010 Symposium in Boston!

If you have a program that you would like to lead at the 2010 AIFD National Symposium in Boston, here's your opportunity! Don't delay, proposals are due soon!

Fill out the application here!

AIFD Symposium Draws International Audience

Over 1,100 floral design artists from nearly 20 countries around the world gathered together in Chicago in early July to celebrate "Collaboration", the 2008 National Symposium of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD).

Click here to view the video recap

Take a look back at Symposium in photos

Inauguration Update

Many of you have contacted the AIFD office to ask about volunteering to be a part of the floral design team for the Inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th Preident of the United States.

• Click here to get the update on how you can get involved

Fedyshyn Takes Helm at AIFD

Walter Fedyshyn AIFD PFCI of Anthony Gowder Designs in Chicago was recently installed as president of the American Institute of Floral Designers, succeeding Tom Simmons AIFD. Several other floral industry professionals were elevated to new posts on the Institute's Board of Directors.

2008 Awards Announced in Chicago

Teleflora's Richard Salvaggio (pictured above) and Florists' Review's Talmage McLaurin were both recognized for their contributions during the recent presentation of AIFD's annual awards. Joining them in the spotlight were industry supplier BBJ Linen and Chicago's First Couple, Mayor Richard M. Daley and Maggie Daley. Additional details on the awardees.

Miami to Host 2012 Symposium!
AIFD has selected the Hyatt Regency Miami to host its 2012 National Symposium, it was announced today by Sharon McGukin AIFD, the Institute’s Vice President. The dates for the event will be July 12-16 with the Accreditation Evaluation Session taking place on July 10-11. Read the full announcement!