“Through speaking engagements, presentations and workshops for floral industry professionals and flower enthusiasts, PFCI members present some of the industry’s finest educational programming,” said PFCI board chairman Jerome Raska, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, CAFA, CF of Blumz by…JR Designs in Detroit. “PFCI members display a profound commitment, not only to the floral industry and continuing education, but also to their individual communities and businesses.”
Lemek works for Delaware Valley Floral Group in Cromwell, Conn., and has presented at the American Institute of Floral Designers’ (AIFD) National Symposium, along with various state associations and wholesale houses. She has participated in international flower shows as both designer and instructor in Germany, Holland, Spain, Australia, China, India, South Africa, Brazil, Costa Rica, Turkey, Colombia, Mexico and the Philippines. Her industry programs include the color symbolism presentations “East Meets West — Fusion or Confusion” and “Color Our World,” as well as “From the Farm to Floral Art: The Journey of the Rose.” Garden clubs receive decorating advice in “Spring Tablescapes for the Home Designer” and “Transseasonal Table Décor,” and high schoolers see new trends in “Prom Time.”
Lemek has won numerous design awards, including the 1996 and 1998 SILK Fame Designer of the Year honor. Her compositions have been displayed at flower shows in Hartford, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Chicago. She has designed at the White House for Presidents Reagan, Bush and Clinton. She serves as trustee of the AIFD Foundation, and served on the AIFD partners committee, FTD Connecticut Unit board of directors and Connecticut Florists Association board of directors. Lemek graduated form the University of Connecticut, where she later served as associate professor of floriculture, with a master’s in ornamental horticulture and a bachelor’s in floriculture.
PFCI applicants complete an extensive application that documents speaking experience, leadership activities and professional references. Candidates also submit an audition DVD of a live speaking engagement. The PFCI Induction Ceremony take places on Sept. 23, 2010, during SAF’s 126th Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla.
The Sylvia Cup Design Competition also takes place during the SAF convention. The competition is similar to Food Network’s “Iron Chef.” Contestants are given two hours, the same amount of flowers and supplies, and a surprise task.
A panel of three design experts will evaluate the contestants’ work on several factors, including originality, texture and physical balance. The grand prize winner receives $2,500; two runners up win $250 each; and first, second and third place ribbons will be awarded in each design category The public and media are welcome to attend the competition. It takes place at the Omni ChampionsGate: 1500 Masters Blvd, ChampionsGate, Florida 33896.
The public and media are welcome to attend the competition. It takes place at the Omni ChampionsGate: 1500 Masters Blvd, ChampionsGate, Florida 33896.
- Contestants in action with expert commentary during the final hour
Thursday, Sept. 23 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. International Ballroom I - Contestants’ designs on display
Friday, Sept. 24 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. National Ballroom D
For more information about the Sylvia Cup, visit http://www.aboutflowers.com/competitions
Editor’s Notes:
- Lemek can be reached for interviews at:
(877) 273-0194; llemek@dvwf.com - For photos from the PFCI Induction Ceremony or the Sylvia Cup, contactt
Shelley Estersohn, Society of American Florists
(800) 336-4743; sestersohn@safnow.org - For PFCI or Sylvia Cup information, contact:
Jenny Scala, Society of American Florists
(800) 336-4743; jscala@safnow.org
The Society of American Florists (SAF) is the national trade association for the floral industry, representing 10,000 growers, importers, wholesalers and retailers of flowers and plants.
