The Michigan Floral Foundation inducted Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford of Florapros in Chicago into its hall of fame on Oct. 11. She was cited as an outstanding mentor and inspiration to floral industry members at ceremonies in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, MI.

Paul Bachman of Bachman’s Inc. in Minneapolis began a two-year term as chairman of the American Floral Endowment at the organization’s annual dinner Sept. 20 in Palm Beach, FL. He began working in the family business when he was 13, received the Society of American Florists Marketer of the Year Award in 2011 and is a former chairman of the American Floral Marketing Council and the National PromoFlor Marketing Council.

Society of American Florist members elected three new members to its board of directors and nine new members of its Retailers, Wholesalers and Growers Councils during its annual meeting in Palm Beach, FL. Council elections took place by mail ballot in July and August, and new board members were elected in voting at Palm Beach.

New board members are grower Dave Self of Wyld West Annuals Inc. in Loxahatchee, FL; wholesaler Bill LaFever of Bill Doran Co. in Rockford, IL; and retailer Robert Aykens of Memorial Florists & Greenhouses Inc. in Appleton, WI.

When Charlie Cook talks, politicos from both sides of the aisle pay close attention. So will Society of American Florists members when one of Washington’s most trusted voices on all things political is the kick-off speaker for Congressional Action Days, March 11-12, 2013. Mr. Cook will give an inside look at the post-election landscape.

Rocket Farms in Salinas, CA, a pioneer in the indoor floral industry, announced Oct. 16 that its sister company, Nurserymen’s Exchange in Half Moon Bay, CA, will operate under the Rocket Farms brand. Rocket Farms’ parent company, Monterey Peninsula Horticulture, has spent the last 12 months integrating the operations of both companies after acquiring Nurserymen’s Exchange last August.

Prospects are rosy for Valentine’s Day 2013, according to several surveys and reports.

A recovering economy and the emergence of new groups with an affinity for buying flowers on Valentine’s Day are key pillars of the resurgence of this holiday, second only to Mother’s Day for flower and plant sales.