The World Floral Expo 2014 will take place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, just a 10-minute ride from O’Hare international airport and only 45 minutes  from downtown Chicago. After stops in New York, Miami and again in New York, it is Chicago’s turn to host the international flower trade show with exhibitors from all major flower producing countries.

Flower growers from Ecuador, Colombia, Kenya and Ethiopia will be among those displaying fresh-cut flowers, ready for immediate shipping, both through individual stands and national pavilions.

Gallup & Stribling Orchids, a provider of Cymbidiums and other tropical orchids since 1959, was recently sold to  Westland Floral. Both firms are in Carpinteria, CA, and their combined experience in the orchid trade is over 90 years.

Westland Floral will add expertise in the areas of sustainable growing techniques and natural pest management to the proven orchid program at Gallup & Stribling Orchids. Gallup & Stribling will continue to operate under its name and in the same location.

The Pantone Color of the Year for 2014 is Radiant Orchid, which represents emerging global trends in design. Color is critical in creating, merchandising and selling consumer products because it influences human thought processes, emotions and physical reactions.

Pantone, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite Inc., has been recognized as an authority on color by designers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers since 1963.

Esmeralda Farms Inc. closed its sales and marketing operation in Miami on Dec. 31, 2013. Jose Concepcion, who had been with Esmeralda for over 25 years in various management positions, launched Connectaflor on Jan. 1, 2014. His mission is to carry out the sales and marketing of Esmeralda products in North America. Connectaflor was established to serve as a direct link from the farms to the customers and will supply the North American market with Esmeralda and Esmeralda Breeding & Biotechnology brands.

Michael A. Mellano, vice president of production at Mellano & Co. in San Luis Rey, CA, was recently elected chairman of the California Cut Flower Commission. Mellano will serve a one-year term ending in December 2014, according to a commission press release.

“I consider it an honor and privilege to serve my fellow flower and greens farmers in this capacity,” Mellano said. “Based on the work the CCFC has been able to accomplish for our farms over the last several years, I’m excited about the road ahead for our California flower farms.”

The new year brought the horticulture industry a new trade association. AmericanHort formally launched Jan. 1 with the consolidation of the American Nursery & Landscape Association and OFA — The Association of Horticulture Professionals. The members of both groups have been automatically enrolled in AmericanHort. According to the organization’s news release, the effort to bring the groups together was initiated by the volunteer leadership of each organization, in order to better meet the needs of the industry and the respective memberships.