Back in 1952, the Arkansas Florists Association blossomed under the guidance of Mrs. C.L. Tipton, the organization’s chairperson. The founding committee included creative visionaries such as Joe Hurst, Albert Shepherd, Bill Plummer AIFD, Wade Black, Buddy Meyer, Opal Lawton, and Bill Purdy.

For over seven decades, the Arkansas Florists Association has been at the forefront of the floral industry. With 250+ members and associates, the organization’s family continues to flourish.

One of the ways in which the Arkansas Florists Association has established itself as a leader in floral education is through its annual state convention. The convention plays host to scholarship competitions that promote florists’ knowledge and education. The scholarship design competition is a ground-level and skilled designer’s contest that rewards cash prizes and top schooling scholarships to winners. Notably, the Arkansas Cup is open to designers from all over the United States, with the Arkansas Cup Trophy, Bill Plummer scholarships, cash award from Southern Wholesale, and a chance to represent Arkansas in the Mid America Invitational Cup competition up for grabs.

Since its inception by Jo Buttram of Shirley’s Flowers in Rogers, Arkansas in 2006, the Mid America competition has grown to become one of the leading design competitions in the nation. Kay Schlaefli AIFD of Expressions Flowers in Fort Smith, Arkansas took over the reins as chairperson and steered the competition to new heights. The 2022 event saw 22 designers from all over the country come together to compete for Mid America Trophy, a $1500 cash prize awarded by the Arkansas Florists Association, and a $500 cash prize for Slyvia Cup registration, with a chance to compete at SAF.

Looking ahead, the Arkansas Florists Association is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of the floral industry. With steadfast leadership that has kept the organization blooming for over 71 years, the future only looks brighter for this vibrant association.