PENNSYLVANIA FLORAL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION THANKS OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS

HARRISBURG- The Pennsylvania Floral Industry Association (PFIA) thank ed Chris Drummond of Plaza Flowers in Norristown and Gene Hudock of The Hothouse Floral Company in Washington for their service on the Board of Directors at the October board meeting held in Harrisburg. Both Drummond and Hudock have served on the board since 2000. Directors are elected for three-year terms, and serve two consecutive terms.

Drummond, a third-generation florist, owns Plaza Flowers located in Norristown, PA. He has been surrounded by the retail florist business for most of his life and continues to increase the value of flowers and gift-giving. Throughout his years on the PFIA board, Drummond dedicated his time and energy working on legislative issues that affect the floral industry. Most recently, Drummond and several other PFIA members have been involved in moving Senate Bill 198 through the House of Representatives. He has also helped advance the PFIA newsletter through providing the regular article, The Business Beat , as well as contributing to the quality of articles.

Hudock has worked in the floral industry for over a quarter of a century. As owner of The Hothouse Floral Company, he has made a name for himself by specializing in poinsettias. While on PFIA's board of directors, Hudock was instrumental in establishing the PFIA Grower's Conference in Western Pennsylvania.

Current PFIA Board of Directors President, Ed Auman, states, "The Board of Directors has been fortunate to have both Drummond and Hudock as active board members who have dedicated their time and energy into the growth of PFIA." PFIA will be welcoming new board members in January 2006.

The Pennsylvania Floral Industry Association (PFIA) is a professional industry organization offering information, training and education for the floral industry in Pennsylvania. Its members include retail florists, flower and plant growers, floral wholesalers, interior landscapers, and associated businesses, educators and students. More information, including consumer tips on gift giving dates, purchase and care of plants and related links are available at the PFIA website www.pafloral.org.

Media Contact: Bethany Dennis, 717.238.9758 or communications@pafloral.org