Wilmington DE – January 28, 2018 – In the fall of 2018 the flower industry lost a beloved
member when James L. Lowe, AIFD, CFD of Minot ND passed away far too soon.

James was a loving son and devoted friend, a talented designer, and an inspiration to the
LGBTQ community in his home town. He made this industry a better and more welcoming place
for so many by generously volunteering his time to both AIFD and the North Dakota State
Florists Association. He never sought the spotlight and always gave more than he took.

AIFD veterans knew James as a dedicated member that gave tirelessly to the organization.
Countless new inductees have a story about James making them feel welcome, and
encouraging them to participate as volunteers. His vendors recall him as an incredibly smart
operator brimming with new ideas, and as a champion of the North Dakota State Florists
Association and their annual convention.

“James was a very talented and genuine person. His dedication to the industry was wonderful
and he always brought 110% to the table. He will be missed.” says J Robbin Yelverton AAF,
AIFD, CF, CFD, PFCI.

In his honor, and with the blessing of his family, FloristWare – a software system for florists
– is pleased to announce the James Lowe Symposium Scholarship, awarding $2,500 in
financial support to help a floral designer attend the AIFD Symposium. The goal of this award is
to encourage others to follow James’ example.

“Those of us lucky enough to have known James will never forget him, or what he taught
us about how to approach this industry. We hope to help ensure that the next generation
know his name and emulate the spirit with which he approached the flower business.”
explains Mark Anderson of FloristWare.

With that in mind this award is open to anyone who is:

1. Attending the 2019 AIFD Symposium
2. An active volunteer with AIFD.
3. An active volunteer with one other association.

The award will take the form of one Symposium registration (valued at approximately $1,000)
and $1,500 to help cover expenses – a total of approximately $2,500.

The winner will be chosen at random from a pool of seven finalists. To win a participant must
first become part of this pool.

Interested designers can enter this pool in one of two ways:

• Through an online design contest, held during March, where each participant can submit
one design. The five participants with the most votes will advance to the pool of finalists.
• Winning the Professional Division of either of the 2019 MFA or WUMFA Design Contests by
accumulating the highest cumulative point score from the three professional division design
categories.

The five participants with the most votes in the online contest will join the winners of the
MFA/WUMFA design contests to form the pool of seven finalists.
2019 MFA Design Competition
2019 WUMFA Design Competition

One winner will be chosen at random from this pool of seven and announced on April 4, 2019.