FTD 100 Year Anniversary | FTD Member Awards

FTD Celebrates Winners of the Prestigious 100th Anniversary Member Awards
In celebration of FTD’s 100th anniversary, FTD brought back the prestigious member awards for this special occasion. The criteria for the FTD Member Awards was based on key areas of FTD Florists' businesses, participation in the industry and innovative business building ideas. These exceptional award recipients set examples of leadership and innovation for the entire floral industry.

FTD John A. Valentine Award

Janet Lye from Tidy’s Flowers located in Toronto Canada is the winner of the John A. Valentine Award.

FTD John A. Valentine Award

In the name of the founder of FTD, John A. Valentine, this award will be given to a deserving individual who demonstrates outstanding achievement in the floral industry and involvement in civic and charitable activities in their local community. Candidates should possess the following qualities:

Pursues excellence in the floral industry.
Exemplifies the high standards and principles of FTD.
Demonstrates superior ethical standards of quality and service in business.
Continues involvement in local community service.

Prize: FTD Shop Rebranding Package (SRP: $7,000)

“The John A. Valentine award is such an honor to receive and very exciting,” said Janet Lye from Tidy's Flowers. “I appreciate the confidence FTD has in me and the part I play in this great industry.”

Janet Lye is the President and COO of Tidy’s Flowers, a shop that has served the Toronto area for over 130 years. She is a second generation owner, taking the reins from her father 20 years ago. Janet is an active participant in the Great Lakes Group, a member of the FTD Advisory Board, a Top 100 FTD Member and the recipient of the Harry Cholakis Award. Janet recognizes the importance of a strong community as for the past 17 years; she has donated to the Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund, which sends children to camp who could not otherwise attend. She has also generously donated
to The Kawartha Rotary Gift Auction year after year.

FTD Lifetime Achievement Award

This FTD honorary award will recognize an FTD Member who has continued the path of growth and service for 50 years or more. This member is an example for fellow florists in the industry.

Entered FTD membership 50 years ago, or more (since 1960).
Leads business along a path of success exemplifying growth and advancement in the industry and is viewed as a role model by peers through shared knowledge and best practices.
Sets standards and demonstrates consistent, profitable business decisions.
Actively participates in industry service, setting examples for fellow members.

Prize: $1,000 FTD Marketplace Shopping Spree (SRP: $1,000)

Elnora Leyes from Janesville Floral Company located in Janesville, WI is the winner of the FTD Lifetime Achievement Award.

“It is such a great feeling to be honored by such a great organization that we have been a part of for so long,” stated Elnora Leyes from Janesville Floral Company.
“I am so happy to get this award.”

Janesville Floral Company has been FTD only since 1915 and Elnora has been with the business since 1947. Janesville Floral Company is one of the oldest retail floral businesses in the U.S., dating back to 1893 when brothers Fred and George Rentschler started the business. Richard and Elnora Leyes were hired in 1947 to manage the business, and purchased it in 1951. Elnora’s passion and energy for her business is still as strong today as it was when she started. She is still involved in the day-to-day operations of the shop and has the amazing ability to add up five column figures in her head. Elnora’s love for this industry, her customers and her community,
along with her keen eye for design and her business-savvy, have been vital to the success of Janesville Floral Company.

FTD Industry Service Award

This member conducts regular efforts in and out of their shop to serve the floral industry. The member continues to apply time and efforts to the floral industry in order to educate their fellow florists and increase growth on a shop and industry level.

Regularly goes beyond business requirements to promote the floral industry and FTD. Shares business practices and educates fellow FTD members within the industry.
Participates regularly in industry events, volunteering time and efforts to help ensure success.
Continually develops industry standards for success.
Applies industry knowledge and education within business and community.

Prize: $1,000 FTD Marketplace Shopping Spree (SRP: $1,000)

Stacey Cofka from A Blossom Shop located in Bayville, NJ is the winner of the FTD Industry Service Award.

“Flowers for Kids is the best program available to florists to promote, educate and cultivate future flower buyers,” said Stacey Cofka from A Blossom Shop. “It is also very rewarding to see kids get excited about making their own floral bouquets to take home. I am truly honored to receive this award and will continue to promote our industry one flower bouquet at a time!”

Stacey grew up in the business working alongside her parents. She purchased one of her parent’s shops in 2004 and continues to grow her business. In 2007, Stacey became involved with the Flowers For Kids program. She volunteers her time by visiting schools, scout troops, libraries and civic groups teaching about proper flower care as well as bouquet making. She has taught over 3,000 children and adults about flowers and the importance of giving flowers.

FTD Marketing Award

This award recognizes an FTD Member who displays success in marketing efforts, to be used as an example to all FTD Members.

Conducts successful and innovative marketing campaigns which directly impact sales.
Promotes shop as brand name, as well as its partnership with the FTD brand, through all marketing and advertising efforts in order to increase awareness and drive business to their shop.
Conducts regular promotional outreach programs successfully.
Is recognized within community and market due to successful marketing and communication programs.

Prize: $1,000 FTD Marketplace Shopping Spree (SRP: $1,000)

Lisa Fede from Fruits & Flowers at Caterina’s located in Bridgeport, NY is the winner of the FTD Marketing Award.

“I am so happy to have won this award after a year of long hours and a lot of hard work,” said Lisa Fede from Fruits & Flowers at Caterina's. “To be recognized by winning this award makes it all worth it. It means so much that my daughter nominated me and recognizes all the hard work that has gone into our goal of being the Best in Bridgeport.”

Lisa started working in her family’s flower shop in 1982. She purchased the shop from her mom in 2002 and now runs the largest flower shop in Bridgeport, CT. Lisa has tried various marketing vehicles to promote her business and has recently tested Twitter and Facebook, which have generated much success. Her marketing efforts have increased her shop’s revenues by 25% in one year. Lisa actively promotes her shop through Constant Contact and direct mail. She has the Mercury X system and sends emails regularly to promote special sales, monthly events and reminders for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. Last year, Lisa participated in FTD Good Neighbor Day and handed out over 8,000 roses and raised more than $1,000 and more than 100 bags of food for a rescue mission.