James Hynd Jr., Rose Parade Floral Designer, Honored by American Institute of Floral Designers

IRWINDALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) has named James Hynd Jr., floral director at Fiesta Parade Floats, the recipient of the 2015 Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD for his outstanding service to the institute. Considered to be one of the highest honors bestowed upon members of the floral industry, the award was presented during the Institute's Awards Ceremony held in conjunction with AIFD's 2015 National Symposium in Denver, Colorado.

A Charter member of AIFD, Hynd was instrumental in forging the nonprofit AIFD organization's inception in 1965. Now recognized as a Fellow of AIFD, it is Hynd's tireless and continued support of AIFD as a leader, mentor, supporter, volunteer and friend that were key attributes in the Board's decision to name him as the award's 2015 recipient.

"I am honored to be the recipient of this award during AIFD's 50^th anniversary year. It is humbling to be recognized by an organization that is made up of outstanding individuals that are at the forefront of the floral industry," said Hynd. "I look forward to working with AIFD members to continue to develop and mentor the next generation of great floral designers."

Since 1992, Jim has served as Vice President and Floral Director of Fiesta Parade Floats, a leading float-builder in the Tournament of Roses Parade. Responsible for determining the selection and use of floral materials and works with the art department to interpret float designs, his creative work has appeared on more prize-winning floats than any other floral designer in the history of the Tournament of Roses Parade, including the winner of the Sweepstakes Trophy, the parade's highest honor, for the past 22 consecutive years.

"There is no person that is more respected throughout the floral community and the Rose Parade industry for his innovative contributions to floral decoration than Jim is," said Tim Estes, president of Fiesta Parade Floats. "As vice president, floral director and co-owner of Fiesta Parade Floats, Jim has been instrumental to Fiesta's award-winning track record at the Rose Parade, and there is no one more deserving of this award than Jim. It is a proud day for all of us at Fiesta Parade Floats and congratulate Jim on this great honor."

Beyond his work with Fiesta, Hynd is also a frequent guest speaker and judge at major floral seminars, exhibits and competitions. Additionally, he serves as a mentor to aspiring floral designers and a volunteer in the community.

The award marks Hynd's second award from the institute; he was also the recipient of AIFD's 1998 Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry.

In addition to the award presentation, Fiesta floral design team members Susan Ayala AIFD, CFD, PFCI, Lisa Weddel AIFD, CFD, Katie McCormick-Kharrat AIFD, CFD & Philip Rice AIFD, CFD were recognized for the expertise as presenters of three of 2015 symposiums on-stage programs.

About Fiesta Parade Floats

Based in Irwindale, CA, the 2016 Rose Parade will be Fiesta's 28th anniversary as a world premier float builder. Fiesta boasts an impressive track record with the highest award win rate in the Rose Parade industry and, together with its clients, has won the parade's highest honor, the Sweepstakes Trophy, for a Rose Parade record setting twenty-two consecutive times. Fiesta Parade Floats is considered a leader in both floral technology and floral application within both, the float and floral industries. Fiesta also builds custom props for television commercials, feature films, exhibits and theme parks. For more information, visit, http://www.fiestaparadefloats.com.

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