Miami, Florida- September 17, 2021 (Press Release)
Ghean Maksimow, co-founder of Bow Genie International, was honored by the floriculture industry by having a flower named in her honor in 2020. Ms. Maksimow was honored virtually on September 16, 2020, and honored again at this year’s live IFE event on September 17, 2021.
Honorees are chosen by a panel of fellow industry leaders and Ms. Maksimow was nominated by Danny Temkin prior to his passing in September 2019. Ghean was only the eleventh person in the United States to be recognized by the IFE with this award.
The lavender breed of dahlia was awarded the name and trade designation “Genie”, and was bred by the Miyoshi Company and Ball SB., a division of Ball Horticultural Company
The award was presented by Cindy Hanauer of Grand Central Floral, a 2012 recipient of the same award. Hanauer said, “This was a very special year to have Danny Temkin nominate Ghean before his untimely passing. Danny and Ghean have had a special relationship for many years, and this flower honors their relationship, and the special place that Ghean has in the hearts of the entire industry.”
Danny’s son, Noam, represented the Temkin family at the virtual ceremony in 2020.
Sarah Armellini, co-founder of Armellini Express Lines, was recognized by the floriculture industry this year (2021) by having a chrysanthemum- Sarah’s Brush– named in her honor.
Pieter Landman served as the Master of Ceremonies, and Ball SB was represented by Carmen Hernandez at this year’s live IFE event in Miami Beach, Florida.
Past Flower-Naming Recipients
2021 Sarah Armellini (posthumous); Armellini Express Lines
2020 Ghean Maksimow; Bow Genie
2019 Lane DeVries Sun Valley Floral Farms
2018 Bradley Gaines, United Supermarkets
2017 John Simko, Sunshine Bouquet Company
2016 Jim Daly, Smithers Oasis
2015 Maxine Burton, burton + BURTON
2014 Kathy Hession, Roundy’s Supermarkets
2013 Anna Ball, Ball SB
2012 Cindy Hanauer, Grand Central Floral
2011 Stan Pohmer, Pohmer Consulting Group
2010 Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford, The Flora Pros
About Bow Genie International
https://bowgenie.com/
Bow Genie International is the largest manufacturer of custom handmade bows in North America. They provide high quality bows to floral and gift industry leaders. They pride themselves in delivering a premium grade product on time and within budget. With over 30 years of manufacturing experience Bow Genie International has become America’s premier floral and gift bow producer of florist bows, gift bows, wreath/holiday bows, corsages/boutonnieres, crepe paper flowers and large car bows.
About Ball Horticultural Company
http://www.ballhorticultural.com/FAQ/
Ball Horticultural Company was founded in 1905 by George J. Ball. The company remains family owned and has a global presence on six continents in 17 countries. The current President and CEO is Anna Caroline Ball, third-generation leader of Ball Horticultural Company.
About International Floriculture Expo
International Floriculture Expo is produced by Diversified Business Communication of Portland, Maine. This show is the only industry-wide event that brings buyers and sellers together and serves all segments of the floriculture process, from seed to shelf. IFE is the leading trade exposition and educational conference for mass market retailers, supermarkets, garden centers, retail florists, growers, nurseries, event floral designers, and other retailers of floral and foliage products.
