On October 25, the Michigan Floral Foundation (MFF) will honor Del Demaree Jr., AAF, with induction into the organization’s Hall of Fame. Last year, Demaree was inducted into SAF’s Floriculture Hall of fame.
On October 25, the Michigan Floral Foundation (MFF) will honor Del Demaree Jr., AAF, with induction into the organization’s Hall of Fame.
Last year, Demaree, the second-generation owner of Syndicate Sales, was inducted into the Society of American Florists’ Floriculture Hall of Fame, the industry’s highest honor.
Demaree became president of the company in 1967. The business took off due to his vision and entrepreneurial drive. By this time, products such as the Aquapic, the Design Bowl and Everlastin’ Baskets were three widely used staples. In 1968 he introduced Fronzwood containers, the Candelite Cardette and Hoosier Glass. In 1981, the company unveiled a full line of wedding products, and in 1994 began offering floral preservatives and foam, Aquaplus and Aquafoam.
In addition, Syndicate was the first company to use barcode shipping, adding a new level of transparency and accountability into the supply chain. Demaree also pushed Syndicate to become among the first in the industry to implement online ordering.
Demaree has an unsurpassed commitment to the floral industry and to the American Floral Endowment. He has led many industry organizations, notably as SAF president and as treasurer for the Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association. He received the American Institute of Floral Designers Award of Merit, WF&FSA’s Leland T. Kintzele Distinguished Service Award and was named the MFA Wholesaler Tradesman of the Year and in 2015.
The evening’s festivities on October 25 will begin at 6 p.m. at The University Club of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. For more information, visit the Michigan Floral Foundation.
