Former SAF chairman Shirley Lyons, AAF, PFCI, of Dandelions Flowers & Gifts in Eugene, Oregon, accepting the fourth annual Tom Butler “Floral Retailer of the Year” Award.
Standing ovations and tears of joy were the order of the evening earlier this month when Teleflora awarded its fourth annual Tom Butler “Floral Retailer of the Year” Award to former SAF chairman Shirley Lyons, AAF, PFCI, of Dandelions Flowers & Gifts in Eugene, Oregon.
The award recognizes a retail florist and Teleflora member who “exemplifies the legacy” of Tom Butler, AAF, PFCI, Teleflora’s former chairman. Lyons, a longtime SAF volunteer leader, served as SAF’s president from 2013 to 2015 and chairman from 2015 to 2017. She was the first woman to hold both positions.
The announcement took place at the American Floral Endowment’s annual fundraising dinner in conjunction with SAF Palm Springs 2018, the Society of American Florists’ 134th annual convention. In accepting the honor, Lyons expressed her gratitude to her friends throughout the industry and to her family — many of whom were gathered in the hotel ballroom for the poignant award presentation.
Among the most important mentors in her life: her father, who passed away last summer at the age of 92.
“His love of business and the next exciting idea during my growing-up years was a big influence on my business career,” Lyons said, calling him “my biggest cheerleader.”
“We never knew what he was going to be up to next, as he was quite a character and inventor,” she added. “He taught me, because I am so short, that ‘good things come in small packages, so stand up straight, speak with confidence, and never fear failure.’”
Established in 2015, the Floral Retailer of the Year Award was created to honor Butler, the longtime head of Teleflora and a winner of SAF’s Paul Ecke, Jr. award and a member of SAF’s Floriculture Hall of Fame. Butler died in 2014.
According to Teleflora, “in addition to leading a superb retail operation, the awarded florist must show immense commitment to servicing their community, is a steadfast ambassador in the floral industry and offers meaningful guidance to fellow florists.”
“We are extremely proud of Shirley Lyons for demonstrating Tom Butler’s legacy through her hard work at Dandelions Flowers & Gifts in Eugene,” said Jack Howard, executive vice president of national accounts at Teleflora, while presenting the award. “Her business acumen and community involvement are remarkable.”
Read more about the history of Dandelions, Lyons’ contributions to the industry and the award.
Find out more about the AFE fundraising dinner at SAF Palm Springs 2018.
Mary Westbrook is the editor in chief of Floral Management magazine.
