Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Florist's Association (WUMFA)

The Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Florist's Association (WUMFA) offers members exceptional benefits and also promotes the public’s awareness of flowers.

The Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Florist Association's (WUMFA) mission is to offer exceptional educational opportunities, encourage the exchange of knowledge by connecting people interested in the floral industry, support the professional efforts of its members and promote the public’s awareness of flowers.

WUMFA began in the year 1919 when concerned florists got together to talk about and discuss the industry. Change is inevitable and an association allows those in the same field to unite to discuss changing trends and plan for the future.

WUMFA’s membership currently consists of retail florists, wholesalers, growers and industry supporters who are committed to the following WUMFA mission statement, provided below:

"To offer exceptional educational opportunities, encourage the exchange of knowledge by connecting people interested in the floral industry, support the professional efforts of its members and promote the public’s awareness of flowers."

Annual Convention

Each year, usually in early April, WUMFA holds their annual convention, most often in Green Bay or the Wisconsin Dells. There are few remaining regional shows left and this is typically one of the better ones.

Speakers include some of the most respected names in the world of design (Deborah De La Flor AIFD PFCI, Jerome Raska AIFD, AAF, PFCI, CF, Robbin Yelverton, AAF, AIFD, CF, PFCI) and business (Tim Huckabee of FloralStrategies, Derrick Myers of Crockett Myers).

In addition to a variety of educational sessions there is typically a dinner and a trade fair.

 

Awards

Each year at their annual convention WUMFA presents several awards which may include:

Retailer of the Year
Awarded to a WUMFA member that has done an outstanding job as a florist.

Grower of the Year
Awarded to a WUMFA member that has done an outstanding job developing and promoting new methods of service and production to retailers in addition to service to the community and industry activity.

Special Service Award
Awarded to a research or educational organization, retailer, wholesale distributor or allied tradesman for their contribution to the industry and/or the organization.

Wholesale/Tradesman of the Year
“Paremium Ad Excellentem Laborem”… In recognition of and appreciation for unselfish labor and achievement on behalf of the floral industry within the boundaries of both Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.

Young Person of the Year
Can be awarded to anyone connected with the floral industry  (trade organization member, retailer, allied tradesman, wholesaler, or grower) for their meritorious service to the floral industry, community, and potential future service to the industry and community.
Please note: Winner must be under 35 years of age and have served two years in the floral industry.

National Service Award
Awarded to anyone connected with the floriculture industry (educator, breeder, retailer, grower, wholesaler, etc.) in recognition of outstanding service to the floral industry of America.

Lifetime Achievement Award
Awarded to an individual that has dedicated the majority of their life to the floral industry and made it better because of their love and passion.

 

Classes and Workshops

WUMFA offers classes to help members achieve the prestigious Certified Florist (CF) designation, using the highly respected training program developed by the Great Lakes Floral Association

 

WUMFA Scholarship

WUMFA floral industry Scholarships are awarded in amounts up to $250.00. These funds may be used to cover any WUMFA Educational workshop or class, Certified Florist program, or registration for the Annual Convention (excluding the Saturday evening recognition banquet).

All scholarships awarded are valid for a 12-month period. Any funds not used in the 12-month time frame will be rolled back into the WUMFA general scholarship fund. The scholarship will be issued in the form of a credit voucher. Applicants are chosen on the basis of their individual motivation toward a floriculture career path.

WUMFA Scholarship FAQs

How do you know if you are eligible?
The applicant must be employed and working in the floriculture industry or show proof of enrolment in a course of study directly related to the retail floriculture industry. The applicant must have clearly defined career goal, which relates directly to the industry’s course of study.

When will the scholarship be announced?
At the Saturday evening Awards Banquet and the Sunday Luncheon at the WUMFA Annual Convention. The Scholarship Grant will go directly to the WUMFA office in the applicant’s name.

How do you apply?
Complete the online application here:
https://www.wumfa.org/education/scholarships/

  • Read the entire application thoroughly to fully understand the requirements.
  • Complete the online form and be sure to answer all questions accurately.
  • Submit one letter of recommendation from an acceptable reference along with the application. Examples of acceptable references would be former or current employers, instructors or past teachers, WUMFA members or others in positions of responsibility that can objectively speak to your qualities. Please note relatives & close friends would not be considered acceptable references.
  • Submit a digital photograph within the last twelve months, which may be used for publicity purposes should you receive a grant.
  • All forms must be completed and received by January 31st in order to be eligible for consideration.
  • All applications will be retained by WUMFA.

Proud Supporter of WUMFA

FloristWare has been a member of WUMFA for many years and is a frequent exhibitor and sponsor at their annual convention.

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Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Florist Association's
https://www.wumfa.org
414-755-6290

6737 West Washington Avenue
Suite 1300
Milwaukee, WI 53214


Last Updated: 10/11/2022

National Alliance Of Floral Associations (NAFA)

This organization is a member of the National Alliance of Floral Associations (NAFA), a national non-profit organization that helps regional florist associations exchange ideas, improve programs and better serve their florist members.

Proud Supporter of WUMFA

FloristWare is pleased to be a WUMFA member. We have also been fortunate enough to exhibit at several WUMFA events and sponsor business speakers like Tim Huckabee of Floral Strategies, Robbin Yelverton AIFD and Rick Rivers of Florist Bootcamp.

Learn More