Update From Becky Roberts

August 22, 2022

This may not be news to everyone, but I wanted to share my good news with all of you. I will be retiring at the end of the year.

The first thing I want you to know is that IFPA has already listed my position, and we are looking for the next leader to take over the floral segment at IFPA. The goal is for this position to be identified and brought on before I leave in order to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition.

The second thing I want you to know is that this is obviously very bittersweet. I want to be able to take the time to say goodbye and thank you for the wonderful experience working with you, and there will be time for that at The Global Produce & Floral Show in October. Until then, I'm very much still here and still working on your behalf.

We wanted you all to know so you're not surprised, and so you have an opportunity to share the position with anyone you think could be a good fit to lead IFPA's floral efforts going forward. A lot of you may think that floral at IFPA is "just Becky," but that's not the case. As I'm moving into my next chapter, that doesn't mean that there will be any difference for your membership going into 2023.

I hope you all see that in listing the position early, we're emphasizing the importance of floral and ensuring a strong transition to make sure we don't lose any of the momentum we've built together. This momentum, by the way, is why I feel completely confident officially retiring right now. In addition to the strong commitment from all of IFPA, we are bolstered by engaged and strong volunteer leaders.

With that said, I'm excited to see all of you at The Global Produce & Floral Show. Between celebrating the Floral Marketer of the Year Award winner, mingling with you all at the Floral Reception, and walking your booths, it will be a great send-off to a remarkable experience. We'll save the goodbyes for another day, but for now, if you asked me what my favorite things about my time working with our floral industry are, I would say:

Changing the narrative with our consumers. We are no longer thought of as low-quality flowers and service; we are one of the most reliable and best options for them for all occasions.
Meeting and getting to know so many people within the floral industry and the opportunity to see consumer demand grow!

Thank you all for everything.

Update From Becky Roberts

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