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May 12, 2010
Hortica Insurance & Employee Benefits recently created a Society of American Florists (SAF) Garden on their grounds
in recognition of SAF’s 125th anniversary and the longstanding relationship between
Hortica and SAF.
On April 27th Hortica hosted Peter Moran, SAF’s executive vice president and
chief executive officer, at their annual employee appreciation company breakfast for
dedication of the garden. The “SAF Garden” each spring will showcase new varieties of
annuals to educate and present the latest products developed through research. Anchoring
the garden is a Prairiefire Crabapple tree, a tree that is attractive throughout the year.
Mona Haberer, Hortica’s president and CEO said “The garden serves as a
reminder of SAF’s remarkable contribution to the industry and the ties which forever
unite SAF and Hortica.”
Through an Act of Congress the Society of American Florists was formed in
Chicago is 1884 as a national trade association by 21 members of the American
Association of Nurserymen, Florist and Seedsmen. Within the first year SAF had grown
to 400 members. Hail insurance was a hot topic during this time and in 1887 Florists’
Hail Association was formed by a committee of SAF in order to protect greenhouse
owners against hail damage. For the last 125 years the relationship between SAF and
Florists’ Mutual – later renamed Hortica – has remained constant, partnering in ways the
founders couldn’t possibly have envisioned.
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