Periodically the Great Lakes Floral Foundation will honor outstanding members of the floral industry who have made significant contributions to our industry and who have mentored and inspired their fellow industry members. The Great Lakes Floral Foundation Hall of Fame has been established to record the contributions of those so honored. Read more on each inductee by clicking on their name.
2024 Great Lakes Floral Foundation Hall of Fame Dinner
On the evening of Tuesday, October 15th, Jeanette (Gaudreau) Ballien and Scott Ballien, the owners of Gaudreau the Florist LTD in Saginaw, Michigan, a 75 year old family business are being inducted into the Great Lakes Floral Foundation Hall of Fame. The event will be held at Apple Mountain 4519 N. River Rd., Freeland, MI 48623. This prestigious honor recognizes their outstanding contributions to the floral industry and their unwavering support of the Great Lakes Floral Association (GLFA), Great Lakes Floral Foundation (GLFF), and the Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo (GLFEE).
Jeanette, a past president of the GLFA and past chair of the GLFF, has dedicated her career to promoting the floral industry and supporting fellow florists as well as the Saginaw community. Her passion for the art of floral design and her commitment to excellence have earned her a reputation as a respected leader and mentor. Scott, a dedicated business partner and supporter, has played a vital role in the success of Gaudreau the Florist LTD organizing and volunteering for various events and initiatives within his local and floral communities. The Great Lakes Floral Foundation was created with seed money donated by Scott’s parents.
Together, Jeanette and Scott have been instrumental in the growth and success of the GLFEE, serving in various capacities, including Expo Chair as well as chairing security, and the silent auction committees. Their tireless efforts and dedication have made a significant impact on the lives and careers of countless florists throughout the Great Lakes region.
The evening’s festivities will begin at 6pm with a reception, dinner will follow from 7pm-8pm. The Hall of Fame induction will take place from 8pm-9pm. The evening will conclude at 9pm. We sincerely hope you will be able to join us as we support education and celebrate Jeanette and Scott’s accomplishments with family, friends, and industry leaders.
Individual tickets are available for $125 each and are available here
GLFF Hall of Fame Members
Tom Butler AAF, PFCI – Inducted 2009
Lucile Belen AAF – Inducted 2010
Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford AAF, AIFD, PFCI – Inducted 2012
Harrison “Red” Kennicott AAF – Inducted 2013
G. Keith Crittenden – Inducted 2014
Kathy Petz AAF, CF, PFCI - Inducted 2014
Bob Friese AIFD - Inducted 2015
Del Demaree AAF - Inducted 2016
Dwight Larimer AAF, PFCI - Inducted 2017
Alice Waterous AIFD, CF, PFCI- Inducted 2018
Senator Debbie Stabenow - Inducted 2019
Jackie Burrell AIFD, CF - Inducted 2021