GLFF Hall of Fame

Great Lakes Floral Foundation Inducts Cindy Ching AIFD, CF, CFD into Hall of Fame!

The Great Lakes Floral Foundation inducted Cindy Ching AIFD, CF, CFD as its 21st inductee into the Hall of Fame on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth. Industry friends, family and colleagues gathered for a Hawaiian-themed evening of dinner, remembrances and the presentation of the award.

The award was presented by Foundation Chair Teresa Cytlak and Great Lakes Floral Association President Doug Vos.

Cytlak welcomed and acknowledged the members of Cindy’s family who attended, and praised Cindy for her hard work, memory, work ethic, intelligence, affection, humility, commitment, and her role as a mentor and friend.

“Cindy is hardworking, intelligent and humble, and she is committed to everyone around her, a mentor and a friend to so many,” said Cytlak. “We all love her like family.”

About Cindy Ching

Raised on a farm in Elsie, Michigan, Cindy began her floral career at age 15 at Watt’s Floral. She earned a commercial floriculture degree from Michigan State University, with minors in greenhouse science and interior design, then joined Norm Kessel Florist, where she advanced from designer to head designer to store manager.

In 1985 Cindy moved to Honolulu, where she worked at The Flower Touch, studied lei making and Ikebana, and earned her AIFD designation in 1988. She went on to found Floral Silks Hawaii and Aloha Silk Designs, serving clients that included the Hilton Hawaiian Village. She returned to Michigan in 1999.

For more than 26 years Cindy has been part of the Great Lakes Floral Association. She earned her Certified Florist (CF) designation in 2001 and is a dedicated educator who supports new Certified Florists at the Great Lakes Floral Association conference pledge and works with FFA students. She enjoys time with her two grandsons.