GLFF Hall of Fame

On the evening of Monday, October 11, the Great Lakes Floral Foundation (GLFF) honored Ms. Jackie Burrell, AIFD, CF with induction into its Hall of Fame. This special event was held at the Treetops Resort 3962 Wilkenson Rd,, Gaylord, MI. 49735

Just five years after starting in the floral industry, Jackie Burrell opened Flowers From Sky’s the Limit, which she has run now for 41 years. A big believer in community involvement, Jackie has been an Athena Award winner, Jaycee and Business Women’s group member, Tribute Award winner from the Women’s Resource Center and Chamber of Commerce board member. Jackie was also integral in working with a Girl Scout troop in 2008 to start Flowers for Friends, a program utilizing repurposed flowers, which are delivered to those who could “use a smile”. Jackie continues to work with volunteers running the program out of her shop, to date they have delivered over 64,000 arrangements throughout the area. Jackie is a prime example of the saying, “If you want something done, ask the busiest person you know” as is shown with her work in running the design room at the Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo, assisting with keeping the Certified Florist program updated, and her service on the GLFA Board of Directors and several committees for AIFD. She feels continuing education is extremely important and goes hand-in-hand with her desire to give a “stem-up” and mentor up-and-coming florists. She has taught classes at GLFEE and the GLFA Professional Education Center and different wholesalers. Her commitment to quality workmanship, her business and the floral industry have been acknowledged with multiple awards from the Great Lakes Floral Association, induction into AIFD. Jackie was one of only four Michigan florists invited through SAF to work on the presidential inauguration in 2008. She is dedicated to the floral industry and is always willing to help out others florists when she can.