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Second Annual Award Honors the Legacy of Former Teleflora Chairman, Tom Butler – "The Champion of Florists"

SAF Convention, MAUI, HAWAII (September 26, 2016) – Teleflora, the world's leading flower delivery service today proudly announced the recipient of the second annual Tom Butler "Floral Retailer of the Year" Award is Carmen Cosentino (AAF, PFCI) of Cosentino's Florist, a third-generation floral shop based in Auburn, New York. The Honorary Award recognizes a retail florist and Teleflora member that best embodies the legacy of Teleflora's former Chairman, Tom Butler. In addition to running a first-class retail operation, the award winner shows the highest level of commitment and service to their local community, is a dedicated ambassador to the floral industry, and provides leadership and guidance to fellow florists. The announcement was made at the American Floral Endowment (AFE) Fundraising Dinner taking place in conjunction with the Society of American Florists' (SAF) Annual Convention at The Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua (Maui), Hawaii.

Teleflora established the Tom Butler "Floral Retailer of the Year" Award in honor of Teleflora's past Chairman Tom Butler, who led Teleflora in its mission to serve as a trusted business partner, friend and innovator to independent retail florists across the U.S. and Canada since 1995.

"On behalf of everyone at Teleflora, we are thrilled to honor Carmen Cosentino of Cosentino's Florist as the recipient of Teleflora's second annual Tom Butler ‘Floral Retailer of the Year'," said Jack Howard, Executive Vice President of National Accounts at Teleflora. "Carmen's proven dedication, leadership and expertise within the floral industry, as well as within his local community has held the standard for over three generations, and is a testament to why he deserves our recognition."

Cosentino's Florist is a third-generation florist that's been serving the Auburn, New York and surrounding communities for 82 years. Carmen Cosentino grew up in his family's legacy and in 1962, he and his wife Anne Marie took over the business transitioning it from a greenhouse operation into a retail floral shop. His deep ties and many contributions serving his local community has earned Cosentino's the reputation as the "Best Florist in the Region" by its local newspaper, The Citizen for the last 16 years. Providing exceptional customer service, fresh, long-lasting flowers and top-notch service has also contributed to the shop's expanded wedding and sympathy business, and many local gala events hosted every year. Earning many industry accolades through the years, Carmen Cosentino was named to the Society of American Florist (SAF) Hall of Fame in 1998; recipient of the Professional Floral Communicators International "Tommy Bright Award" in 2008; and touted as the "Best Friend of the American Rose Grower," just to name a few. Some of his most notable floral work has been showcased in decorating the White House for two Christmases, as well as decorating the inaugurals of Presidents Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.

About The Leadership Legacy of Tom Butler

Tom Butler's passion for the floral industry inspired an almost 50-year career. He served as Chairman of Teleflora, Chairman of the American Floral Endowment (AFE) and was a longtime devoted advocate for the Endowment, beginning his service as a trustee in 2006. Known for possessing an unparalleled knack for fundraising and for his significant interest in expanding and improving the Endowment, Tom's commitment to giving and innovation continues within the floral industry through the Tom Butler Family Fund that helps provide funds to support The American Floral Endowment's research and grant efforts. Among his many roles and accomplishments, Tom served as the Chair of the AFE Development Committee and as a Trustee on the AFE Board; TI World President; Member of the American Academy of Florists; Professional Floral Communicators International; Society of American Florists (Past Board of Directors).

He was also a member of numerous national floral and state floral associations. Recipient of SAF's Hall of Fame Award and Paul Ecke, Jr. Award, Florida State Florists' Association Hall of Fame Award and Lifetime Achievement Award and Place in the Sun Award; Michigan State Florists' Association Award of National Industry Service; Michigan Floral Foundation Hall of Fame Award; Arkansas State Florists' Association Distinguished Service Award and Oklahoma State Florists' Hall of Fame. Tom passed away in August, 2014, after a battle with cancer. For many who knew Tom, he was considered to be the ‘Chief Champion of Florists' – always there when they needed him, always understanding their issues and concerns, and always representing their cause.

About Teleflora

Teleflora brings together the time-honored tradition of sending flowers with the modern benefits of an advanced florist network. By tapping over 11,000 member florists in North America alone, Teleflora offers the kind of personal touches, artistry and expertise you expect from a trusted neighborhood florist—even if that neighborhood is across the country. No prepackaged flowers in nondescript boxes dropped on your doorstep—Teleflora's network of professional florists create artistic arrangements personally delivered in a vase, often on the same day. And, with the organization's pioneering "Flowers in a Gift" Collection, the recipient gets a keepsake that turns the treasured gesture of a bouquet into a lasting memento. Luxe yet affordable, aspirational yet accessible, Teleflora makes every day an occasion. Follow Teleflora on Facebook.

CONTACT:
Crystal Espinosa (crystal.espinosa@wonderful.com) 310.966.4665