BloomNet®, an international wire service and world class business solutions provider, has announced the appointment of Jackie Lacey, AIFD, CFD, PFCI to the position of Director of Education and Industry Relations.

Mr. Lacey has more than 30 years of experience in the retail floral market and floral education fields and he is one of the nation’s leading authorities on retail floral operations and best practices. He has owned flower shops in Tennessee, Texas and South Carolina, and he assisted in the launch of the Floriology Institute in Jacksonville, Florida. In addition to his work with Floriology Institute, he serves as National Secretary of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) Board of Directors. He has also served as lead consultant and director for a Chicago event company, providing distinctive event/wedding planning and décor and he has been an advisor for Fitz Design, imparting his expertise on market trends, current and emerging design trends, industry education and retail marketing.

In his new role at BloomNet, Mr. Lacey will initiate and implement strategies to strengthen and expand the already extensive educational opportunities BloomNet offers to flower shop owners and floral designers. He will also assume full responsibility for Floriology Institute and continue to serve as lead instructor, sharing his expertise with students during hands-on, in-depth courses designed to expand their creative horizons and increase the profitability of their businesses. Furthermore, Mr. Lacey will assume management of BloomNet’s floriology® magazine, he will help spearhead new services BloomNet is developing to assist florists with digital marketing, and he will engage with floral professionals throughout the industry at state and regional trade shows, company sponsored events, and Floriology’s “On-the-Road” educational events.

“All of us at BloomNet are excited to welcome Jackie Lacey to our team,” said Mark Nance, AAF, President of BloomNet. “His vast knowledge and experience...combined with his boundless creativity, energy, and love for the floral industry...will not only enhance the ways in which we serve our family of BloomNet Florists, but will also generate new opportunities for Florists to grow their profit potential.”

During his distinguished career, Mr. Lacey has won numerous awards and received countless accolades via floral design competitions at the national, state and local levels. He is also renowned internationally for his innovative approaches to design and his imaginative floral creations. He has shared the principles, elements and artistry of his craft during a wide range of stage presentations, wowing audiences around the world. His designs and educational insights have also been featured in many magazines, including Floriology, Flowers &, Modern Bride and Inside Weddings. He has provided his talents to such notable events as the Tournament of Roses Parade, and many celebrities have also called upon his expertise.

About BloomNet®

As the leading floral industry service provider, BloomNet, Inc. (www.BloomNet.net), a wholly-owned subsidiary of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., is focused on continually exceeding the expectations of its select community of Florists. Retail Florists across the nation and around the globe rely upon BloomNet as their trusted source for unique personalized service, comprehensive florist care, innovative programs, and quality products designed to increase their viability. BloomNet is committed to working side by side with our Florists to foster industry education, build community, and develop long term relationships built on trust, commitment, and dependability.

About Floriology Institute

As the premier, industry-accredited floral education center, the Floriology Institute is dedicated to building a foundation for excellence, enabling innovative approaches in floral design, business and retail business practices that empower florists to reach their full potential and allow their customers to recapture the joy and expression of the language of flowers. The Floriology Institute offers an extensive range of courses, electives and forums featuring hands-on sessions, in-depth lectures, webinars and online learning opportunities. Instructors at the Floriology Institute include award winning floral designers and highly experienced floral industry business professionals. For further information about Floriology Institute, go to: www.floriologyinstitute.com.