Congrats to FCI founder Debbie Hamrick

Chris Beytes

Former colleague Debbie Hamrick, who was once editor of GrowerTalks, was presented with a Silver Carnation Award for her services to the international floral industry as founder of FloraCulture International (FCI) magazine. Debbie accepted the award in Catania, Sicily, Italy, on November 23 from industry veteran and horticultural journalist Arturo Croci, and AIPH president and 2015 Silver Carnation winner Leonardo Capitanio.

Pictured: Debbie Hamrick with Leonardo Capitanio and Arturo Croci.

Debbie started FCI for Ball Publishing, wanting to create an international version of GrowerTalks magazine. She launched it in 1990 at the International Flower Exhibit Aalsmeer. FCI is now owned by AIPH—the International Association of Horticultural Producers. Debbie left Ball Publishing to work for Ball Seed Company, then joined the North Carolina Farm Bureau in 2004 to serve as Specialty Crops Director. She recently retired after 20 years helping create policy to benefit producers of fruits, vegetables, flowers, bees, aquaculture and agritourism.

Now in its 50th year, the Silver Carnation Awards recognize excellence and innovation in the field of business management, floriculture, journalism, public governance and floral design in Italy and around the world. Debbie, awarded in the International Journalism Category, was one of nine to receive Silver Carnation honors. GT