Shimi Shibata Remembered

Oshoko Representing the Society of American Florists at Yoshimi Shibata’s Memorial Service Saturday, November 21, 2015

The Society of American Florists was formed over 130 years ago by an Act of Congress to be a Trade Association representing the entire Floral Industry.  At that time, people who grew flowers and sold them either out of the front door of the operation, or, as in Shimi’s father’s case, took them to a flower market to be sold there.  Since that time, the SAF has transitioned into what it is today, an Organization of 7,000 – 8, 000 active members across all floral retail channels, plant growers and cut flower growers both domestically and internationally, as well as the supply chain that serves all those organizations. 

It seems the appropriate place to house the Floriculture Hall of Fame is SAF Headquarters near Washington D.C.  This honor is truly the floral industry’s highest achievement – being chosen for this prestigious recognition means the recipient has made a permanent and significant contribution to the advancement of floriculture. 

Shimi Shibata was inducted into the Floriculture Hall of Fame on July 31, 1976.  At 60 years old he was one of the youngest to achieve this recognition for his outstanding contributions to the advancement and improvement of floriculture.  Borrowing from that presentation, I have found Shimi described as a man of boundless energy and a fearless advocate of the rights of the business man.  Even at that early age, he had served as an industry spokesman in legislative, traffic, and business matters.  His questioning mind brought him to the forefront as a person challenging the status quo, seeking improvements and fighting those who impede progress.  At that time, he had already served as President of the Wholesale Florist Suppliers Association of America and California Floral Congress.  He had been a Director at SAF, Bay Area Flower Shipment Organization, California State Flowers Association, Roses Inc., The National Association of Wholesalers and the Northern California Carnation Association.  There were also numerous humanitarian efforts as well as maintaining a keen sense of keeping alive the values of his Japanese ancestry and culture in an American environment.  The last two sentences of his presentation read: “His influence has been felt wherever important decisions effecting floriculture have been made.  Always a vitalizing force in floriculture advancement, Shimi Shibata holds a unique place among the industry’s decision makers.”  That was not only true in 1976 but remained true all the way until his passing on October 31, 2015. 

I would be remised if I didn’t end these thoughts with a personal comment. 

Over the years I have come to appreciate the contributions of those who have gone before and have truly touched our industry.  It is important as we strive to put in successful strategies for our Companies, Trade Associations, etc., in a dynamic fast paced changing marketplace to be cognizant of how leaders of the past addressed their challenges and got us where we are today.

We indeed can learn from each of them.  Shimi Shibata is one who exemplifies someone we should look up to and learn from.

Last week as I looked at my Grand Daughter and marveled at the wonderful individual person she has become.  I realize I saw much of Daughter in her personal profile.  As I look at my Grand Daughter and Daughter, I see significant virtues, values and precepts that were introduced to both of them through my Wife.  As my Wife gets older, I understand many of her beliefs and positive attributes were instilled in her makeup by her mother.  In much the same way, the legacy of Shimi Shibata has left a thumb print on all us.  Whether it’s the Trade Association, Business relationships, Civic and Special Organizations, or his wonderful family, he has left an impression on us all.  His influence can and will be felt always.  I can truly say that each one of us, regardless of which direction we come from here this afternoon, can say we have been blessed and enhanced because Shimi Shabata walked our way!