“J Schwanke recognized as ‘Living Vanguard’ by Produce Business” Add New Topic
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“J Schwanke recognized as ‘Living Vanguard’ by Produce Business”
(Grand Rapids, MI, November 5, 2020) – Leading trade publication Produce Business announced in their October 2020 issue they are celebrating 35 years in print, by paying tribute to 35 living Vanguards and 12 departed heroes. J Schwanke is the single floral industry professional among those recognized.
The publication defined a Vanguard as “those who helped to build a better industry.”
From the press release: “…we have little doubt that the industry would not have advanced as it has, had these leaders not been in place. Countless moments of crisis, countless opportunities in technology and politics, countless instances that demanded leadership — these moments were met by these individuals — men and women willing and able to seize the opportunities and advance the industry.”
“I was surprised and, of course, honored to be included in such a varied and distinguished group,” said Schwanke. “I don’t often think of myself as a leader per se, but empowering people to enjoy flowers has always been at the forefront of what I do – and now translates in a very literal sense to our tv show, J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom.”
J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom is the first lifestyle program centered around flowers. Segments educate and empower viewers to enjoy flowers in their lives as often as possible – and in both traditional and new and different ways. The show is broadcast on public television stations (PBS) nationwide as well as on the Create TV network, reaching upwards of 92 million viewers with flower-focused content.
“Recognition is always appreciated, but honestly, creating a nationwide tv show dedicated to flowers and the benefits they offer, has been a long-time goal of mine,” noted Schwanke. “It’s only when we take a step back to consider how we arrived at this point in time, do we take in the journey, as well as the result.”
Reaction to the show has been overwhelmingly positive, and Schwanke hears often from viewers who have taken the show’s mission to heart, by including flowers in their lives, and taking time to enjoy the process of arranging.
“Flowers are powerful, and scientific studies have concluded that the act of arranging flowers improves mood, reduces stress, and results in a more relaxed feeling overall. I am excited that people are inspired by the show to give it a try,” says Schwanke. “However, it’s also been shown that just the presence of flowers – even a picture of flowers – can have similar benefits.”
Schwanke is humbled by the comparison made by one viewer. “They said I was the ‘Bob Ross’ of flowers – that’s a pretty wonderful comparison.” (Ross was the creator and host of The Joy of Painting, seen on PBS, known for “happy trees and happy clouds” along with his signature hair.)
The Produce Business Vanguard Awards will be celebrated all year long, with recognition in print and digitally. See the list of 35 Vanguards and read about their Vanguard Heroes at the link:
https://www.producebusiness.com/35th-anniversary-issue-the-vanguard-awards/ .
Underwriters of J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom include: Albertsons Companies and Sunshine Bouquet Company. Chrysal is the closed caption underwriter for season one. All episodes of seasons 1 & 2 stream for free online in the U.S. at the url http://www.uBloom.com/LifeInBloom. Underwriter opportunities for Seasons 3 & 4 are available at various funding levels. Season three will begin airing in April of 2021. Contact j@uBloom.com for more information and opportunities.
About J Schwanke
Fourth-generation florist J Schwanke is a flower expert, flower content producer, and professional speaker, known throughout the flower industry and beyond. He is regarded as the most trusted voice in the flower industry. He was actually born at a flower convention and grew up in his family’s greenhouses. His website, uBloom.com, offers flower fans everywhere the opportunity to learn and experience the fun of flowers and flower arranging, 24/7! J has given flower demonstrations in all 50 states, Canada and England. Highlights include the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, Art in Bloom, Bouquets to Art, San Francisco Flower & Garden Show, Flowers at Kensington Palace and hundreds of state, association, wholesale and public shows. J has also appeared several times on the PBS show “P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home.” J is the author of Fun with Flowers, which received a Silver Living Now Book Award. His most recent book, Bloom 365 – The Essential Guide to Arranging Flowers Every Day, was awarded the Gold IPPY (Home and Garden category) by the Independent Publisher Book Awards. Bloom 365 features 365 tips, tricks, and techniques to make flower arranging easier.
About Produce Business
First published in 1985, Produce Business is the only national and international publication devoted to the buying end of the fruit, vegetable and floral markets. The magazine is edited for the buying end of the trade: supermarket retailers, restaurant chains, foodservice distributors, wholesalers, exporters, etc. Editorial is geared toward the purchasing, marketing, merchandising and management interests of the field. Feature editorial brings profit opportunities into focus and includes original research and analysis of industry data, special merchandising reports, tracking and review of trade and consumer trends, retail and foodservice case histories as well as exclusive commentary and analysis on developments in finance, commerce and government as they affect the produce trade. Produce Business is owned and published by Phoenix Media Network Inc. info@producebusiness.com
American Public Television
American Public Television (APT) is the leading syndicator of high-quality, top-rated programming to the nation’s public television stations. APT distributes one-fourth of the top 100 highest-rated public television titles in the U.S. Founded in 1961, among its 250 new program titles per year, APT programs include prominent documentaries, performance, news and current affairs programs, dramas, how-to programs, children’s series and classic movies. America’s Test Kitchen From Cook’s Illustrated, Cook’s Country, AfroPoP, Rick Steves’ Europe, Chris Kimball’s Milk Street Television, Front and Center, Doc Martin, Nightly Business Report, Midsomer Murders, A Place to Call Home, Lidia’s Kitchen, Globe Trekker, New Orleans Cooking with Kevin Belton, Simply Ming, and P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home are a sampling of APT’s programs, considered some of the most popular on public television. APT licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service. Now in its 13th year, Create®TV — featuring the best of public television’s lifestyle programming — is distributed by American Public Television. APT also distributes WORLD™, public television’s premier news, science and documentary channel. To find out more about APT’s programs and services, visit APTonline.org.
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