”Fleuroselect was planning lots of festivities to mark its 50th anniversary!”, says Sally van der Horst. For 28 years she has been Fleurselect’s Secretary General. ”It was going to take place in the Netherlands, and we’d already thought of many interesting activities. The entire programme was ready.” All festivities had to be canceled due to the coronacrisis.
How are you doing?
“I’m fine, thanks. I’ve just turned 60. I don’t know if that puts me in the risk group, I don’t feel like I’m at higher risk anyway. My husband and me are both keeping well and so are our three children and our parents. We feel lucky to have permanent jobs. There are plenty of people who don’t have a guaranteed income. The fact that we, and our children, are fine in that regard is a real blessing.”
What’s the coronavirus crisis been like for you so far?
“The first week, when all those flowers were destroyed, was a major shock. It was so devastating to see so many flowers being thrown away. That’s when we realised how much human suffering the coronavirus was causing. Our focus has now returned to the suffering of the companies. It goes in waves. Personally, we’re okay, but I am concerned about the sector, our members and our organisation.
”What does this mean for Fleuroselect?
“We were planning lots of festivities to mark our 50th anniversary! It was going to take place in the Netherlands, and we’d already thought of many interesting activities. The entire programme was ready, and we were going to follow the medallists. Our annual convention was planned for July, and another event in September. We’ve had to cancel everything. We realised early on that things couldn’t go through. After that, we got busy trying to help our members.”
Click here to read the full interview with Sally in Floribusiness digital magazine.
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