The runners at the Olympic track and field finals in Eugene, Ore., aren't the only ones thinking and moving fast on their feet. The team at Dandelions Flowers & Gifts has been in full sprint since they were tapped to provide victory bouquets just three days before the first starter gun fired on Friday, June 27.
U.S. and Kenyan officials have come to an agreement that could bring more African flowers into the states, but some industry officials say they don't expect an immediate effect on the market.
The number of retail florist establishments continued to contract in 2006 according to just-released data from the U.S. Census Bureau's County Business Patterns.
SAF recently responded to Country Living magazine's Web site, on which a slideshow and related copy urged readers to skip the flower shop and do it themselves. In "Forgo the Florist: Artful arrangements in under an hour" the slideshow encourages consumers to make their own floral arrangements and offers suggestions on how to do so without the guidance of a florist.
If you're planning to do a design demonstration in your town but are terrified of public speaking, Sharon McGukin has a tip for you: Before you take on your first demo, research your audience in advance before you step on stage and meet and greet as many people as possible. McGukin's program, "Keys to Communication" is one of four events SAF is bringing to AIFD's annual Symposium in Chicago, July 3-7.
Floral industry members and others interested in helping develop the first national standard for sustainable agriculture have less than a week to apply to be on the committee leading the effort.
A newspaper ad thanking people who sent flowers to a funeral did more than just share one family's message of gratitude. It also amplified the power of flowers to celebrate a life.
After a busy, last-minute order-packed Mother's Day, what florist wouldn't appreciate a nice escape? Carrie Bateman won a four-wheeled one after her aggressive Mother's Day promotions paid off with a new Ford Escape for the shop's use.
Reader's Digest knows how to simplify things (condensed stories, compact departments) and its Web site wants readers to simplify their summer party festivities with the help of florists.
Industry News and Info 
