SAF
members Dwight Larimer, AAF, (left) of Design Master color tool, and Chuck
Johnson, AAF, of Smithers Oasis - North America, take the first of many steps on the
Hill Tuesday morning as part of Congressional Action Days. SAF’s Congressional Action Days attendees got their first
lesson in how Washington can work (or not) before getting a block away
from their hotel Tuesday morning. Bumper-to-bumper cab caravans,
emergency vehicles cordoning off streets for official business, texting
pedestrians, and cyclists careening in and out of traffic greeted the
Capitol Hill-headed crew. The scene offered an almost-too-easy metaphor
for the twists, turns and sudden dead-ends that issues face when trying
to work their way through Congress.
She loves you unconditionally, spoils you rotten, has seen you at your
worst and even though she’s married to another man, you knew you had
to send her flowers on Valentine’s Day.
A year of economic hardships, downsizing and dwindling-to-non-existent
profitability did not stop 91 floral industry members from making the
trip to Washington, D.C. this week for SAF’s 30th annual Congressional
Action Days. In fact, the economy may have underscored the need to sit
down face-to-face and tell Congress how pending legislation is making
it tough to stay in business.
Two hundred women in Washington, D.C., are no doubt still enjoying
— and telling friends about — a surprise gift of flowers they received Monday, March 8, while walking in Georgetown.
On the SAF Facebook Fan Pagesomeone asked..."do any florists chip or shred flower stems instead of throwing them in a garbage can? Share what you know > Tip of the Week.Set
a table outside your shop, offering passers-by the opportunity to give
a flower with a personalized message to a friend. Read more >
Post-recession
marketing is the focus of Growth Solutions, SAF’s rapid-fire new
mini-conference for florists June 23-24 in Dallas. “The retail
marketplace has changed dramatically, and florists need to know how to
engage the post-recession consumer,” said SAF CEO Peter Moran.
The Federal Trade Commission'sIdentity Theft Rule, also called the Red Flags Rule, will take effect June 1, 2010. If you accept credit cards or bill customers, you will need to have a written identity theft prevention program in place by then. But before you call your lawyer, check out SAF's sample policy. It just might save you time, and money.
Make sure your listing on the Florist Directory, on www.aboutflowers.com, SAF’s consumer Web site, includes a live link directing consumers to your shop. If it doesn’t, be sure to let SAF know, and we’ll make it happen. Simply e-mail your Web site address and shop name to
, and your link will be live within the next 24 hours.
Brides on a Budget? Offer Them This Practical Tool Whether her pockets are deep or shallow, your bridal customer probably has a floral budget in mind. Make the decision easier for her already overwhelmed brain with SAF's Wedding Flower Calculator.
Payroll Made Simple — With Paychex!
You work hard to keep your business running smoothly. Why not make one thing easier, with Paychex? SAF members save 15% off basic payroll processing — so sign up now!
Rush Shipments? Save on FedEx Through SAF! Partner with
FedEx and save up to 21 percent on select FedEx Express shipments and up to 15
percent on select FedEx Ground shipments. Take advantage of this special offer
by enrolling in the FedEx savings program for SAF members.
