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In This Issue 6-4-13

WF&FSA 2013 Calendar - Check Out These Events

  

  

  

October 23-25, 2013

Doral Trump Resort, Miami, FL

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and reach over 2,000 WF&FSA members and prospects!

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WFFSA has partnered with U.S. Bank Payment Solutions to offer you a simple, cost effective payment processing program.  This partnership will allow you as a member to take advantage of U.S. Bank's superior payment processing and services. Our network, leading the industry for speed and reliability, provides the most cost-effective, user-friendly technology available on the market today at the highest standard of customer service. Even if you are currently using another payment processor, call us for a FREE rate comparison. Read more. 

 WF&FSA's President is Pat Dahlson, Mayesh Wholesale Florist, Inc., Los Angeles, CA.

WF&FSA's Executive Vice President is Trish Lilly


So, What's New With You?

 

We'd like to know what's new with you and your company. Do you have any organizational changes? Have you changed your address? Added a new product line? Introduced a new product? Just send your information into WF&FSA at [email protected]. If you like, to simply the process, you may use the attached form. Or, just add us to your press release list. Email your press release to the email address above or send it to WF&FSA, 105 Eastern Avenue, Suite 104, Annapolis, MD 21403. We look forward to hearing from you! 

 

For more information on WF&FSA Events & Programs, visit  www.wffsa.org

 

race2013 FLORAL DISTRIBUTION CONFERENCE WILL INFORM AND ENTERTAIN

October 23-25, 2013

The Trump Doral, Miami, Florida

 

There's a lot happening at WF&FSA as the Floral Distribution Conference takes shape. An exceptional program will focus on "Rediscovering the Power of Your Business, Your Customers and You: Look at What You Do, but Look at it Differently!" A fast-paced, dynamic education program will feature a variety of hard-hitting topics including:

  • Rediscover the Independent Grocer, the Retail Florist and Your Management Skills
  • Explore Margin vs. Markup - It's All About Profitability
  • What are the Latest/Greatest Social Media Tips?
  • Opportunities in Ethnic Markets
  • Enhance the supply chain through creative partnerships between wholesaler and supplier
  • And much more!

In addition to a top-notch program, a new component to our program will be added with the introduction of commercials. What, you say? That's right, members will have the opportunity to purchase 30-second commercial time slots during educational program - we're looking for inventive spots that will entertain the audience and bring your message to more than 700 attendees. Watch for details.

 

Concerning the table top program, check out these companies that have previously exhibited that have signed on already. Sales will open up shortly for new participants. Watch your mail for details.

 

Keep your eyes peeled for this year's brochure coming your way soon.

ratioSTRATEGIC BOARD RETREAT FOCUSES ON WF&FSA

Last week, the WF&FSA Board met for a dynamic Strategic Retreat to rethink and renew WF&FSA. Traditionally held every few years, this year's retreat outcomes are sure to enhance WF&FSA's viability and services. A full look at WF&FSA and the floral industry produced thought provoking discussions and the outline of an action plan to help take the very best of WF&FSA and enhance the organization with new products and programs and outlook. Once the Board reviews the final recommendations, members will receive a full report. 

deadlineWF&FSA TO CREATE ELECTRONIC MEDIA KIT

 

The Marketing Committee, with Board approval, has retained a marketing/pr consultant to create an electronic media kit for WF&FSA members that will provide tools and materials for media engagement and outreach for their retail customers:

 

The Guide will include sample press releases, op-eds, blogs, pitch ideas and scripts for print, digital and broadcast outlets. (To include, but not be limited to, local free and paid press, radio, community flyers, billboards, PSAs, etc.).   It will be a living document, sent out electronically and updated with data and statistics that keep angles relevant and timely for media consumption and engagement.

 

The inaugural guide introduced at the 2013 Floral Distribution Conference, October 23-25 with a focus on Valentine's Day 2014 promotional efforts.
additionalADDITIONAL REASONS WHY WF&FSA SUPPORTS BOX STANDARDS

Standard Box Sizes Would Ease The Stress On The Labeling Process 

 

Even and consistent box sizes would allow for development and placement of a more uniform shipping label.  This would, in turn, eliminate stacked labels (and the need for guessing what's REALLY inside that box.) 

 

Support the plan!  Please mention standardized boxes to your growers and vendors who utilize non-standard boxes.  It's your request that will get this done!

 

To learn more about WF&FSA Box Standards, click here.

surveyWF&FSA ANNUAL OPERATING RATIO SURVEY UNDERWAY

Wholesalers are encouraged to participate in the 2013 Annual Operating Ratio Survey - the best source of financial benchmarks for the industry.  This report presents a wealth of financial and operating guidelines including direct comparisons between your firm and other participating firms. This valuable information is, however, only available to firms that participate in the study. Participants receive:
  • The Operating Ratio Report: A financial and operating profile of the entire industry.
  • Performance Analysis Report: A confidential report sent directly to you comparing your firm with similar participating firms. Many firms take this report to the bank to discuss loans and lines of credit.
  • Profit Toolkit Online: A Microsoft� Excel spreadsheet to assist your financial planning.

To learn more, click here.

last

LAST CHANCE TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS FOR 2013 LELAND T. KINTZELE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD (LTK)  

 

The WF&FSA Board of Directors is accepting nominations for the 2013 Leland T. Kintzele Distinguished Service (LTK) Award. The award will be presented at the WF&FSA Floral Distribution Conference, October 23-25, at the Doral, Miami, FL. The deadline for nominations is June 14, 2013.

 

To nominate someone, individuals must write a letter explaining how the candidate meets the attributes stated above. The letter and any supporting material should be sent to Patricia A. Lilly, WF&FSA executive vice president, at  [email protected] or mailed to WF&FSA, 105 Eastern Avenue, Suite 104, Annapolis, MD 21403. The deadline for all nominations is June 14, 2013.

 

To learn more, click here.

riseKENYA FLOWER FARMERS BET ON HIGHER EARNINGS AS DIRECT SALES RISE 

Reprinted Courtesy of PMA Smart Brief, June 3, 2013

 

Cut flower sales are on the rise for Kenya's growers amid growing international demand, according to the Kenya Flower Council. Kenya's main cut flower crops are roses, carnations and alstromeria, and the country is the leading exporter of cut roses to Europe. The Standard (Kenya). 

time

CREATING JOBS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, ONE FLORAL DESIGNER AT A TIME

 

Working 12+ hours a day with companies may not treat employees well isn't what Enyver Appenzeller had in mind when she started working in floral design over 8 years ago. That's why she decided to start a job search website specializing in matching great companies with great employees. Her company, Floral Gig, is a job search consultation website servicing all of the floral industry, including floral design companies, flower shops and anyone looking for extra help for events. Floral Gig provides companies with great applicants and matches the applicants with great companies. "At Floral Gig, we strive to create perfect matches within the applicant/company relationship in the floral industry".

 

Floral Gig was created by Enyver Appenzeller in Brea California in 2013 after years of referring friends to companies all throughout Southern California. Appenzeller noticed the increasing demand in the industry and started being the middle (wo)man placing great matches with jobs.Floral Gig is the first ever job search website for the floral industry and is quickly becoming known as the trusted source for staffing floral/wedding events. Plans are already being made to expand the reach from Southern California to nationwide by the end of the year.

 

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Enyver Appenzeller at 714-310-6189 or email her at [email protected] or http://www.floralgig.com. 

afeAFE FUNDRAISING DINNER SUPPORTS EXPANSIVE RESEARCH 

 

Tickets are now available for the American Floral Endowment's (AFE) annual fundraising dinner on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013 at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix. The dinner is held in conjunction with the Society of American Florists' (SAF) annual convention.

 

At the dinner, the Endowment will kick off its new awareness campaign video and release the findings from the Purchasing Barriers study underway now. Additionally, donors reaching new giving levels will be recognized. To learn more, click here.

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105 Eastern Avenue, Suite 104, Annapolis, MD  21403 Call 888-289-3372 or 410-573-0400