WF&FSA netWORK
7-1-03 Issue
BETTER BY THE DOZEN! NEW MEMBERS FLOCK TO WF&FSA
In just the past two weeks, WF&FSA has welcomed 12 new members from all categories, including wholesaler, supplier, importer, grower, transportation and software services. The new members are: Atlas Plastics Divison of Flex Products, Carlstadt, NJ - Hardgoods supplier; Casupa, Bogota, Colombia - International grower; daly.commerce, East Greenwich, RI - Software company; Esmerelda Farms, Inc., Miami, FL - Importer; Falcon Farms, Miami, FL - Importer; Horton - Mitchell, Inc., Thomasville, GA - Wholesaler; MarketMakers, Inc., Miami, FL - Transportation; Unifind LLC dba Flostep, Rochester, NY - Hardgoods supplier; Uniflora Overseas Florida, Inc., Okhumpka, FL - Grower/shipper; Union County Florist Supplies, Inc., Linden, NJ - Wholesaler; Vaughan, Inc., Sanford, FL - Plant grower; Wilson Wreath Co. Ltd., Nashwaak Bridge NB Canada - Hardgoods supplier.
WF&FSA UNVEILS NEW, IMPROVED WEBSITE
WF&FSA has revamped its entire website to create a dynamic marketing and reference tool with added features, services and content. Now when you go to www.wffsa.org, you'll find consistent images, easier navigation and new information that will be updated regularly. The members only section is now open, although several links are still being added. If you have forgotten your password or need a password, please contact Evan Langsner at receptionist@wffsa.org.
MAKE CHICAGO RESERVATIONS NOW TO SAVE AND WIN!
The deadline to make hotel reservations at the discounted WF&FSA rate for either Management Institute or Summer Sales Camp is July 14. The Embassy Suites O'Hare is offering single or double rooms for only $119 per night plus tax, and breakfast is included. Last year the hotel completely sold out and chances are it sell out again this year. Make your reservations today by calling the hotel at 888-476-7366. Mention reservation code WHOFLR to guarantee the reduced rate. Or you can make reservations online at www.embassyohare.com and enter promotional code WHO.
Register for Management Institute and/or Summer Sales Camp AND make your hotel reservation BEFORE JULY 14 to be entered into a WF&FSA drawing for two free hotel nights during your stay. Two drawings will be held: one for Management Institute and one for Summer Sales Camp. Each drawing will be for two free hotel nights to be applied during your stay at WF&FSA University. You can register online for Management Institute, Aug. 12-14, and Summer Sales Camp, Aug. 14-16, in the Events section at www.wffsa.org or contact Tina Brown at tbrown@wffsa.org.
FLORAL EXPO 2003 INTEREST BLOSSOMS
Ninety-two exhibitors already have contracted for nearly 190 booths at Floral Expo 2003, scheduled for Oct. 23-25 in Atlanta, and requests for booth space continue to arrive. Floral Expo is expected to attract over 500 wholesaler buyers. WF&FSA plans to send promotional material to member wholesalers and prospects in mid-July. For more information or to register for booth space, go to www.wffsa.org or contact Tina Brown at tbrown@wffsa.org.
CREDIT INSURANCE OFFERS BAD-DEBT PROTECTION
WF&FSA members now can insure all or part of their receivables against non-payment through a new program offered by the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW). WF&FSA's membership in NAW makes this program available to you.
The accounts are insured by EULER American Credit Indemnity, North America's oldest and largest credit insurer. The rates are determined by the individual accounts you want to insure, and you can set a deductible or co-insure to lower premiums. If you file a claim and the insurance company can't collect, it pays you.
For more information, call toll-free 877-909-3227 and ask to apply for the NAW program as a WF&FSA member, or go to www.eulerhermes.com/aci/naw/ and complete the form for a salesperson to call. If you contact this company, please share your experience with us good or bad. WF&FSA would like your feedback.
"THINK PINK" THIS WEDDING SEASON, SCHWANKE SAYS
Orange and red also are very hot wedding colors this year, and "carnations are back with a vengeance," J Schwanke told WF&FSA audio conference participants who dialed in last month to hear tips on "Professionalism in Wedding Selling." CDs of the conference proceedings are available to members for $60; for non-members, the cost is $100. To order, contact Evan Langsner at receptionist@wffsa.org .
The next WF&FSA audio conference is scheduled for July 29 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. ET. Carl Henry, owner of Henry Associates, will present "Professionalism in Selling at Open Houses, Trade Fairs and Personal Visits This Fall Season." Click here to register.
AND AT THE CAPITOL . . .
Death Tax Act. The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8, the Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2003, earlier this month by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 264 to 163, with 41 Democrats joining 223 Republicans in support of the measure. A real challenge lies ahead in the Senate, but House passage may help build positive momentum there, said Jade West, senior vice president-government relations for the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW).
Association Health Plan Act. The U.S. House of Representatives also passed H.R. 660, the Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2003, NAW announced. This legislation authorizes the formation and multi-state operation of Federally certified association health plans (AHPs). The AHP Bill, which is supported by the Bush administration, passed by a vote of 262 to 162 in which 36 Democrats joined 226 Republicans in support.
Passenger-Plane Cargo Amendment. The House also approved legislation last week that would order the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to screen all packages placed in the cargo holds of passenger planes. The screening requirement, originally introduced as H.R. 2455, the Universal Screening of Air Cargo Act, was attached to the DHS appropriations bill, according to the National Industrial Transportation League newsletter. The amendment prohibits funding security plans that neglect the physical screening of passenger-plane cargo. According to the General Accounting Office, an estimated 22% of all cargo is carried on passenger planes.
AGRIFLOR ATTENDANCE FLAGS DESPITE LAST-MINUTE REGISTRATIONS
Attendance at the ninth Agriflor trade show, held last month in Quito, Ecuador, was down 23% from last year. The total number of visitors representing 23 countries was just under 7,000. The number of exhibitors also decreased; 121 companies exhibited this year, compared to 162 in 2002.
SUPER FLORAL SHOW POSTS GAINS THIS YEAR
More than 500 mass-market and volume buyers attended the Super Floral Show, held in Salt Lake City June 12-14, according to the Super Floral website. The show featured over 350 exhibitors, an increase of 11% over last year, according to the July issue of Floral Cuttings newsletter. To learn more about the show, go to www.superfloralshow.com.
FREE AIRFARE TO PROFLORA FOR QUALIFIED BUYERS
The Colombian Government is offering free airfare to Catagena de Indias for qualified buyers who want to attend Proflora 2003, Oct. 8 - 10. If you are interested in attending, contact Luis German Restrepo at luisr@proexportmia.com to learn how to qualify. For more information on Proflora 2003, go to www.proflora.org.
PMA OFFERS FLORAL PACKAGE FOR FRESH SUMMIT 2003
Fresh Summit 2003 will offer a floral package that includes a tour, workshop, merchandising and display center on the show floor, an award presentation and special registration rates, according to the Produce Marketing Association (PMA). The workshop, titled "Proving the ROI of Floral," will show floral attendees how to translate holiday strategies into increased year-round sales and integrate floral strategies into overall corporate financial goals. The workshop also will stress how effective supplier "partnerships can turn limited floor space into profits." For more information, go to www.pma.com.
HIGH-TECH SORTING INCREASES PROFITS
Visual sorting with the use of cameras can result in a considerable rise in profits for the grower, according to a test project recently announced by the Flower Council of Holland. The test showed that stems are more uniform and can be harvested within a three-day period if growers sort just before the seedlings are planted. The visual sorting, which involves removing poorly developed plants from trays before planting, is not a new technique, but its use is growing. For information, contact perilla@ix.netcom.com.
LOOKING FOR A NEW MARKET? CONSIDER GARDEN CENTERS
Consumers spent a total of $39.6 billion on their lawns and gardens in 2002. That was an increase of $1.9 billion or 5% over 2001, according to a recent study by the National Gardening Association. Over the past five years, total lawn and garden sales have increased at a compound annual growth rate of 8%. From 1997 to 2002, lawn and garden sales increased from $26.6 billion in 1997 to $39.6 billion in 2002. For a copy of the complete report, write to Bruce Butterfield at bruceb@gardenresearch.com.
LEARN NEW IDEAS FROM WHOLESALE LEADERS
Stimulate new ideas for your business by listening to conversations with five highly successful wholesale distributors. You can purchase one CD or all five from the Profiles in Wholesale Distribution Leadership CD series offered by the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) using a WF&FSA discount.
The five volumes cover interviews with the recently retired chairman of the Sysco Corporation, the recently retired president/CEO of Do It Best Corporation, the chairman of Arrow Electronics, the recently retired CEO of Rexel-Branch Electric Supply and the recently retired president/CEO of United Stationers. We have listened to each interview at WF&FSA and have no hesitation in recommending them to our members. Not everything will relate to your business but each will stimulate your thinking in some way and help you better your business.
Because WF&FSA is a member organization, our members can purchase the CDs at a discount. Each volume is $62, and a complete set of all five interviews is $285. An additional discount is offered for online orders. To order, go to www.nawpubs.org or call Jamie Yeh at 202-872-0885.
SAF RECAPS SPRING HOLIDAY SALES
Lackluster Administrative Professionals Week (APW) sales were buoyed by healthy Mother's Day results, according to sales figures from 113 members who responded to an online survey by the Society of American Florists (SAF). Results indicate that 47% of respondents experienced increased Mother's Day sales, 32% saw results similar to those in 2002 and 21% experienced decreased sales. Only 14% of respondents saw an increase in their APW sales this year, and respondents believe the name change, economic hardships and seasonal timing accounted for the generally low turnout.
2002 HOLIDAY RESULTS STRONG, SAYS FLORISTS' REVIEW SURVEY
Despite a sluggish economy and cautious consumers, most florists experienced strong Christmas sales in 2002, according to the July issue of Florists' Review, which focused on Christmas. A survey of 200 randomly selected floral retailers showed that the majority (40%) reported increased sales over 2001; 29% reported decreased sales and sales for 31% stayed the same. Top reasons for sales increases: new or additional locations, high product quality, more incoming wire orders, better/more diverse product mixes and more people staying home. For more information, go to www.floristsreview.com.
HIGHLAND SUPPLY ADDS NEW FACILITIES
Highland Supply Corporation recently expanded its production, distribution and warehousing capabilities with the addition of new facilities in Mexico and Texas, according to Flower News. The manufacturing expansion in Mexico will provide 70% more floor space and 400 additional employees. The new 125,000-square-foot, 25-dock warehouse in Texas will operate in conjunction with the Mexican facilities.
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