Marla O’Dell, Berwick Offray/CSS Industries

1. What moved you to serve on the WF&FSA Education Committee?
I like giving back to an industry that I have been a part of for the better part of my career.

2. Tell us about your company.
Berwick Offray and Hampshire Paper are leaders in the ribbon, bow, and packaging industries. As manufacturers and importers of high quality ribbons, accessories and packaging products, we service the wholesale floral and horticulture markets. Our brands include Offray® ribbons, Simply Sheer Asiana ribbon, McGinley Mills® acetate satin, The Perfect Bow®, Wraphia® ribbons, Kwik-Cover® pot covers, Krystalphane® film, and Guardsman® Waxed Tissue and Decorative Foils to name a few. Many of our products are proudly made in the USA.

3. What is the most interesting thing that happened to you in your business?
We get to see our products in action in places like the White House, Rose Parade, Olympics, Kentucky Derby and other high profile places where ribbon and flowers are used.


4. What value does being on the WF&FSA board bring to you?
WFFSA provides an awesome way to network in our industry and on a personal level, create lifelong friends.

5. Describe the value or benefit that WF&FSA membership brings to your company.
We are only as successful as our customers so the value WFFSA brings to me is helping to create and implement ideas, activities and education that will make wholesale florists more successful.

6. What is the number one thing you want to accomplish as a Committee Co-Chair?
Capitalize on the momentum. The Presidents for the past few years have really developed strong leadership and an organization with a purpose. It is up to future leaders to keep that going with ideas and programs that bring value to the wholesale florist.

7. How did you get into the wholesale floral Industry?
Syndicate Sales hired me because of my experience in the craft industry when they were still selling Plastifoam. After Plastifoam was sold to Floracraft, I became focused on wholesale floral full-time.

8. What is your favorite part of the WF&FSA Floral Distribution Conference? 

Networking and spending time with really smart people you don't get to see every day in an environment where work is conducted but in a more understated manner backed up with some fun.

9. How have you used relationships developed through WF&FSA to help you at work?
WFFSA members are our customers. Those relationships foster trust and ultimately business growth.