It's been a while since I have posted anything so I thought I would post a few news briefs.

• Asocolfores (association of Colombian growers) and SAF have teamed up to provide funeral directors a monthly reminder to remove "In Lieu of Flowers" from obits.
• The cost of foliage imported from Europe is likely to increase if a new duty of 100% takes affect in retaliation to the European duty on US beef.
• Miss Manners a columnist in many US papers was asked if it was ok to send flowers to someone who had just had a miscarriage. Her answer was flowers along with a card may be the best way of showing your sympathy for their loss. 
• Inattentive clerks who yammer away with each other while oblivious to customers topped the list of Americana's top in-store pet peeves, according to a multi-client resent Gallup Poll.
• Every Blooming Thing of Salt Lake City was the recipent of the seventh annual Retail Florist of the Year award, sponsored by WF&FSA and Florists' Review.
• Average Wedding Costs Down-Floral Centerpieces Up. First quarter of 2009 survey conducted by "The Wedding Report" show that the average cost of a wedding has dipped another 12% to $19,219. The three biggest factors were - Decrease in demand of products and services - Couples choosing to marry via JP or non traditional means &Consolidation of ceremony and reception. The good news is that the amount of money spent on reception table and centerpieces increased. 
• Mark your calenders for September 27th The Portland Flower Market Fall Open House. This year we will have a special siminar for Owners and Managers as well as the Design Progams. The Siminar will be presented by Smithers Oasis on the latest demographics of our industry and how to attract that business.

With workers feeling financial pressure in their personal lives employee fraud is on the rise. We all think it can't happen to us but it probably is in some way. A local shop owner was having lunch at a café up the street from his shop and saw some old flowers on the tables that looked a little to familiar. When he confronted an employee about her side business in old flowers, she said she didn't know what she was doing was wrong. Be sure to check your bank statements and the back of all cancelled checks. You can also buy insurance against "employee dishonesty" and have employees sign ethics policies when they start. It won't hold up in court but it will send a message that you're wise to the temptation.

Also watch out for the fraudulent orders where they put it on a credit card and ask you to put cash in the envelope with the card and "Bill" will be picking up the order. This scam was run over Valentines Day in several cities. Be on the alert for the upcoming Mothers Day orders.  

Some good news; 2008 retail floriculture sale were 20.9 Billion dollars compared to 2007 at 20.5.   

To view any replies to a thread click on the underlined section, you will need to log in to post replies. 

Help cure Breast Cancer

During the month of March Frank Adams is having a weekly drawing for a pink Designers Tool Box. Proceeds from the purchase of these tool boxes go to help stamp out Breast Cancer. With every item purchased from the Monday Morning Specials you will receive an entry for the tool box. Drawings will be held weekly on Friday. Help Frank Adams support a great cause and win a free tool box. Your salesperson will gladly fill out your entry form and submit it for the drawing.