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November 2024 Newsletter

Investing in the Future of the Floral Industry



CalFlowers proudly supports initiatives that nurture both future floral professionals and sustainability across the industry.

BYU-Idaho Horticulture and Floral Design Program: Cultivating the Future of Floral and Horticultural Industries


Brigham Young University-Idaho’s Horticulture and Floral Design programs combine rigorous academics with hands-on training, preparing students for successful careers in horticulture and floristry. The program’s annual floral showcase, sponsored by CalFlowers, highlights students’ skills in creating large-scale floral installations and interpretive designs, offering them real-world experience. “CalFlowers is passionate about fostering the future of our industry,” says Monnaie Pepin, Director of Administration and Events at CalFlowers. The 2025 event will mark the fifth annual celebration of its kind. Learn more.

Join Us in Advancing Floriculture Sustainability!


CalFlowers is a proud supporter of Sustainabloom, a groundbreaking program dedicated to advancing sustainability within the floral industry. Backed by top researchers, Sustainabloom offers a range of free guides, tools, and resources to help floral businesses of all sizes on their sustainability journey. 

Sustainabloom recently kicked off a $2.5 million fundraising campaign to allow for the continued development of resources and additional research. Contributions to this campaign are an investment not just in Sustainabloom’s future, but in the future of the floriculture industry. Every donation is important and makes a difference, and organizations are encouraged to give at a level that is meaningful to them. Donations will continue to give in perpetuity through the Endowment, ensuring ongoing research, resource expansion, and the long-term success of the program. Join us in creating a more sustainable floral industry – now and for future generations! Learn more & get involved.


New Member Benefit: Signature Graphics


CalFlowers is excited to partner with Signature Graphics, providing members with an opportunity to turn their fleet vehicles into eye-catching branding tools. From concept and design to production and nationwide installation, Signature Graphics offers end-to-end solutions to boost your brand’s visibility on the road.

CalFlowers members receive an exclusive 5% discount on all Signature Graphics services. 

Learn More

Industry Events

Join That Flower Feeling on November 14th, at 12 PM ET, for an insightful webinar titled "Marketing Flowers for Self-Care: The Importance of Evolving the Floral Industry." Moderated by Chris Drummond, TFF Advisory Board Chairman and owner of Penny's by Plaza Florist, the session will explore how the floral industry can embrace the growing trend of self-care through flowers.


Industry leaders Kristin Gilliand (Gardens America), Lenny Walker (Kennicott Bros. Company), Jackie Levine (Central Square Florist), and Debora Steier (TFF Unit Sales Task Force) will share strategies to help florists and stakeholders thrive in a changing market.


Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how marketing flowers as a tool for well-being can keep your business ahead of the curve!

Register

Join CalFlowers and Pollen Talent for a webinar on improving HR strategies through understanding your company’s structure on December 10th at 1 PM ET. The Floral Industry HR Blueprint will guide you in analyzing your organization to enhance hiring, employee development, and retention.


Key Takeaways:

  • Understand common organizational structures and their impact.
  • Align recruitment, training, and retention strategies with business goals.


Ideal for floral business owners, HR professionals, and managers looking to enhance hiring and employee satisfaction. Gain tools to assess your organization and create effective HR plans.

Register


Deadline for Directory Ads


The 2025-2026 CalFlowers Membership Directory is your opportunity to reach over 900 key businesses across the floral industry. The directory is widely used by florists, wholesalers, and industry professionals, making it a valuable marketing tool for your business. Deadline: November 8, 2024.

Secure Your Ad

Industry News

Member Spotlight: InSitu Ecosystems


InSitu Ecosystems designs high-quality vivariums and terrariums for plant, reptile, amphibian, and insect enthusiasts, addressing challenges like drainage, air circulation, misting, and lighting. Founded by aerospace engineer Bill Rodman, the company draws inspiration from his passion for orchids and Dendrobatid frogs, shaped by research in Peru's rainforests.


InSitu’s products go beyond enclosures, offering customizable features to create thriving ecosystems. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, InSitu empowers hobbyists to replicate the beauty of nature at home. 

Read More

Delaware Valley Floral Group, LLC acquires Zieger & Sons, Inc. 


The Delaware Valley Floral Group, LLC (DVFG) has reached an agreement to acquire Zieger & Sons, Inc., a highly respected wholesale floral distributor that has served the Northeast region for over 100 years. 


“We are truly honored that the Zieger family has entrusted their legacy to the DVFG,” said John Wilkins, CEO of Delaware Valley Floral Group, LLC.


Read the full press release.

Rethinking self-care with That Flower Feeling


The floral industry is seeing a transformation with the launch of "That Flower Feeling," a nationwide marketing initiative led by CalFlowers. This campaign is designed to reshape how consumers view flowers—not just as luxury items but as essential to daily self-care routines.


Read the full article at The Produce News.

Floriculture sustainability guides from Sustainabloom


Sustainabloom has released four new, free guides to help floral businesses improve sustainability. Topics include carbon accounting, energy efficiency, and inventory management, offering strategies to reduce emissions, cut energy costs, and minimize waste. Developed by NC State University researchers, these resources provide practical steps to lower environmental impact and boost performance.


Explore the Sustainabloom Resource Hub.

Historic SF Flower Market ready for 'next phase'


The San Francisco Flower Market is spending its final months in its longtime South of Market home as it prepares to move to a new location in Potrero Hill on Dec. 27. The new 125,000-square-foot space will house about two-thirds of the market’s current vendors. While the transition marks the end of an era, the market aims to continue serving the floral community from its new home in The City.


Read the full article at the San Francisco Examiner.

Welcome New Members!

Archibald Flowers

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Directory Listing


Purple Pastures Lavender Farm

Salinas, CA

Directory Listing


So Cal Flowers Inc.

Oxnard, CA

Directory Listing

Ochoas Greens Inc.

North Plains, Oregon

Directory Listing


The Flower Hat

Bozeman, MT

Directory Listing


Cake Bloom

Charlottesville, VA

Directory Listing


George Rallis Inc.

New York, New York

Directory Listing


PG Family Floral

Spokane Valley, WA

Directory Listing


Pugh's Flowers

Memphis, TN

Directory Listing


Become a Member
Member Directory

Transportation Updates

FedEx Updates & Service Disruptions: 

FedEx Demand (Peak) season surcharges begin October 28th and run through January 19th. We’ve sent out information detailing what to expect. If you missed the email, you can simply click HERE for complete details from FedEx. 


Starting January 6th, our new rates will take effect. The General Rate Increase (GRI) that FedEx will enact for 2025 is pegged 5.9%. Our contract however, holds the line at 5% so members will feel some relief this coming year.  New rates will be automatically uploaded and visible on the 6th and we will have hard copies available later that week which can be found on our website.


Now that fall is here and winter approaching, it is recommended to always check for any service delays or alerts before shipping.

FedEx International Shipping:

See here for an excellent resource from FedEx that walks shippers through the process step by step. First time international shippers inherently have questions on process and paperwork required. If you would like to talk to someone in person whether on the phone or at FedEx office, professional assistance available.

Additional FedEx Support & Resources:

  • For those wanting to know who your FedEx representative is, or if you want to be contacted by FedEx, please email Chris Johnson, your FedEx account number and he will respond with information on your FedEx contact. It’s a good practice to establish a relationship with your FedEx representative. They can be of great assistance when needed.


  • Call (877) 339-2774 for FedEx’s tech support team, who can help with many tech-related issues including guidance regarding on-line shipping platforms.
  • You can have your shipments held at your nearby FedEx Office instead of being delivered to your door. Having shipments held at your local FedEx office can help with temperature management since your boxes will be stored in a temperature-controlled office rather than riding in a truck all morning. It’s also true that you can drop off your shipments at your local FedEx office. This can be an advantage for some parts of the country where having your packages standing by in FedEx office is preferable to being in a truck for hours.



  • Find the latest news from FedEx here

Surcharges & Claims Resources: 

For those members looking for good general information on Surcharges and Claims, the following information can be helpful.


This first resource offers information regarding surcharges and fees. Keep in mind that the CalFlowers program offers members MANY surcharge and fee reductions that are significantly lower than these standard surcharges, however it’s still a good reference point and has some clear definitions on what each fee/surcharge is. If you would like a summary of your program surcharge/fee discounts and waivers, please check our website or email Chris Johnson for a copy.


The second resource is very helpful when you need to file a claim for damaged or lost product. Keep in mind, a product claim is different from our Money Back Guarantee, which applies to shipping charges and is handled differently. Product claims are more involved and can be confusing, but this resource helps navigate the process. 

FedEx New Member Resources: 

New members who are just starting with FedEx shipping can utilize the “Customer Training” service that is available upon request. This service offers shippers direct one-on-one assistance from FedEx covering many of the questions new shippers may have. If you are interested in signing up, please contact Chris Johnson. Visit this webpage for excellent information for new shippers. 


We would also like to remind members to stay current with their FedEx Express shipping invoices. FedEx payment terms are 15 days. All members shipping on FedEx Express are expected to stay within the FedEx payment terms. Failure to stay current with FedEx risks your account being delinked from the program. For more information on this issue, contact Chris Johnson.


To obtain your invoice details and payment options, please contact FedEx Customer Service.

GLS Updates & Transit Map:

Like FedEx, GLS also will implement surcharges during the busy Peak season, however for our account, member shippers will only see a $1/package charge for deliveries to Residential locations when shipping priority. The peak surcharge season runs from October 28th through January 19th.


For 2025, GLS is implementing a 5.9% for their regular customers, CalFlowers members will only see a 3.5% increase. Updated rates will be available after the new year and will be available on our website. 


Check out this interactive Time and Transit map. Plug in your ZIP code and a handy map will show you your 1-day, 2-day transportation options. 

GLS Ground Rates: 

The CalFlowers GLS program is one of our popular, most value-priced offerings, with discounts well over 70% off standard rates. GLS offers later pick-ups and earlier deliveries while providing express door-to-door services covering CA, AZ, NV, OR, WA, NM, UT, and ID. To take advantage of this service, members must sign up in advance, which only takes a few minutes. For more details, please contact Chris Johnson at (760) 533-5580.

GLS Program Improvements: 

  • GLS will now honor product claims. If GLS is at fault (acts of God, not included) and the product arrives damaged, significantly late, or just missing, members now can file a claim. We highly recommend member shippers to indicate the correct Declared Value to be covered.


  • GLS will credit 100% of shipping costs if your shipment is not delivered on the day promised. Bad weather is excluded. Members will need to request this within 48 hours at customerservice@gls-us.com
  • GLS has given our account access to a special premium team of Customer Service agentsThis high-level group was designed for fast response and problem solving. Please contact Chris Johnson for access to this important resource.


Alaska Air Cargo Program:

If you've been using our new CalFlowers/Alaska Airlines shipping program, you’ve likely experienced the exceptional value it offers. Our program provides outstanding rates to numerous regions across the country, including shipments from California, Portland, Seattle, and now Alaska. Be sure to explore all the program details on our website.

Did you know Alaska Airlines provides one of the most comprehensive intra-California services, with San Diego serving as its largest hub in the state? Even better, through our exclusive partnership with Alaska Airlines, we offer truly exceptional rates that you won’t find anywhere else. To sign-up, contact Chris Johnson (chris@cafgs.org).

For the latest News and updates please visit the Alaska Airlines webpage.


Alaska Air commonly asked questions.


For members wanting to get in touch with our Alaska Air Cargo Regional Sales Manager, California, Mike Narowski.


For questions about our Alaska Air Cargo program, please contact Chris Johnson, 760-533-5580.

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Phone: 831.479.4912 | Email: info@cafgs.org

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