Get Ready for an Unforgettable Experience at Fun ‘N Sun 2024 – Blooming for Success! | |
We've crafted an exhilarating lineup of events for Fun ‘N Sun that you won't want to miss!
- First Timers' Reception: A warm welcome to kick off your journey!
- Dynamic Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders and peers.
- Top-Notch Educational Sessions: Learn from the best in the business.
- Farm Tours at Kendall Farms and Mellano & Company: See where the magic happens.
- Hands-On Classes: Designed for your enjoyment and enrichment.
And that's not all! We're thrilled to invite you to the exclusive One United Floral Mixer hosted by That Flower Feeling. This industry fundraiser is the perfect chance to support the mission of increasing floral consumption in the US while mingling with fellow stakeholders.
The Fun ‘N Sun Golf Tournament will be held on the picturesque Omni La Costa Legends golf course, offering a fantastic blend of sport and networking.
Don't wait—register today and be part of this incredible event! We look forward to seeing you soon!
| |
|
We Want to Hear from You!
Members, we value your experience and want to meet your business needs. Please share your feedback by completing the CalFlowers Membership Survey. As a thank you, CalFlowers members will be entered to win a $100 gift card!
| |
Current Social Media Campaigns | |
July marks the annual celebration of American Grown Flower and Foliage Month. Certified American Grown has made it easy for farms and vendors to participate in #AmericanGrownMonth by creating a collective social media campaign which amplifies the stories and stunning blooms of U.S. farms.
Access the American Grown Month toolkit for social media templates, captions, and campaign details.
| |
International Self Care Day falls on Wednesday, July 24th, and is the perfect opportunity to highlight the benefits of using flowers as a form of self-care. That Flower Feeling has created a variety of marketing assets that make it easy to participate and promote flowers during International Self Care day.
Access graphics, captions, and hashtags by visiting That Flower Feeling's website or contacting info@thatflowerfeeling.org.
| |
Member Benefit Spotlight: Constant Contact
CalFlowers’ members receive 30% off monthly Constant Contact subscriptions. New users can visit our website to sign up for a free 30-day trial and discounted subscription. Contact us if you have an existing Constant Contact account.
| |
|
J Schwanke receives AIFD® Distinguished Service to Floral Industry Award at AIFD Symposium
The American Institute of Floral Designers honored J Schwanke, creator of the TV show "J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom," with the Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry Award. Schwanke, a laureate member of AIFD, was recognized for his significant contributions to floral education and his efforts in promoting the health and wellness benefits of flowers. Read more.
| |
|
New Fund Established Honoring Industry Trailblazer Kathleen "Katie" Kennicott
The Katie Kennicott Memorial Tribute was established, honoring Katie's life. Through months of continued contributions and additional funds from Katie's husband, Harrison "Red" Kennicott, the fund has grown to $50,000, which will establish a permanently unrestricted Named Fund within AFE to help support the future of the floral industry. Read more.
| |
|
The Passing of Doris Wilkins
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Doris Wilkins, who left us peacefully on July 5th at the age of 103. In 1959, Doris and her husband, Robert Wilkins, founded Delaware Valley Wholesale Florist in a small corner shop in Pitman, NJ. They supported each other through the years and together built the foundation for what DV is today. Even through retirement, Doris was always interested in the business and would frequently express how proud she was of the whole team for continuing to grow the business, supporting customers and carrying forward the legacy and culture her and Bob started.
Click here for more information on the life of Doris and funeral arrangements.
| |
|
Last Chance to Register for DevX
Join WFFSA for the 2024 Development Experience taking place in San Francisco, California from July 23 - 26. Participate in unparalleled networking opportunities in the floral industry by dining with leaders at the Shibata family home, touring the San Francisco Flower Market, exploring the CA hydrangea fields, and much more. Learn more and register no later than July 15th.
| |
|
Flowers in the Media
Don't miss episode 184 of Mel Robins' podcast, "This One Hack Will Unlock Your Happier Life”, where she explores the fascinating science and benefits of flowers, sharing their powerful impact on our happiness and well-being. Referencing studies from Harvard and Rutgers, Mel discusses how flowers can significantly enhance our emotional health.
| |
FedEx Active Service Disruptions:
FedEx has issued a Service Disruption Alert for some parts of Texas as hurricane Beryl makes land. When shipping on FedEx, it is recommended to check for any service delays or alerts.
| |
FedEx International Shipping:
See here for an excellent resource from the 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.
| |
FedEx Surcharges and Claims:
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 (chris@cafgs.org) 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 (chris@cafgs.org). Visit this webpage for excellent information for new shippers.
| |
Additional FedEx Support & Resources: | |
-
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.
-
For those wanting to know who your FedEx representative is, or if you want to be contacted by FedEx, please email Chris Johnson (chris@cafgs.org), 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.
-
Find the latest news from FedEx here.
| | |
-
You can have your shipments held at your nearby FedEx Office instead 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 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.
| |
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 (chris@cafgs.org).
To obtain your invoice details and payment options, please contact FedEx Customer Service.
| |
GLS Time & Transit Map:
Check out this interactive transit map. Plug in your ZIP code and a handy map will show you your 1-day, 2-day transportation options.
| |
GLS Ground Rates:
CalFlowers is offering exclusive GLS Ground rates. Members have the option to ship Priority or Ground with GLS. The main difference is the time of day the delivery takes place and some product guarantees. For typical floral shipments, Priority with a morning to noon delivery time is the solution. For more hardy products or hard goods, GLS Ground can be an excellent choice. No matter what service is selected, our CalFlowers GLS program is an outstanding value offering consistent on-time service.
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 or chris@cafgs.org.
| |
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 agents. This high-level group was designed for fast response and problem solving. Please contact Chris Johnson for access to this important resource.
| |
Alaska Air Expands out of San Diego:
“Our summer schedule adds 23% more departures from San Diego – and starting this fall, we’re adding our 39th nonstop destination, with new daily service to Las Vegas (LAS) starting October 1, giving us more routes from SAN than any domestic carrier. This expansion comes on top of this spring’s launch of daily year-round service to Atlanta (ATL) and summer-season weekly service to Anchorage (ANC) – as well as last fall’s addition of daily flights to Tampa (TPA).”
For the latest News and updates please visit the Alaska Airlines webpage.
| |
Alaska Air Program Improvements:
There has been a significant update to our Alaska Air Cargo program. Just in time for the peony season we have added the state of Alaska to our discounts! Now members in Alaska can ship OUTBOUND nationwide, from any major airport in Alaska (serviced by Alaska Airlines), for discounted Express rates. Additionally, we added SEA and PDX to our program. Now the Pacific Northwest can ship to California at our highly discounted Express rates.
Member shippers just need a CID number and to sign up with us. It may take a few days for the link to CalFlowers to take place, so please plan ahead.
| |
Additional Alaska Air Support & Resources:
Did you know Alaska Airlines is the largest airline operator out of San Diego? They have 67 daily flights to 33 non-stop destinatio
| |
If you have been taking advantage of our new CalFlowers/Alaska Airlines shipping program, you know this offering really delivers when it comes to value. Our program offers EXCELLENT pricing to many areas of the country from California, Portland, Seattle and now Alaska. Check out all the program details on our website. To sign-up, contact Chris Johnson (chris@cafgs.org). | | |
For the latest in Alaska Cargo News.
Alaska Air commonly asked questions.
For members wanting to get in touch with our Alaska Air Cargo Regional Sales Manager, California, Mike Narowski can be reached at mike.narowski@alaskaair.com.
| | | | |