September 2024 Newsletter | |
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Fun N Sun 2024: A Celebration of Innovation and Collaboration in the Floral Industry
The Fun 'N Sun 2024 Floral Convention recently concluded at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, CA, bringing together 390 attendees for four days of innovation, education, and networking.
Monnaie Pepin, CalFlowers Director of Administration and Events, shared, “At Fun 'N Sun, we strive to create the perfect balance of networking opportunities, relevant educational sessions, a trade fair, epic farm tours, and hands-on design classes. This year, we truly hit that mark, offering something for every segment of the floral industry, from seed to vase.”
With 70 first-time attendees, the convention highlighted the growing diversity of the floral community. Attendees were treated to breathtaking floral designs led by the talented Susan Ayala and team, as well as, educational sessions on trendspotting, AI, and photography, in addition to a Flower Fair that buzzed with floral products and services. The event also featured live musical performances by industry professionals, showcasing the many talents within the community. The success of Fun 'N Sun 2024 was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors.
Fun 'N Sun 2026 has been announced and will be held in Pasadena, CA, promising another incredible gathering, developed specifically to meet the needs of the floral industry!
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The Unsung Heroes of Fun ‘N Sun
Executing a high-quality conference like Fun ‘N Sun 2024 takes an astounding amount of work beginning over a year in advance of the event. From CalFlowers staff, to the Board of Directors, to the floral design team, to the property management staff, it’s truly a team effort.
However, CalFlowers would like to call special attention and appreciation for one member of our floral community without whom we could never have pulled off such a great event – Floral Trade Distributors.
Chip Cox and his amazing team at Floral Trade (FTD) pulled out all the stops to ensure that the Omni La Costa was filled with gorgeous fresh flowers, wall to wall. Their work included trucking in loads of product from all over California and Miami. They worked tirelessly over the weekend prior to the event, including a 4:30 a.m. start on Labor Day when the rest of the country was taking a well-deserved rest. They processed, wet-packed, and delivered 6 truck loads to the convention site, including the booth materials for the companies in the Flower Fair – all at no charge to the exhibitors. When convention was over and everyone else was heading back home, they hauled all the remaining freight back out of the hotel, and even sent an additional truck to carry our flowers to the That Flower Feeling activation in Carlsbad.
Ever since FTD started in 2012, Chip and his team have shown an unflagging enthusiasm to help our industry grow. This most recent example is one of many, and CalFlowers would like to extend our highest degree of appreciation for the work they did on our community’s behalf. We simply could not have done it without them. THANK YOU to Chip, Kami, Todd, Mike, Zaith and the rest of the stellar team at Floral Trade Distributors!k
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Directory Ad Space Now Available!
The 2025-2026 CalFlowers Membership Directory is your opportunity to reach over 900 key business across the floral industry. The directory is widely used by florists, wholesalers, and industry professionals, making it a valuable marketing tool for your business.
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Share your best pets with florals photos! Winning entries will be featured in the CalFlowers membership directory, social channels, and website. The grand prize includes a full 2026 Fun 'N Sun registration, a canvas print of your photo, and your pet named "Employee of the Month." Enter by September 30, 2024.
By submitting a photo, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the terms and conditions.
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CalFlowers' members can now access the "Boost Your Business- Attract and Retain Customers with Constant Contact" webinar.
Discover strategies for expanding your contact list, efficiently following up with customers, and converting leads into loyal customers. Plus, CalFlowers members receive 30% off monthly Constant Contact plans.
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Member Spotlight: Groot In Flowers
Groot in Flowers LLC is a dynamic sales and marketing group specializing in floral products. Their mission is to connect growers and customers through innovative strategies and exceptional service. With a rich history rooted in the flower industry, they've blossomed from the challenges faced in the California floral landscape.
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Join us in honoring Monnaie Pepin for her remarkable 24 years with CalFlowers!
Since 2000, Monnaie has been the driving force behind CalFlowers events, administration, and communications. Monnaie is a tireless, creative, and compassionate leader, deeply committed to her work, colleagues, and family. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and incredible contributions to CalFlowers and the entire floral community. Here's to many more years!
Drop Monnaie a note 📧.
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Mentor/Mentee Program for California-based Flower Farmers
The California Bountiful Foundation has introduced the "Expanding Our Roots" mentorship program to preserve California's agricultural heritage by passing knowledge to the next generation. Flower farmers with 1-10 years of experience can become mentees, while those with over 10 years of experience can serve as mentors, with financial compensation. Learn more.
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That Flower Feeling Welcomes New Staff, Madison Greene
We’re excited to welcome Madison Greene as the Marketing Coordinator and Administrator at That Flower Feeling. Madison joined the TFF team in August, bringing her passion for floral design and a Master’s degree from NYU. She’s eager to connect with our community and help spread the joy of flowers. Welcome, Madison!
Read the full announcement.
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Member Benefit Spotlight: FedEx Office
FedEx Office offers CalFlowers' members significant discounts on printing and production projects ranging from simple black and white copy jobs to signage and banners.
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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.
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Additional FedEx Support & Resources: | |
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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.
- 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.
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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.
- Find the latest news from FedEx here.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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GLS Program Improvements: | |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Alaska Air Cargo Updates:
Hawaiian Airlines has joined Alaska Airlines. "With roots in two states uniquely reliant on air freight, our teams share a deep commitment to the communities where we live, work and fly. Our combined fleet of narrow and wide body aircraft will fly to 130-plus destinations – offering more capacity and new opportunities for seamless shipping across a global network while preserving the caring customer service that you depend on."
Read about the merger here.
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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.
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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). | | | | |
