In This Issue ...

1. 2019 Fun 'N Sun Registration Is Now Open
2. Memorial Day Flowers 2019
3. 50% Member Discount on WF&FSA’s Development Experience
4. New Membership Hire - Ben Dinglasan
5. CalFlowers Membership Dues Grace Period Is Almost Over
6. FedEx Office Discounts for CalFlowers Members
7. Featured New Members
8. Friend Us On Facebook
9. Transportation
10. New Members

 Like us on Facebook

We have a new Facebook page. Be sure to Like it, and check in now and then for news, upcoming events, photos, and topical items.  

International Floral Expo (IFE)
 June 18 - 20, 2019
Miami Beach Convention Center
Miami, FL

AIFD 2019 - "Awaken"
July 6 - 11, 2019
Las Vegas, NV

2019 Fun 'N Sun Convention
July 24 - 27, 2019
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Santa Barbara, CA

WF&FSA
July 31 - August 2, 2019
WF&FSA's Development Experience (#DevExPhilly)
Philadelphia, PA

SAF
September 18 - 21, 2019
Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island
Fernandina Beach, FL

June Flower Of The Month:

Rose

There’s a reason that roses have inspired poets and painters for centuries. 

There are roses for every imaginable taste, from climbing roses and shrubs to long-stemmed roses.

Symbolically, the rose has more meanings than one can count!

• A pink rose means perfect happiness, while a red rose means “I love you.”
• A white rose signifies innocence, purity, and new beginnings. 
• A yellow rose conveys jealousy!

A bouquet of roses means sincere gratitude, whereas a single rose amplifies the meaning of the color (a single red rose means “I REALLY love you”).

Past CalFlowers Newsletters

Click Here to view past CalFlowers Newsletters.  Now available on our website.

Early Bird Registration Ends Soon

Register now to attend the Fun 'N Sun Floral Convention before prices go up.  Early Bird Registration ends on Friday, June 21.  Register before the rates go up $50.

Fun ‘N Sun is a floral industry convention like no other. Join colleagues from around the country and experience firsthand the farms that grow your California flowers–along with informative programs and quality networking opportunities.

• Flower Farm Tours
• Flower Fair
• Industry Education
• Golf Tournament

Click Here to register for the Fun 'N Sun convention. 

Click Here to register for the golf tournament.

Click Here for discounted hotel room block & travel information.  The discounted hotel room block is over 85% full.  Book your rooms today.

We look forward to seeing you in
Santa Barbara, CA, July 24–27

Memorial Day Flowers 2019

CalFlowers was proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of the 2019 Memorial Day Flowers initiative, supporting an expanding effort to honor the sacrifices made by American military men and women and their families.

Center:  Steve Armellini; Right: Board Member Marc Robinson
Together unpacking California stems at Arlington National Cemetery

CalFlowers was also the event organizer at the San Francisco and Golden Gate National Cemeteries.  Mt. Eden again provided logistical support for those locations and Kitayama Brothers provided 25,000 stems for these two Bay Area cemeteries.

Read more...

50% Member Discount on WF&FSA’s Development Experience

CalFlowers is proud to sponsor WF&FSA’s  Development Experience (DevEx), taking place July 31 to August 2. CalFlowers members receive a 50% discount to attend this important training for wholesalers.  Attendees will learn practical skills to tackle business problems, and enjoy networking opportunities. Learn more.  

New Membership Hire -
Ben Dinglasan

We're pleased to introduce Ben Dinglasan, CalFlowers' new Membership Coordinator.  Ben is responsible for the administration of all association membership programs. He has oversight responsibilities for the online membership database, new member applications, and the membership directory. He supports the organization’s Fun ‘N Sun California Floral Convention and the biannual member meetings. He also works closely with our accountant on annual dues and affinity program activities.

"We're very fortunate to have Ben on our support and administrative team," said Michael LoBue, CEO.  LoBue added, "We conducted a wide search, reviewed a pile of resumes, and Ben's profile kept popping to the top. His varied experience as an administrator and social worker will be an excellent fit to support our staff and membership." 

Look forward to meeting Ben at Fun 'N Sun next month.

CalFlowers Membership Dues Grace Period Is Almost Over

The grace period for paying your 2019 membership dues is almost over.  Be sure to make payment by July 1 to retain your membership and benefits. Your member benefits include discounted transportation rates from FedEx, GSO|GLS, and OnTrac; your company’s listing in the CalFlowers online member directory; the opportunity to participate in CalFlowers biennial Fun 'N Sun convention; networking opportunities within the floral community; and much more.  If you do not renew your dues by July 1, these benefits will be cancelled.  

A $100 reinstatement fee, in addition to your annual dues payment, will be required to reactivate your membership in the Association if not paid by July 1. 

The membership renewal email sent on June 1 provides you with a convenient link at the bottom of the email and instructions for paying your dues invoice using your credit card. Please note that there is a $25 processing fee if you pay your dues by check. 

PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT LOG IN TO THE CALFLOWERS WEBSITE TO PAY YOUR INVOICE - YOU MUST USE THE LINK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE EMAIL THAT WAS SENT TO YOU. 

If you have not received your dues renewal email or have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at (831) 479-4912 or via email at [email protected].  

(Note: To ensure that you receive the dues renewal notification emails from CalFlowers, you can whitelist [email protected] by adding it to your list of Safe Senders.  If you are not sure how to do this, please contact your company's technical support team.) 

FedEx Office Discounts for CalFlowers Members

FedEx Office is offering CalFlowers members significant discounts on FedEx Office print services. Discounts include 72% off black and white copies and 33% off color copies using standard plain white paper. Other print and production services provided by FedEx Office also include a 15% discount.

Members can make use of roughly 2000 FedEx Office stores around the country and receive free delivery for projects of $25 or more within 30 miles of the production center.

CalFlowers members who already have a FedEx Office account can link their existing account with the CalFlowers discount, and members without a FedEx Office account are invited to sign up for one.

To sign up for a FedEx Office account or to link your existing account, Click Here to download the document "Getting started with the CalFlowers–FedEx Office Print Program May 2019."

If you have any questions, please direct them to Ginger Tulley, Director of Marketing at CalFlowers, [email protected] or 
(415) 561-6116.

Featured New Members

Color is King at DESIGN MASTER^®.  They study its intricacies, trends and psychology to offer extraordinary color sprays and accessory products for the many unique applications demanded by creative professionals and imaginative individuals for floral and decorative projects. They have Absorbit and Dipit Dip and Rinse Dyes for the grower, Ultra LEAF SHINE for the plantscaper and COLORTOOL^® and Just For Flowers^® sprays for shifting, blending and enhancing color fresh blooms and plants.  

Design Master sprays have the Versatility Factor with surface applications and techniques.  Color the most delicate of surfaces, such as fresh, dried and silk flowers, fabric, ribbon, tulle, lace, paper, foam board and Styrofoam ™ brand foam TO the sturdy hard surfaces such as wood, metal, masonry, terra cotta, ceramics and plaster. . .AND so many unique surfaces in-between!  Not only can you change colors of so many different surfaces but also change the finished look with Super Simple Spray Techniques.  Whether choosing to use straight-from-the-can color or layering veils of color, Design Master provides a plethora of possibilities to use their color.

Their colors aren’t your wall or sofa colors but the Vibrant Color needed to accent your living. Design Master features colors that bring flowers, fashion and surroundings to life.  Whether creating for everyday, bridal, home accessory, party décor or holiday celebration their color adds the POP and the WOW. The brilliance of their color is a frequently praised attribute with customers.

Fiore Farms has been in business since 2007 and they pride themselves with excellent quality, service and close relationships with their growers and customers.

Fiore Farms has two divisions within their company.  One is focused on Supermarkets and Wholesale business and the other on event planners. They have seen the trends in the industry and have noticed that their customers are seeking suppliers that can offer unique items and that are in tune with trends and consumer buying habits.  Fiore Farms product offering is composed of the following:  Fresh- cut flowers, consumer floral bunches, bouquets and pre-made arrangements.

Click Here to learn more about Fiore Farms. 

Denali Peonies started their farm after their son, Brandon, approached them about how Alaska was beginning to be a growing industry for peony cut flowers.  Brandon was attending the University of Alaska at the time, and some of his friends were doing their thesis on the "new and upcoming agricultural industry" for the state of Alaska.  He suggested that they should grow peonies, since they had 5 acres of land that their house was on.  They only wanted to grow 100 plants, but their son said to "go big or go home!" So, in 2012, they broke ground, and planted their first 1000 plants in their back yard!  They decided to try 5 different varieties to see how they would take to the Alaskan winters.  Much to their surprise, they all did well!  They were very excited and decided to expand.  In 2013, they purchased another 5 acres next to their property, and prepared the land by clearing trees, hand drilling all the holes for each plant, and adding soil.  In 2014 and 2016 they planted an additional 1000 plants to give them a total of 3000 peony plants. They now have 9 varieties of peonies.  In 2018, they wanted to try some coral peonies, so they only planted 50 since they are difficult to grow in Alaska. 

Denali Peonies currently has no well or water source on their additional 5 acres, so they decided to put up a large pool.  They keep it full during the summer months by hauling water to fill it.  This is not unusual for Alaska, as many people will haul their water for their homes.  They use the pool to water their plants by sprinkler pumps to pump the water to their irrigation lines. Their grandkids love the pool and will often come over to swim when the weather is warm.  Their peonies do well during the Alaskan summer, especially with the 24 hours of daylight. 

They will be picking the peonies soon, mid-June to the end of July.  Steve and Dawn are out picking 3-4 times each day during this four-week period.   They are hoping to pick 8000 stems of whites, pinks and reds.  Denali Peonies flowers are large in size and range from 5-8inches in diameter!  

They are very busy starting in April, after the snow melts, to when the snow finally returns in October.  In addition to their peony farm, they both have full-time jobs.  Dawn is an ICU nurse at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital and Steve has a business, Rosie Creek Enterprises/Sharpening where he does carpentry, tile work and sharpening blades, saws and scissors. 

As one of the largest florists in the country, what is McShan Florist doing differently?  “Nothing,” owner Bruce McShan says proudly. The store’s 70-year reputation is based on tradition, consistency and a firm belief in the Golden Rule:  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  “It’s a founding principle that Jodi and I believe has helped guide our success, and it’s a positive way to encourage our staff to always think about the customer during each and every stage of the order process.”

Now in its third generation of family operation, Bruce’s daughter, Jodi McShan, AAF, TMF, serves as vice president.   Jodi infuses a millennial-leadership style into the business as the internet and digital age command an ever-growing presence in the store’s daily operation, which includes:   individually designed arrangements delivered in McShan vans inside Dallas or any one of seven surrounding counties; maximum efficiency in the two-level 27,000 sf main facility; custom hand-tied boxes and hand-stamped invoices to ensure personal presentations, and customers appreciate receiving a photograph of their order via email before it ever leaves the shop.

“It’s all about helping to convey the message of love, and it’s a commitment we take seriously,” says Bruce.   “From longtime customers to first-timers, we appreciate their trust in our services and want to make this moment as special for them as possible.”

Quality, Style and Service is the McShan motto founded in 1948 by Lee A. McShan, Jr. and his wife, Velma McShan.  Today, Bruce and Jodi’s dedication to the family legacy has never been greater, and is still guided by the Golden Rule, just as it was 70 years ago.

Click Here to learn more about McShan Florist.

 Like us on Facebook

Transportation  

As a reminder, current shipping rates and program information is up on the CalFlowers website.  Members using their log-ins can access this information anytime.  Rates on FedEx, GSO|GLS, OnTrac and airlines can all be found as well as other handy information. For questions or comments on any of our programs, please contact Chris Johnson for assistance (760) 533-5580 or [email protected].

Additionally, CalFlowers FedEx Ground Rates are now even lower!  With our new contract in place, our Ground Discount improved significantly in May and now offers members an even better value.

We would also like to remind members to stay current with their FedEx Express shipping invoices. FedEx’s payment terms are 15 days.  All members shipping on FedEx Express are expected to stay within the FedEx payment terms.  To obtain your invoice details and payment options, please contact FedEx Customer Service.For members who wish to move PALLETIZED freight on FedEx, CalFlowers can help direct you to customized solutions and pricing.  FedEx Freight is an excellent option when your shipments call for pallets. Interested members should contact Chris Johnson at [email protected] for more information.

GSO is now a part of the GLS Group.  GSO is Proud to be a Part of the GLS Group. We are excited to combine our decades of experience with GLS's expertise as a top-rated European parcel delivery provider. Over the last year, we have become known as GSO | a GLS company, and we are in the process of gradually transitioning our website, supplies, vehicles, communications, uniforms, and facilities to the GLS brand. And for those of you based in the Northwest, we have introduced GLS branded vehicles, facilities, and driver uniforms.  Click Here to learn more about GLS.

For members shipping pallets on GSO|GLS, please be advised that there will be a $50 fee for deliveries to RESIDENTIAL areas. GSO|GLS states this fee is due to the fact that these deliveries require special lift gate vehicles.

The CalFlowers GSO|GLS program is one of our most value-priced offerings.  GSO|GLS provides door to door services to CA, AZ, NV, OR, WA NM and ID.  Members who want to ship on GSO|GLS must sign up in advance. It’s easy to do and just takes a few minutes.  Please contact Chris Johnson for more details (760) 533-5580 or [email protected].    

We know that OnTrac got their start in California and service every ZIP code in California , but did you know OnTrac also services eight Western States.  OnTrac has 2 day service into WA, OR, ID, NV, UT, AZ and CO.  And to help understand the service parameters, OnTrac has a very nice “Time and Transit Map” under Zip Tools on their website.  This handy map loaded from YOUR zip code helps you understand OnTrac’s overnight commitment areas.  To download your map, please visit: 
https://www.ontrac.com/servicesareas.asp

Airlines:

Check out our updated airline contact website page, a handy reference offering contact information for our California Air Cargo representatives.  Members must be logged into the CalFlowers website to access the list.  Please visit www.cafgs.org. 

Delta Air Cargo has made some changes to their Fees and Payment Methods as well as some service level guarantees.  
You can find these changes on Delta’s website or you can visit the transportation section at CalFlowers at www.cafgs.org

If you haven’t yet heard about the new CalFlowers/Alaska Airlines shipping program, this exclusive offer is now available for CalFlowers members.  These new Priority Rates are the best we have seen in years and with the Virgin merger completed, Alaska Airlines has an extensive network servicing major popular destination all across the U.S. To get linked to this exceptional program, interested members must sign up.  Please contact Chris Johnson to get started (760) 533-5580 or [email protected].

NOTE: Transportation Rate information and documents are viewable/downloadable as PDFs on the CalFlowers Members Only site. Please note that these documents are considered sensitive material and are available to the primary contacts for Ag Buddy, Associate Floral, Associate Grower, and Floral members.

 New Members

We are pleased to welcome the following new CalFlowers members as of January 14 - Present:

1500 41st Avenue, Suite 240 Capitola, CA 95010 | www.cafgs.org 

Ph. 831-479-4912 | Fax 831-479-4914