In This Issue ...

1. Busy Times Ahead
2. Fun 'N Sun Convention Postponed Until 2022
3. 2021/2022 Dues Renewal
4. 2021/2022 Membership Directory
5. Featured New Members
6. Transportation
7. New Member

Upcoming Events:

June 2021
WF&FSA 2021 Floral Distribution Conference
June 7 - 9
The Doral, Miami, Florida

June 2021
2021 Texas Floral Expo
June 25 - 27
West Galleria in Houston, TX

September 2021
World Floral Expo 2021
September 22 - 24
Jacob K. Javits
Convention Center
New York, NY

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Latest Legislation
Updates:

Click Here to read the latest Legislative updates.
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 CalFlowers
Social Media

Visit the CalFlowers Facebook page 

Check in for news, upcoming events, photos, and topical items.  

March
Flower of The Month:
Daffodil

March’s birth flower is the daffodil. It’s no surprise why! These cheerful flowers are a harbinger of spring! 

DAFFODIL
FLOWER MEANING

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CalFlowers
Featured
"New Member" Spotlights

To see all of our past Featured "New Member" Spotlight stories Click Here.

Past CalFlowers Newsletters & COVID-19 Updates

Click Here to view past CalFlowers Past Newsletters and COVID-19 Updates, now available on our website.

CalFlowers News

Busy Times Ahead

Dear CalFlowers Members,

Following a long period when much of the world seemed frozen in time in so many ways due to the effects of COVID-19, all signs are pointing towards a grand reawakening.  Vaccines are rolling out, restrictions are lifting, and economic activity is set to rise sharply.  It’s a process, not an event, but hope is in the air.

Although so many industries have been left devastated by the pandemic, the production and distribution of fresh cut flowers has perhaps never seen greater demand – and there are strong indications that this trend will not only continue, but perhaps even accelerate.

In speaking these past few months with folks from all segments of our industry, from domestic farms to importers, wholesalers and bouquet producers, retailers and event suppliers, there is a great expectation that cut flower demand is poised to reach ever-increasing levels.  As is typical of such macroeconomic shifts, the push-pull of supply and demand comes into focus.  How well will supply capacity meet the short-term demands of the industry, when constrained by constants such as planting space, crop timing, labor restrictions, logistics, and capricious weather?  These indicators would lead us to believe that supply will be an acute challenge for most floral companies over the upcoming 4-8 months.  Now, before the sequence of Spring holidays and events kick in, is an excellent time for procurement and sales teams to be considering strategies to successfully navigate the choppy waters ahead.

While engaging in such planning, I hope everyone also takes a moment to step back, take a deep breath, and give yourselves a pat on the back for a job well done over the past year.  Our industry has demonstrated immense resiliency under the most difficult of circumstances.  When consumers clearly signaled through their buying behaviors that they needed our products more than ever, our infrastructure from production to consumer performed more than admirably.  We’ve delivered comfort, happiness, and warmth to countless Americans, and brought hordes of new customers into the world of fresh flowers. 

Steve Dionne

Steve Dionne
CalFlowers, Executive Director

Fun 'N Sun Convention Postponed Until 2022

The ever-popular and peak networking opportunity – CalFlowers’ Fun ‘N Sun convention  - was scheduled to take place at the iconic Hotel del Coronado in late August 2021.

The historic hotel, built in 1888 on picturesque Coronado Island, was undergoing a massive renovation and our event was to be one of the first to be held in its revitalized facilities. 

The COVID-19 pandemic, as it has with so many other areas of life, has caused a many-month delay in the renovations, and we have been advised that it is no longer possible for the property to be ready to host in 2021.  Therefore, CalFlowers has decided to push the convention to Summer of 2022.

In its place, CalFlowers will be holding our biannual Member Meetings at locations to be announced in California.  The Member Meetings are a great time for our members to congregate, network, receive updates on the strategic direction of the Association, and learn about participating on our committees.  We will provide dates and locations as soon as possible, and we encourage all to attend.

In the meantime, the Fun ‘N Sun committee will jump into preparations for our 2022 event, with the commitment to rolling out a dynamic and valuable conference for all attendees.

2021/2022 Dues Renewal

Your 2021/2022 membership dues renewal notification will be emailed on April 1.  Make payment before June 1 to retain your member benefits, which include discounted transportation rates from FedEx, GLS, and OnTrac; your company listing in our online member directory; an invitation to the biennial Fun 'N Sun convention; networking opportunities within the floral community, and much more.  Look for your membership renewal email with a convenient link and instructions for how to pay your dues invoice using your credit card. 

Dues Payment Address Change:
If Paying By Check Make Payment to:
California Association of Flower Growers & Shippers
10727 Paramount Boulevard, Suite 8
Downey, CA 90241

If you do not receive your dues renewal email on  April 1 or have any questions or concerns, please contact Lani Conklin at (831) 479-4912 ext. 2 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.)

2021/2022 Membership Directory

We are very excited to announce that the 2021/2022 CalFlowers Membership Directories are going to be mailed out in the coming weeks.  The directory is a valuable membership tool filled with contact information for over 860 CalFlowers members in all segments of floriculture and produce, as well as our service providers!  It also has information on floral organizations, California farm advisors and farm bureaus by county, and agricultural commissioners.

As usual, the directory also includes a section on Floral Product Availability by Member, as well as Floral Availability by Season, making it a valuable resource for all members seeking specific flower types. 

We would like to send a special shout out to all of the companies that have advertised in the 2021/2022 directory.  Please review their ads in the directory and support their businesses.  Let them know that you found them in the CalFlowers Membership Directory!

If you are interested in purchasing additional directories, please contact our office at (831) 479-4912 ext. 2.

Featured New Member

Smilax Harvesters LLC., has been a family owned and operated business since 2017.  They have supplied vine/greenery for weddings and other events all over the United States.  Smilax Harvesters understands the importance of repeat customers as it is absolutely essential to their business.  Customer satisfaction is their number one priority. 

Smilax Harvesters goal is to provide every customer with the highest quality, floral grade Smilax/Jackson Vine/Elaeagnus greenery available.  They hand pick their vines fresh from the deep woods of the South only hours before being dispatched, and as a CalFlowers affiliate they offer fast/affordable shipping.  All of Smilax Harvesters products are packaged and shipped within 36 hours to guarantee freshness.  No matter what event you may face, wedding, party, special event or home decoration, they have the greenery you need.  Smilax Harvesters can help to highlight any event!

Click Here to learn more about Smilax Harvesters LLC.

Transportation

As many of you may know, the Overnight Carriers are still experiencing huge volumes during this COVID-19 pandemic.  Our carriers are experiencing record volumes and are working hard to cope with the added stresses on their systems.  With these conditions, it’s a good idea to look carefully at the service level you choose when evaluating delivery time options.  Many have found that choosing a service that delivers earlier, helps to keep your customers expectations in line with the current environment.

Also, as is normally the case in March, weather can be an issue.  We recommend checking with FedEx for any Service Alerts that can affect shipping:  https://www.fedex.com/en-us/service-alerts.html.  These Service Alerts are issued daily and can be helpful in managing your expectations during inclement weather.

As a reminder, new 2021 shipping rates and program information is now on the CalFlowers Members' Only website.  Members using their log-ins can access this information anytime.  Rates on FedEx, 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 at (760) 533-5580 or [email protected].

For those members wanting to reference the latest Surcharges and Fees for 2021, we have posted this information on our website or members can CLICK HERE.  You will find a handy summary of what to expect for the year.  Remember, CalFlowers members have many significant discounts off of these surcharges which add excellent value to our program.  For a list our surcharge discounts, please refer to the FedEx Program Summary on our website.

For the official FedEx Covid update click here: https://www.fedex.com/en-us/coronavirus.html

From the FedEx website:  COVID-19 has disrupted the air cargo market and generated a surge in residential delivery in the U.S. As a result, we are continuing to suspend our money-back guarantee for all FedEx Express^®, FedEx Ground^®, FedEx Freight^® (except FedEx Freight^® Priority Plus) and FedEx Office^® services until further notice.

Also, bear in mind, when the money-back-guarantee (MBG) is reinstated, shippers must make the MBG request no later than 15 days from the invoice date.  Requests after the 15 day time period will not be honored.

To all of our new members who are just starting with FedEx shipping, they have a nice “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 [email protected].  FedEx also has some excellent information for new shippers on their website.  Visit: https://www.fedex.com/en-us/get-started.html for a good summary of what FedEx offers.

For qualifying members wanting to contact their local FedEx representative, feel free to contact me and I will put you in touch with the right person.  It’s always a good idea to establish a relationship with your local FedEx field representatives who can help out when you need them or have questions.  

For members needing FedEx Tech Support, this phone number takes your right into the department (877) 339-2774.  They can help with many tech related issues including guidance regarding on-line shipping platforms.

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.  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.

The CalFlowers GLS program is one of our fastest growing, most value-priced offerings, with discounts 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.  Members who want to ship on GLS must sign up in advance. It’s easy and just takes a few minutes.  Please contact Chris Johnson for more details at (760) 533-5580 or [email protected].   

Please use the Delivery Rates & Times Calculator to view delivery dates and estimated.

From the GLS website:
Coronavirus Update
Due to COVID 19-related delays, we have suspended our service guarantee for all shipments until further notice. We are monitoring the situation closely and will post updates as appropriate.

Corona Virus Update from GLS: https://go.gls-us.com/rs/841-ZVM-252/images/GLSUS-COVID19-Update.pdf

For members looking for the 2021 OnTrac program and rates, they are now available at www.cafgs.org.  Our program this year features many reductions in various surcharges that offer great value to customers.  Be sure to check out what’s new with OnTrac.

We know that OnTrac got their start in California and services every ZIP code within California, but did you know OnTrac also services seven other 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.

Changes to Our Service Guarantee
Effective immediately, and until further notice, OnTrac will suspend the Money-Back Service Guarantee. We will continue to monitor guidance from local, state and national health authorities and will operate as government restrictions and regulations allow.

OnTrac Corona Virus Update:
https://www.ontrac.com/coronavirus.asp

Airlines:

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.  2021 offers even greater rate reductions to many areas of the country from California, while adding a few new destinations such as Seattle, Portland and Anchorage. Check out all the program details on our website.

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.

For those members looking for airline service to Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver and Edmonton out of LAX and SFO, consider Air Canada Cargo.  Our discounted pricing offers good value and frequent service.  For more information on these new rates from Air Canada, visit our website or contact me anytime at [email protected].

In Airline news, for those members that missed our announcement, CalFlowers has put together a new program with JetBlue Cargo.  JetBlue offers CalFlowers members exceptional express prices out of LAX / SFO to Boston, New York, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Puerto Rico and now NEWARK (EWR). 

These new rates are some of the best that we’ve see in some time.  For more information, please contact Chris Johnson at [email protected] or Mark Friedenthal at JetBlue Cargo
(310) 490-2659.

New Member

We are pleased to welcome the following new CalFlowers member from February 18, 2021 through March 16, 2021:

www.cafgs.org 

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