Smithers-Oasis Buys Floralife

Smithers-Oasis, the 53-year-old manufacturer of floral foam and related products, has purchased Floralife, which manufactures and markets post-harvest care products, for an undisclosed amount from Rohm and Haas Company, a Philadelphia-based special materials company.

Both companies also manufacture and market products for the greenhouse/grower industry. Smither-Oasis Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Charles F. Walton, AAF, said in a company press release that he feels the products of both companies are highly complementary."This acquisition offers perfect synergy of product lines, distribution channels and customers," he said.

"Our goal is to leverage our existing, worldwide distribution to significantly expand market penetration for Floralife products in global markets," said Smithers-Oasis President and Chief Operating Officer Robin M. Kilbride in the press release. 

Vice President of Marketing and Business Development Steve Beall noted that "people are very happy" with the aquisition. "Floralife has been a company that we have watched for many many years. They are an extremely strong brand," he says.

Smithers-Oasis plans to continue operating Floralife as a wholly owned subsidiary. "Nothing should really change in the future," says Beall. "Customer service ... and product services will run as they are."

Jim Daly, who was Floralife's senior director of global marketing and sales prior to the acquisition, will now be its vice president and general manager. "He will have the autonomy to run the business as he sees fit, with guidance from our leadership," says Beall.

Smithers-Oasis is known worldwide for its Oasis Brand Floral Foam, the world's first water-absorbing foam invented by V.L. Smithers in 1954. The company is now headquartered in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Rohm and Haas bought Floralife in April, 2006.

--Vanessa Machir
vmachir@safnow.org

 
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Baisch and Skinner Purchases Stuppy Floral

Fifty-five-year old wholesale operation Baisch & Skinner, based in St. Louis, has expanded its reach into central and eastern Kansas with its purchase of Stuppy Floral Supply, in North Kansas City, Missouri. Baisch and Skinner's president, John Baisch, announced the purchase of the 125-year-old wholesale operation on Dec. 21, hailing Stuppy Floral Supply as "a perfect geographical fit" and a leader in the region.

"This is a situation where one plus one does not equal two, but four," Baisch said in a press release.

In addition to its store in North Kansas City, Stuppy Floral has five satellite locations: Quincy, Ill.; Springfield, Mo.; St. Jospeph's, Mo.; and Wichita and Topeka, Kan. All will be under the Baisch and Skinner umbrella.

Baisch and Skinner has five locations in addition to its headquarters and wholesale nursery operations in St. Louis: Tampa, Fla.; Quincy, Ill.; Cape Girardeau, Mo.; Phoenix and Edwardsville, Ill.

Read more on the purchase.

--Kate Penn
kpenn@safnow.org

 
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SAF Responds to Danbury Mint Valentine's Day Ad

The No. 1 floral offender from last Valentine's Day is at it again. The Danbury Mint Valentine's Day jewelry catalog hit mail boxes this week. Its direct mail piece reads: "Flowers wilt and fade ..." and "Why Send Flowers When You Can Give ..." SAF has contacted the company via e-mail, mail and fax and requested a response and a reconsideration of its marketing strategy. SAF contacted the company in 2006 and 2005, but received no response.

To report harmful floral publicity, fax 703-836-8705 or e-mail jstromann@safnow.org.

--Jenny Stromann
jstromann@safnow.org

 
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Growers Gear Up For Pest Management Conference

Growers looking for the latest information on pest management research, techniques and new products will be heading to SAF's 23rd Annual Conference on Pest and Disease Management for Ornamentals, Feb. 22 to 24 in Portland, Ore.

"It's a perfect opportunity to hear what's going on in the pest management world and be more up-to-date," says Angela Storm of Selecta First Class, Inc. in Encinitas, Calif.

Held at the Portland Doubletree at Lloyd Center, the conference will focus on new directions in pest management, offering 20-plus information sessions and networking opportunities, and the chance to learn from the leading experts in pest and disease management.  "It all sounds exciting -- there are so many different subjects," says Michael Logan of Kraemer's Nursery, Inc. in Mt. Angel, Ore.

Logan is also excited about the opportunity to hear about the latest research on pest control, as he admits he has had "whitefly issues." The conference features a session on the results of the Q-biotype whitefly trials, as well as sessions on how to control fungus gnats, shoreflies, mites and other insects.

Attendees can also earn credit towards pesticide applicator re-certification, and get a sneak peak at the newest pest management equipment and product innovations at the tabletop displays. "I always like [seeing] new products in the works," says Paul Charron of USDA-ARS Horticultural Crops, who has been to the conference "about four times."

Get more information and register, and download the brochure.

--Vanessa Machir
vmachir@safnow.org

 
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Chicago Florist Gives Back to Community

One florist in Chicago has proof that good things can come from bad.

Just days before Christmas in 2003, 150 toys that Jim Harney had collected for sick children during his shop's annual holiday Christmas party were stolen.

"I couldn't believe that there was anyone in this world that would want to take toys [from] sick kids," says Harney, the owner of Aberdeen's Wedding Flowers.

After he reported the robbery, several news channels covered the story.  The following days, "people came in swarms," to donate toys, Harney says. They ended up collecting more than 7,000 toys that year.

Since that time, the toy drive has become a tradition. This year Harney, his son-in-law Frank Davis, and 15 other volunteers collected more than 11,000 toys and delivered them to 52 hospitals and children's centers in the Chicago area. They also have started a non-profit organization, The 100 Percent Foundation, so-named because 100 percent of the donations go to charity -- expenses come out of the pockets of Harney and Davis. The Foundation also helps raise funds for children's hospitals and plans parties and outings for sick children. 

Harney was first inspired to begin the toy drive 10 years ago by Davis, who spearheaded similar efforts in college.  "It just makes me feel good," Harney says." I want to do this for the rest of my life."

--Vanessa Machir
vmachir@safnow.org

 
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New Bridal Floral Magazines Launch

Flowera are front and center on the cover of Bride & Bloom

Be on the lookout for brides coming into your shop with ideas from two new national bridal magazines that debuted recently: The Bride & Bloom and Portovert (pronounced porto-vair).

This week, the third issue of quarterly Los Angeles-based The Bride & Bloom: Wedding Florals and Decor hits newsstands, featuring floral designs from Elegance & Simplicity of Bethesda, Md., Square Root Designs of Irvine, Calif., and Blooms Boutique in Elmhurst, N.Y. The magazine's Web site, which launches soon, will include an interactive feature allowing brides to "click and drag" flowers from a floral library to create bouquets, centerpieces and table settings. The Web site will also feature products wholsale florists and event planners can buy at a discount.

"I wanted something that gives brides and wedding pros information on decor, especially focusing on flowers," says The Bride & Bloom's Carol Poon, editor-in-chief, a former florist who says she knows the business.

Another magazine on the wedding design scene, Portovert, bills itself as the "first and only magazine for eco-savvy brides and grooms." Its Web site launches later this month (with a story on Organic Bouquet), followed by a print edition (on 100 percent recycled paper) in Fall 2007.

Editor Meghan Meyers says part of her editorial mix is a "responsible resource guide," where soon-to-be married couples will find eco-friendly choices on everything from invites to gowns to flower designers (you'll find a mention of San Francisco floral designer Nicole Sillapere of Sillapere Events and Environments).

--Mary Ann Barton
maryannbarton@msn.com

 
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Flowers with a Jolt

Hoping to capitalize on the nation's obsession with coffee, the owner of Flowers by Josie, a

Pasteries beckon customers at Thanks-a-Latte

flower shop in Grayling, Mich., recently added a coffee bar to the shop. In addition to offering customers lattes and cappucinos, owner Ernie Dawson also offers fresh-baked muffins and Michigan-made chocolates.

"In the past, it was the little gifts that customers liked, but Target and Wal-Mart have taken that away from us," says Dawson, who has owned the shop for nearly 30 years. He saw the gift side of his business begin to decline about two years ago. At the same time, potential clients working in the area's tourism and auto industries began to disappear.

He hopes coffee will help increase foot traffic. The only other coffee shop in the area is off the main street -- so he'll become the only coffee place on the main street. For about $20,000, he remodeled the shop and added sinks, coffee machines and tables and chairs. He hired two part-time employees and made 10-year floral employee Juan Portugal manager of the coffee part of his shop (dubbed Thanks-a-Latte).

Dawson's new venture, which opened a week ago, has attracted attention from the local paper as well as two local radio stations. He plans to add coupons for a free cup of coffee to his flower sales receipts and also attract customers in the evenings with live concerts.
 
Read about a flower shop that has seen its fresh flower sales jump by 30 percent, in part thanks to the addition last year of an in-house coffee shop, in the January issue of Floral Management.

--Mary Ann Barton
maryannbarton@msn.com

 
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Awards Submission Deadline Nears

Do you know someone who deserves special recognition for their contributions and dedication to the floral industry? Are you someone yourself? There is still time to submit nominations for SAF's annual awards, which include:

• John H. Walker Award -- recognizes floral association executives for the role they play as leaders of the industry.

• Century Award -- recognizes any company that has served the floral industry for 100 years or longer.

• Alex Laurie Award for Research and Education -- presented to an individual who has made broad-scope, long lasting contributions to research or education in the floriculture industry.

• Gold Medal Award -- honors the originator or introducer of a widely distributed plant or flower that has become established as an outstanding product of significant horticultural and commercial value.

• Paul Ecke, Jr. Award -- recognizes individuals of exemplary devotion to profession, industry and community.

• Tommy Bright Award -- signifies a lifetime commitment to commentating excellence in the floral industry.

• Floriculture Hall of Fame -- the industry's highest honor, awarded to individuals who have made outstanding and lasting contributions to the advancement of floriculture

 All nominations are due Feb. 1, 2007. 
 
And, don't miss out on your chance to be inducted into the American Academy of Floriculture (AAF).

Top-notch communicators also can apply for membership to SAF's Professional Floral Communicators -- International (PFCI).  Applications for both AAF and PFCI are due Feb. 1, 2007.
 
Recipients will be recognized at SAF Palm Springs 2007, Sept. 26 to 29 at the LaQuinta Resort and Club in Palm Springs, Calif.

For more information, contact SAF's Debi Aker at (800) 336-4743; daker@safnow.org.

--Debi Aker
daker@safnow.org

 
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Become a Media Expert

Want positive press for you business on Valentine's Day? Establish yourself as a local expert. Handling the media can seem daunting, but SAF makes it easy. Visit SAF's Valentine's Day Resource Center to access customizable press releases, which you can send to reporters prior to Valentine's Day.

The Center also has advice about talking to the media, such as: be honest, accessible and brief. Concise, accurate statements are your best bets. In addition, you can access media advice specific to Valentine's Day, including how to deal with test orders and what kind of questions to expect the media to ask.

Finally, if the idea of giving an interview makes you nervous, check out the Interview Like a Pro and Interview Do's and Don'ts sites for tips on how to be a valuable, articulate source.

--Vanessa Machir
vmachir@safnow.org

 
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Best Buy Reconfigures the Workday

You won't find people punching the clock at Best Buy Company's Minneapolis headquarters. You will, however, find managers checking out at 2 p.m. or scheduling mid-week, mini vacations. And that's just fine with the company's leadership; that's how they want things to be.

According to a recent story in BusinessWeek, "the nation's leading electronics retailer has embarked on a radical -- if risky -- experiment to transform a culture once known for killer hours and herd-riding bosses. The endeavor, called ROWE, for 'results-only work environment,' seeks to demolish decades-old business dogma that equates physical presence with productivity. The goal at Best Buy is to judge performance on output instead of hours."

By December, the entire corporate staff -- 4,000 people -- will be on the new work schedule, Jody Thompson, ROWE's co-founder, told BusinessWeek. Incredibly, the new program began at the bottom of the Best Buy ladder, with the idea moving upwards until CEO Brad Anderson finally got wind of it two years after employees had been unofficially implementing it.

The program has not been without its critics, including other executives who complain that working off-site will only erode work-life balance more. Others call it a PR stunt or  "flextime in a prettier bottle," according to BusinessWeek.

Still, the concept seems to be working. Best Buy's productivity is up by 35 percent in departments with ROWE and average voluntary turnover has fallen "drastically."

Read the full story.

--Mary Westbrook
mwestbrook@safnow.org

 
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New Year's Trend: E-Commerce

Attention florists: Keep your Web sites updated and ready to take orders, especially during the holidays.  A U.S. e-commerce spending summary from comScore Networks reports that during the 2006 holiday shopping season (Nov. 1 to Dec. 31) e-commerce sites brought in $24.6 billion, up 26 percent from $19.6 billion in 2005.

This trend is not restricted to the holidays -- sales at e-commerce sites in 2006 reached $102.1 billion, a 24 percent increase over 2005 sales. 2006 was also the first year figures exceeded $100 billion.

--Vanessa Machir
vmachir@safnow.org

 
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Going Online Addictive for Some

Given the growth in online sales, it's no surprise that you -- and your employees -- may spend a lot of time online. What you may not know, however, is that, for a small subset of people, the Internet can be addicting.

"The issue is starting to be recognized as a legitimate object of clinical attention as well as an economic problem, given that a great deal of nonessential Internet use takes place at work," Elias Aboujaoude, the lead researcher of a Stanford University study on the topic of Internet addiction, said to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). "We often focus on how wonderful the Internet is -- how simple and efficient it can make things. But we need to consider the fact that it creates real problems for a subset of people."

Among the study findings highlighted by SHRM:

• Nearly 14 percent of people find it hard to stay away from the Internet for several days at a time.

• About 12 percent of people have tried to reduce their Internet use; 93.8 percent were successful.

• About 9 percent try to conceal "nonessential Internet use" from family, friends and employers.

Aboujaoude told SHRM that his primary concern is centered on the last group -- people who hide their online activities or try to seek solace online.

 "In a sense, they're using the Internet to self-medicate," he said. "And obviously something is wrong when people go out of their way to hide their Internet activity."

E-Brief asked readers about their shops' online policies on Aug. 10, 2005. At that time, about 45 percent of respondents said they allowed employees to go online at work for work and personal matters. Another 45 percent said they allowed employees to use the Internet for work-related matters only. The rest of the respondents said employees were not allowed online at work.

--Mary Westbrook
mwestbrook@safnow.org

 
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Clarification

Last week we reported in our story "Industry Leaders Continue Promotion Push" that passing the promotion order would require a "yes" vote from all domestic growers and importers of record before it is implemented. In fact, according to Red Kennicott, AAF, of Kennicott Brothers Co. in Chicago, Ill., passing the promotion order will require a positive vote from the majority of domestic growers and importers voting who represent a majority of the volume of cut flowers and cut greens represented in the referendum.

--Vanessa Machir
vmachir@safnow.org

 
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Product Spotlight: Custom Print Marketing Center

Is one of your New Year's resolutions to reach out to customers more often? SAF makes it simple with the Custom Print Marketing Center. From this site you can start a direct mail marketing program with ease. All you have to do is choose the postcard you want, load your personal mailing list, type your message, and click to send customers a customized postcard featuring one of 11 attractive, eye catching designs.
Click here for more information.

-Vanessa Machir
vmachir@safnow.org

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Talk on the Forums

One member is wondering at what temperature she should start wrapping her arrangements for delivery to protect them from the cold. Another member chimes in, saying that she usually starts wrapping arrangements when the temperature gets below 55 degrees to please the customers. If the temperature is 40 degrees or below, wrapping arrangements is an imperative. Read more.

Also on the Forums
Wedding Sales
Marketing to Corporations

Start your own discussion.

--Vanessa Machir
vmachir@safnow.org

 
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Pre-Ordering for Valentine's Day

Thirty-six percent of readers responding to last week's e-poll said they pre-order 75 percent to 99 percent of their Valentine's Day product by Jan. 15. Thirty-two percent said they pre-order 50 percent to 74 percent of their product, 16 percent said they pre-order 25 percent to 49 percent, and 12 percent said they pre-order 1 percent to 24 percent. Just 4  percent of respondents said they pre-order all Valentine's Day product prior to Jan. 15.

--Vanessa Machir
vmachir@safnow.org

 
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December Retailer Sales Up

A majority of retail florists (51 percent) responding to an online SAF survey indicated their sales for Christmas/Hanukah 2006 were up from a year ago. Just over a third of the florists reported decreased sales (37 percent) while about 11 percent said sales were about the same as in 2005. The remaining one percent didn't know how they did compared to last year.

One year ago 55 percent of retail florists reported increases in sales from the previous year. These preliminary data are based on 287 responses to SAF's December Holidays Zoomerang Survey of retail florists with e-mail addresses launched January 4th. Responses are still being collected. If you haven't received a survey by email and would like to participate, send an e-mail to surveys@safnow.org. 

--Ira Silvergleit
isilvergleit@safnow.org

 
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