We received a number of positive comments about E-Brief's new format last week -- plus a few suggestions we've added to this issue.
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A nationwide poll conducted by SAF about Mother's Day 2007 points, at least tentatively, to increased holiday spending. 
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Funeral directors in Texas will hear directly from florists about sympathy flowers, design trends and why "in lieu of flowers" is so problematic for the floral industry next month at the Texas Funeral Directors Association's annual convention in Corpus Christi.
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If customers aren't yet querying your sales staff about organic goods, they may be soon: Wal-Mart Stores recently announced it will stock up to 400 organic food goods by summer's end, a move experts agree could push the organic movement toward mainstream America.
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Natural Health magazine is the latest national publication to extol the benefits of flowers. Its May issue reads: "A vase of colorful, fresh-cut flowers always livens up a room. It can also lift your spirits, according to a Harvard Medical School study."

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Ten florists from Birmingham, Ala., recently got "arty" for a good cause.
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SAF's Consumer Attitudes and Behaviors About Floral Purchasing Study found that 72 percent of consumers consider membership in a national floral trade association as an important factor when choosing where to buy floral gifts.
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There's something irritating in the air lately, and it's more than just the late-spring pollen: At least two florists have used common sense -- and well-founded caution -- to thwart thieves' efforts to steal their credit card and identity information.
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Want to hold more effective staff meetings? The solution may be simpler than you think.

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What do blogs, mobile billboards, vase cards and pizza boxes have in common?  You and your business. They're all non-traditional ways to reach out to customers with your advertising message.
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About 68 percent of readers responding to last week's e-poll said they have had meetings with funeral directors to discuss how they can improve floral logistics
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Need to send something in a hurry? Don't break the bank doing it! SAF members can save up to 21% on FedEx Express shipping and 15% on FedEx Ground service.
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Spending for Mother's Day among adults who purchased flowers or plants for the holiday averaged $41.90, according to a nationwide SAF online eNation poll conducted by Synovate.
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