Some of the best floral designers in the world are about to put their talent on display tomorrow in hopes of winning the $2,500 grand prize, or one of two $250 runner-up prizes, in SAF's 40th Annual Sylvia Cup Competition.

A Tacoma, Wash., wholesaler is doing something that only a few years ago may have been akin to asking their customers to buy direct: they're taking their retail customers to a trade show to meet growers.

Pokon & Chrysal International has sold 100 percent of its Pokon activities, which include the areas of soil, plant food and insecticides, to the Dutch company Synergia.

The company behind the trendy retail brands Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and Free People is moving beyond fashion and home décor into fresh flowers and plants. Using greenhouses as inspiration, Urban Outfitters, Inc., recently announced its fourth brand concept name, "Terrain."

When asked what types of businesses usually sponsor professional baseball teams, most people might reply breweries and insurance companies. But Exotic Flowers is working to change that.

They make lunch "dates," they vent to each other, they bicker, and they travel together. Sound like a typical husband and wife? Well take a look around your business; it could just be part of a growing phenomenon known as the "work spouse."

Saying  "I'm sorry" may be the two most important words you can say to customer. Just ask Apple CEO Steve Jobs.

Drug use in the workplace is on the rise, according to a new federal study.

• SAF's Congressional Action Days: Feb. 25-26, 2008, in Washington, D.C. 
• SAF's Pest Management Conference: Feb. 28-March 1, 2008, in Atlanta.

Catch the eye of corporate clients and stay ahead of the competition with SAF's Business-to-Business Portfolios (follow the link and click on Business-to-Business Materials).

About 53 percent of readers responding to the previous week's e-poll said they expect a majority of exmployees to stay with them for five years or more.

More than 60 percent of retail florists reported Halloween sales were about the same in 2006 as in 2005.