Consistency and uniformity were two key features that won  'Kelly', a soft apricot-colored spray rose, top honors at SAF's 2007 Outstanding Varieties Competition with the "Best of Show" ribbon. 

The old adage, "first time's a charm," applies to the winner of the 40th Annual Sylvia Cup Competition, held Sept. 27 during SAF Palm Springs 2007.

Upcoming programs and potential new volunteer leaders topped the agenda for SAF's councils and committees, which met Tuesday and Wednesday before the start of SAF Palm Springs 2007 to discuss upcoming projects.

1-800-Flowers.com has teamed up with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc., (MSLO) to create a new floral, plant and gift basket program, available in Spring 2008, announced a Sept. 20 company press release.

Ray Isamu Kitayama, one of the founders of the largest U.S. flower growing operation, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sept. 29, 2007, after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

Kicking off SAF Palm Springs 2007 was the much-anticipated announcement of Floral Management's 14th annual Marketer of the Year. This year's winner: wholesaler Baisch & Skinner, Inc., in St. Louis, for creating a cooperative marketing effort on behalf of their florists.

Industry members weren't the only ones admiring inspired floral design and beautiful blooms at SAF Palm Springs 2007, held Sept. 26-29, at La Quinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs, Calif.

A highlight of SAF's annual convention is when it presents its annual awards, honoring individuals who've excelled in disciplines ranging from growing and breeding, to research to leadership.

SAF inducted 10 outstanding industry members to the prestigious ranks of the American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) this year at SAF Palm Springs 2007.

Most baseball fans see this week's playoffs as a chance to claim bragging rights for their teams — Denver florists BJ Dyer, AAF, AIFD, and Guenther Vogt, AAF,  and Philadelphia florists Scott and Chad Kremp AAF, see a PR opportunity.

SAF's 2008 Annual Convention will held at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla.

Would you like your employees to be more effective sales people (especially with the holiday season around the corner)? Do you want your customers to know a true professional is serving them?

SAF has just posted two brand new forums this week. On Holiday Marketing: Do or Don't? you can discuss marketing strategies, and share opinions on whether it is better to use your marketing budget on holiday advertising, or save your money to drive sales during off-peak periods.

Eighty percent of florists responding to the previous week's e-poll said their business has not dealt with problems stemming from employee drug use.

More than eight out of ten (82 percent) florists promoted their wares for Thanksgiving, according to a 2006 SAF post-Thanksgiving online survey of retail florists.