The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not send out no-match letters this year, an SSA spokesman told the Bureau of National Affairs (BNA) on Nov. 13.

The helium shortage that stems back to November 2006 continues to worsen, according to helium industry sources and florists. Florist Lynda Gervais, CBA, of Ann’s Secret Garden in Bethany, Okla., says, “If I can get one tank [of helium] a month, I am doing well.”

Half a dozen florists have contacted SAF about the Nov. 11 issue of USA WEEKEND, which featured two articles that, amidst gift-giving and décor advice, made negative statements about flowers. As the voice of the industry, SAF has responded.

Both SAF and the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG) recently did their part to promote floriculture careers to younger generations.

Bend (Ore.) Weekly newspaper readers got some advice the floral industry loves to hear: Act on your impulses to buy flowers.

Take a count: How many pictures of your kids; paper weights representing various vacation spots and stress-relieving squeeze balls are visible in your work area? If it’s approaching a half-dozen, your professionalism may be in question, according to new research from the University of Michigan Business School.

With the iPhone recently named as “Invention of the Year,” by Time magazine and Google Inc. announcing its alliance with 33 partners to create cheaper cell phones that can access advanced Internet services, it comes as no surprise that buying via wireless devices is a big trend among consumers.

There’s a new trend developing with men and women, as recent research points out: In general, women aren’t as happy as men.

... when reporters call florists, asking about the poinsettia toxicity myth. One member says a reporter called asking about allergies to the latex in poinsettias.

Growers! Want to put the latest crop protection techniques to work? Start by "Taking Action" at SAF's 24th Annual Conference on Pest and Disease Management in Ornamentals, Feb. 28-March 1 in Atlanta.  

Looking for fast, reliable shipping for the holiday season and beyond? You can count on FedEx. SAF members can also save up to 21 percent on packages sent via FedEx.

Almost 39 percent of retailer readers responding to the previous week's e-poll said they never ask suppliers whether flowers they have pruchased have been kept in the "cold chain."

In 2006, indoor and window displays continued to be the vehicles most frequently used by retail florists to promote Thanksgiving to their customers. Indoor displays were used by 65 percent of florists compared to 58 percent using window displays.