There's a new bill before Congress designed to help deal with one of the many fees tethered to all major credit cards. The new legislation addresses rising interchange fees, which are ultimately passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for goods and services, whether the consumers purchase items via credit card, check or cash.

U.S. growers who have not submitted their agricultural census forms for the Census of Agriculture to USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service now have more time. The USDA has announced it will accept late returns. Responding to the census — conducted every five years — is required by law, and the privacy of information provided is protected.

Permanent duty-free status for flowers exported to the United States from Colombia remains on hold after the House voted April 10 to delay indefinitely its consideration of the controversial U.S./Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Two national magazines and a major metropolitan newspaper are sharing with readers the personal and professional benefits of flowers this month.

Up against 14 other experienced designers from across the Rocky Mountain State, Cindy Anderson, AIFD, of Design Works, A Floral Studio, in Colorado Springs, Colo., took home the Inaugural Colorado Cup at the 2008 Colorado Floral Designer of the Year competition.

Teleflora awarded its "Diamonds and Roses" sweepstakes winner with a $50,000 prize that helped make this Valentine's Day that much sweeter for the lucky guy's girlfriend.

Have you noticed tension in the design room lately? Unfortunately, you're not alone. According to a study from the research firm Zogby International, nearly one in four U.S. workers has experienced bullying on the job, behaviors that extend from idle gossip to physical threats.

It was evident Potomac Floral Wholesale in Silver Spring, Md., was the place to be on Sunday, as hundreds of people gathered at the company's warehouse, packing the parking lot to the brim.

Designers looking for new ways to work with the ever-abundant spring beauties, narcissus and hyacinths, can get some inspiration from the Dutch.

While January was the worst month for retailers in almost 40 years — according to an article in Advertising Age — the month of March isn't too far behind. A variety of factors including the dwindling economy, weak housing market, high gas, energy and food costs and unseasonably cool weather (and an early Easter holiday) all contributed to the retail sales decline, the National Retail Federation reports.

If the fashion soothsayers have it right, flowers will have a place well beyond the dining room table — big, bright blooming patterns are predicted as this season's hottest fashion trend.

SAF wants to help you market your floral business for Administrative Professionals Week (APW)/Professional Secretaries Week (April 20-26). Take advantage of the online resources available on SAF's Web site. There, you'll find Business-to-Business materials, offering a large number of promotional tools advancing the findings of SAF's Impact of Flowers and Plants on Workplace Productivity Study. The study proves flowers and plants in the workplace increase productivity and inspire better business ideas. SAF provides members with valuable downloadable resources like a library of B2B sales tools and promotional ideas including discount cards and fliers. Sample press releases and radio scripts are also available.

• "Keys to Communication" by SAF's PFCI featuring Sharon McGukin, AAF, AIFD, PFCI: July 7, 2-3 p.m. in Chicago, in conjunction with the AIFD National Symposium.
• SAF Palm Beach 2008: Sept. 17-20, 2008, at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla.

Our stories about duty-free flowers and TV prom tips tied for the top of the popularity charts for E-Brief readers last week.

SAF's Ultimate Floral Industry Supply Guide is the "ultimate" supply guide for the floral industry. The guide is a one-stop, searchable source for a broad selection of fresh product, hard goods, business supplies and gift items. Find everything from ribbons to refrigeration units to even baby novelties. And, if you're a supplier looking to be found, SAF members get preferred placement and the SAF logo next to their company name. Members are also eligible for a 25 percent discount on enhanced listings with web links and additional information.

A little more than 28 percent of respondents to last week's e-poll said employees receive health insurance through their business, if they are eligible.

Reasons for Decline in Sales for 2007 APW

Source: SAF Post-holiday survey of retail florists, April 2007. Based on 307 responses (response rate = 9 percent).

Last year, just under a third (29 percent) of retail florists reported sales for Administrative Professionals Week (APW) were down from the previous year.