A company that sells trees to commemorate special events has removed negative floral references from its Web site after being contacted by SAF.

Retailers hoping for relief from credit card fees moved closer to their goal last week after a House committee passed legislation that would rein in the non-negotiable fees credit card companies levy.

To keep up with industry trends and current professional terminology, the Oklahoma State Florists' Association (OSFA) is updating the written curriculum for its certification programs.

Ever feel caught off guard, forced to think quickly on your feet to maneuver out of a tricky situation? Learn some great tips and tricks to help you improvise in those trying situations at SAF Palm Beach 2008.

Ed Boesen, a florist and well-known entrepreneur in Des Moines, Iowa, died July 15.

The Boston Flower Exchange is again planting the seeds for the next generation of florists with its 2008 Rachel Butterworth Dietz Scholarship.

In a perfect world, growers would have the funds, room, equipment and time to test the newest pesticides and biological controls while identifying every bug that lands on their crops.

About two-thirds, or 63 percent, of consumers are cutting spending due to rising gas prices, up 18 percentage points from a year ago, according to a new report by market research company Nielsen Co.

Are you as nice to your employees as you are your flowers and customers?

With fuel prices on the rise, those kinds of double-digit charges seemed like normal business expenses when they showed up on one wholesaler's fleet fuel card.

 Deadlines for SAF Palm Beach 2008 are approaching fast, so make sure you don't miss them!

•  SAF Palm Beach 2008: Sept. 17-20, 2008, at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla.

Our GREEN house story about the florist who's turning bridal bouquets into seed-filled thank-you note paper captured the most attention last week. It was followed closely by news about FloraStar's contribution to the American Floral Endowment.

Last week's story about Internet directory scams was as familiar as it was frustrating for LuAnn Schwab, owner of Blooms & Bears Florist and Gifts in Irvine, Calif. But like the florist interviewed last week, Schwab also fights back when scammers prey on her business. 

SAF makes finding what you need easier with the Ultimate Floral Industry Supply Guide. This online guide is your one-stop, searchable source for a broad selection of fresh product, hard goods, business supplies and gift items. From ribbons to refrigeration units, the selection is wide and rich. Suppliers, get in the guide and get ready to be noticed. SAF members enjoy preferred placement and the SAF logo next to their company name. Members are eligible for a 25 percent discount on enhanced listings with Web links and additional information.

Weddings are still the hot topic on the discussion boards. After reading through other posts in a discussion on wedding contracts, a florist was inspired to establish a written contract form.

The rising cost of health care is "excruciating," according to slightly less than 68 percent of respondents to last week's e-poll.