Floral Updates from the Road: Opportunity on the Horizon!

July 24, 2023

By Debbie Zoellick, IFPA Director of Floral Programs

Summer is flying by! Last week I was at Cultivate23 in Columbus, Ohio and - wow - that is a huge show. I was very impressed and thought that it was very nicely done for plant growers. I also saw many of our IFPA floral members. Some saw me but didn’t say until afterwards!  If you see me at an event, please stop me and introduce yourself! I want to meet everyone I can and find out how I can help support your business.

While I was at Cultivate23, I also checked out some of their education seminars on the topic of retaining associates. We learned about what they want in a role, what you need to do to make them happy and the answer isn’t throwing money at them. Finding out what makes your team members tick and what motivates them is key not only to helping them enjoy their work, but also can help them become more productive and more likely to stay on at your company.

Retention of associates is not just a nice thing to do, it’s key to having a sustainable business. It generates stronger institutional knowledge and consistency, but also makes happier more efficient people. We can’t forget that sustainability isn’t just about environmental choices, it includes ethical treatment of people and financial sustainability as well.

Being sustainable is an on-going process and we must keep taking steps towards a more sustainable industry.  Even small steps can add up to big changes over time.  My advice is: embrace sustainability- yes it may cost more initially but that’s because it’s an investment. Your return will be in how your customers and partners see you being a good steward of our products, planet, and people and that is priceless.

"The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones." ~ Confucius

Here are some important dates for you to keep in mind:

Mexico Possibilities Zoom Meeting, 1pm ET on August 2nd.

Canada Possibilities Zoom Meeting, 1 pm ET on August 9th.

The Washington Conference, September 12-15, in Washington D.C. – the most important and effective voice for floral is YOURS. No business is immune to legislative, regulatory or political challenges. The Washington Conference is the place to ensure that our industry can overcome these challenges and flourish. We need you there!

The Floral Marketer of the Year nomination form is available.  Please nominate someone that has made a contribution to the Floral Industry as a whole.  As a former recipient of this award, I can tell you it is a great honor to be nominated and recognized. Please nominate yourself or someone else that you think deserves to be recognized this year!

The IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show is in Anaheim, California from October 19-21!

Calling all Buyers.  We want to make it easier for you to join us, so please contact me by August 10th so we can help!

We want to make it easier for you.

Floral Volunteer Committee- we will be meeting on Wednesday, October 18th from 2-5pm. Mark your calendars and look for additional updates.

Remaining Holidays for 2023

September 4 - Labor Day - Monday
September 16 - Mexican Independence- Saturday
October 18- Petal it Forward- Wednesday
October 21 - Sweetest Day- Saturday
October 31 - Halloween -Tuesday
November 1- Day of the Dead -Wednesday
November 23 - Thanksgiving - Thursday
December 12 - Our Lady of Guadalupe – Tuesday
December 25 - Christmas - Monday
December 31 - New Years Eve- Sunday

Floral Updates from the Road: Opportunity on the Horizon!

Additional Press