 The Flowers Canada AGM was a resounding success this year. Members from around the country attended the convention as we concluded the passing of the new Bylaws (number 27). These Bylaws enable the newly restructured Flowers Canada to address the distinct needs of its diverse membership. The Flowers Canada Bylaws and restructuring summary is available for all members. Any member can obtain a copy of the new Bylaws and restructuring summary by contacting the Flowers Canada National Office at (800) 447-5747. I would like to specifically thank each and every board member (Beverly Woodburn of Floralynx Management Services, Bob Martin of Martin Farms, Italo Paris of Ital Florist, Kathy Martin of Martin Farms, Mark Thiessen of Growerflower.com, Susan Clarke of Smithers-Oasis and Sharon Enns of Sharon’s Consulting Inc.), who made this restructuring possible.
The Flowers Canada Retail division is busy as it implements the growing needs of its retail, wholesale and associate members.
I would also like to welcome the first incoming Flowers Canada national board presidents. Cor Smit, president of CY Grower Supplies Ltd. is the incoming president of Flowers Canada Retail, and Mark Thiessen, president of Growerflowers.com is the incoming president of Flowers Canada Growers.
Now Flowers Canada Retail and Flowers Canada Growers get down to the business of providing membership value.
The Flowers Canada Retail division is busy as it implements the growing needs of its retail, wholesale and associate members. As retailers we can agree that our industry is not the same as it was 5 or 10 years ago. Flowers Canada Retail is working towards (to name a few):
• Aggressively targeting means to promote the flower industry and flower consumption from the local retail florist.
• Retail market information.
• Current market data to assist florists and wholesalers make informed decisions.
• Address some of the competitive imbalances in our industry.
• Branding of Flowers Canada Retail.
• Developing training CD’s for owners and staff.
• Aligning its accreditation and education needs to be in sync with members.
The Flowers Canada Grower division has been active as it manages the constant change in the grower market. For members wanting more information on the Flowers Canada Grower division you can call (800)-698-0113.
I wish each and every one of you a successful New Year. Lets make 2005 a year to remember individually in our businesses and collectively in Flowers Canada.
Debbie Walerius is the new chairman of Flowers Canada National.
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