Dec. 2, 2011 - Canadian Florist is excited to announce that new speakers have been
added to the Canadian Florist Business Forum (CFBF) which takes place in
Toronto on Jan. 18.
Working With Your Wholesaler
Florists need wholesalers and wholesalers need florists. The relationship between the two parties needs to be one that’s open, honest and full of constant communication. What can florists do to better work with their wholesalers? What can wholesalers do to build a great partnership with the florist? P.J. Vermeer, president and general manager of Westbrook Floral Ltd. will share how both these groups can benefit by cooperating and establishing a solid relationship.
Bio: P.J. Vermeer
P.J. Vermeer is the president and general manager of Westbrook Floral Ltd. with responsibility for all aspects of the wholesale and distribution arm of the company. Since 1976 and as a part owner in this family business, he has worked in all aspects of the company including sales and marketing, purchasing, inventory control, delivery and various management roles, thereby gaining his experience in the school of hard knocks. P.J.’s greatest strengths are his commitment and enthusiasm to Westbrook and the entire floral industry. Equally as important, P.J. enjoys his career, particularly because of the people he works with day in and day out. P. J. currently serves on the Board of the Wholesale Florist & Florist Association (WF&FSA).
Our Changing Consumer
Over the past five years, the retail florist customer has evolved. Consumers now have higher than ever expectations when it comes to service and quality and the Internet has opened up a whole new avenue to research and compare products and pricing. How can you reach this new customer and encourage them to shop with you? Amas Tenumah, vice president of operations for Teleflora shares his expertise as a customer experience fanatic.
Bio: Amas Tenumah
Amas Tenumah is a customer experience fanatic, and a self-described “contact center geek” specializing in contact center operations and customer access strategy for a “Twitter-first” century. He has spent the last decade managing contact center operations for companies like Coca-Cola, Convergys Corporation and currently in his role as vice president of operations for Teleflora. Amas brings a unique perspective to the world of customer experience that he shares regularly at industry events and publications. He is also a proud dad, an avid Yankee fan who enjoys playing competitive soccer when home in Oklahoma City.
Long Live Your Flowers
Clean buckets, proper food dosage and a solid care and handling strategy are vital to ensuring your flowers live a long and healthy life. In this seminar, care and handling expert and Smithers-Oasis North America marketing manager Jacque Sir Louis will address common problems when it comes to caring for postharvest blooms. Expect to walk away with new tips and techniques to prolong vaselife in your shop and come armed with any care and handling questions you might have.
Bio: Jacque Sir Louis
Jacque Sir Louis is currently marketing manager for Smithers-Oasis North America where he develops marketing strategies (including the successful use of social media) and new product development (appealing to a new generation of floral consumers) through collaboration with florists, wholesalers and the Smithers-Oasis Design Director team.
Prior to his current position Sir Louis has assisted dozens of companies ranging from consumer goods to engineered products in generating marketing programs that produce consistent and sustainable growth. Sir Louis holds an MBA from Ashland University, Ashland, Ohio and bachelor’s degree from The University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. He is a member of WF&FSA Technology Committee and the Ohio Florists Association Florist Committee.
For more information or to register, visit the CFBF page. Stay tuned for more updates and speaker additions as we get closer to the event!
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