Guest Post from Generation Y

Guest Post from Generation Y

Generation Y PMA

I met Lillianna Tapia at a PMA (Produce Marketing Association) flower reception at the SoCal FPFC (Fresh Produce and Floral Council) this summer. She was participating in the PMA Foundation Career Pathways Program. I ran into her again at the PMA Fresh Summit in Anaheim, last month. We agreed that we would send her flowers, and she would write a bit about what flowers mean to her as a member of Generation Y.

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I am Generation Y, I love flowers! Growing up, I developed a natural appreciation for flowers and their beauty, as well as the sentimental value they hold.  I have always felt that the presence of flowers aids in bringing a positive state of mind to almost any room or environment. Both from an aesthetics stand point as well as the overall feeling of peace, joy and nature.

My mother has done a great of job keeping the occasional arrangements in her house. Even now, when I walk through my parent’s front door and see a fresh bouquet of flowers, it adds an elegant touch of simple beauty, as well as radiates a fresh aroma that beats any artificial scent.

Being the lucky daughter of a traditional father whom has yet to come home empty-handed for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, my mother’s birthday, or their anniversary; has led me to realize that flowers are also a gesture of love. I like to consider myself the romantic type; I find it to be quite charming to know that there is still some chivalry alive in this world, and the classic gift of a beautiful bouquet of flowers is still a tradition to many people.

Lilli at home.

For the last few months I have had the pleasure of working for the floral shop at Fresno State. It’s been a great experience to learn about the floral industry. Working with a variety of flowers helps to brighten your day no matter you’re initial mood. It’s absolutely great to see the finished product as well as the emotion of those accepting the flowers. It’s priceless.
                                                                                                         -Lillianna Tapia

                                                       

Where Will Sun Valley Be?

Where Will Sun Valley Be?

AIFD Passion FPFC International Floriculture Expositions NORCAL PMA SAF Sun Valley Happenings

Our Sales Team at Sun Valley is often out on the road, talking to customers and doing their best to Create a World of Color.  We feel it is important to have a presence at the major floral industry events throughout the year.  Here is a list of the biggies we will be at through the year. 

 

Iris      |      Gerbera      |      Hydrangea      |      Sunflower

 

International Floriculture Exposition: Connecting the Industry from Seed to Shelf

June 19^ththrough 21^st

http://www.floriexpo.com

Miami Beach, Florida

This show was traditionally a mass market show, however, now just about anyone connected to the floral industry is eligible to attend.

Passion

American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD)

June 28^ththrough July 2^nd

http://aifd.org/upcoming-events/2013symposium

Las Vegas, NV.

The best and brightest designers come together to teach, learn and get inspired.  Are you a PASSIONista?

Southern California Fresh Produce and Floral Expo

Fresh Produce and Floral Council (FPFC)

July 16^th

http://www.fpfc.org

Anaheim, California

Fresh possibilities, get inspired by hundreds of fresh ideas and fresh products.

Fun ‘N Sun California Floral Convention

California Association of Flower Growers and Shippers (NORCAL)

July 17^ththrough July 20^th

http://www.cafgs.org

Santa Barbara, California

Experience the bounty of California Grown flowers.  This event  includes farm tours to some of California’s beautiful flower farms, like ours in Oxnard!

Society of American Florists Annual Convention

Society of American Florists (SAF)

September 18^ththrough 21^st

http://www.safnow.org/annual-convention

Phoenix, Arizona

Two great SAF traditions, The Sylvia Cup Design Competition and the Outstanding Variety Competition make this event a highlight of every year.

Fresh Summit Convention and Expo

Produce Marketing Association (PMA)

October 18^ththrough 20^th

http://www.freshsummit.com

New Orleans, Louisiana

More than 21,000 participants throughout the global fresh produce and floral supply chains come together as a community to learn, network, build relationships and do business. This year they will have an exclusive Floral Pavilion.

Floral Distribution Conference

Wholesale Florist and Florist Supplier Association (WFFSA)

October 23^ththrough October 25^th

www.wffsa.org

Miami, Florida

Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers

“Working together to grow a thriving floral industry for generations to come”

http://www.ascfg.org

This great organization has meetings throughout the country, and we try to make an appearance at these events. 

 Sunflower      |        Lily   |       Tulip       |       Asters

We hope to see you at these events; it’s a great opportunity to put a face on that Sales Rep. you chat with on the phone and to see what is new at Sun Valley.  If you are definitely going to be at an event, let us know and hopefully we can share a cup of coffee (or something stronger!) and discuss how we can serve you better and connect with your flower buying needs.  We grow it, when you need it.

We also will be showing up at numerous wholesale florists’ events, training events and wedding shows.  Most states have a floral association, and this is a great way to stay in the loop.  We have 3 flower ambassadors that you are probably familiar with J. Schwanke, Pieter Landman and Rene Van Rems these amazing designers are constantly traveling the country making new and creative designs with Sun Valley flowers. Get energized!

We believe that these conferences, conventions and events are very important to our industry; this is where you come to get inspired, to grow your business and expand the floral industry.  The overarching goal of all these happening is to make our industry better.  It takes all of us to achieve this goal.

Brassica      |      Green Ball      |      Lisianthus     |         Tulip

"Every man owes a part of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. No man has a moral right to withhold support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere."

Theodore Roosevelt