WF&FSA CONFERENCE PACKS IN ANOTHER RECORD-BREAKING CROWD!

The numbers speak for themselves....762....another record-breaking crowd descended upon the Trump Doral for the 2014 WF&FSA Distribution Conference. Take a look at attendance history since the new format was unveiled for this annual conference: 2010 - 594; 2011 - 622; 2012 - 711; 2013 - 752; and 2014 - 762.

Not only do the numbers speak for themselves, but the attendees do too:

• Exciting to see the faces of those I have done business with for years! I sat down at my desk Monday morning refreshed and ready to implement many of the points I learned at the sessions.
• It was such an impact to be able to interact with all levels of the Floral Industry in one location. Absolutely invaluable!
• WF&FSA is not only the way we connect each other, but for me is the chance to learn more, know more about my customers, and realize these 2 things never end.
• The WF&FSA distribution conference is a great venue to create new relationships with current and new vendors. Also it is a great place to network with other wholesalers that are not in your market. The association has real value to your day to day operations to make it beneficial for any size wholesaler to attend.
• Great opportunity to visit with the wholesalers that are the movers and shakers of the industry. Very timely educational sessions that reinforces and reminds every aspect of the distribution channel with ideas for improvement & success. Excellent exposure for owners, managers and all buyers.
• The WF&FSA Conference is a must for any wholesaler looking to grow their business. The contacts and insights gained pay for the entire cost to attend over and over throughout the year.
• Networking with peers and customers at WF&FSA always proves so valuable. It is an informal, non-stress, non-agenda setting that allows for creative and thought provoking dialogue. I am never disappointed.

These are just some of the comments submitted in the evaluation of the meeting. Be sure to mark your calendars now for the 2015 Conference, scheduled for October 21-23 at the Trump National Doral!

In addition to the wide array of exhibits, the educational content was packed with great ideas shared by the buyers' panel, the retail panel, Kevin Ylvisaker with his design trends forecast and retailer survey and David Daneshgar of BloomNation shared his vision for helping retailers and wholesalers alike and more! Watch the WF&FSA website later for copies of the presentations. We will let you know when they are posted. 

ALAN TANOUYE ELECTED PRESIDENT OF WF&FSA

Alan Tanouye, Floralife (division of Smithers Oasis) assumed the Presidency of WF&FSA at the WF&FSA Business Session on Thursday, October 23, 2014 at the Trump Doral. Rob Shibata, Mt. Eden Floral Company was elected President-Elect. WF&FSA also elected five new board members including:

Alvaro Crespo, Lihmil Wholesale Flowers, Kernersville, North Carolina

Laurie Nesbitt, Florist's Supply Ltd., Winnipeg, Manitoba

John Donati, Ocean View Flowers, Lompoc, California

Tom Wolfe, Jr., Wolfe Wholesale Florist, Waco, Texas

Santiago Cock-Rada, Liberty Blooms, Miami, Florida

These newly-elected members join Tom Figueroa, Nordlie/Kennicott, Past President and Board members Tim Dewey, DVFlora and Tom Logue, Pennock Company. The board appointed Santiago Cock Rada as Treasurer for a two-year term.

PRESIDENT TANOUYE CALLS FOR VOLUNTEERS - SIGN UP NOW!

During his President's speech, Alan Tanouye noted that  committee participation at WF&FSA is one of the best ways to network with your peers. He invited members to volunteer their time and talents to WF&FSA and get engaged with peers more than they already are. As he noted, "It is the best way to get to know people in the industry. It is the best way to keep learning. I know that from my own personal experience."

If you're an owner or manager and have someone with great potential you want to develop further in the industry, let WF&FSA know. Take a minute to complete this quick survey noting your interests and WF&FSA will get back to you.

President Alan Tanouye is interested in hearing from you! If you would like to volunteer to serve on a WF&FSA Committee beginning in 2015, sign up here! Sign up now!