It’s time to renew your
CalFlowers membership
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Don’t forget to renew your CalFlowers membership by May 31, 2025. From discounted shipping rates to industry resources, your membership gives you valuable tools and support all year long. Members who renew before the deadline will be entered into our weekly raffle for a chance to win CalFlowers swag and a $50 gift card!
Contact us if you did not receive an invoice or have questions. Thank you for being a member of CalFlowers!
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Become a TFF Ambassador
Are you passionate about flowers and their role in self-care? Join TFF as an ambassador to help spread the joy of flowers! Sign up here.
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Industry
Insights
10 Questions to Jeanne Taggart Boes, Executive Director of the San Francisco Flower Market- Thursd.
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Become an AFE Internship Host Employer
Are you hiring for your greenhouse or nursery operation this summer? Become a host employer for AFE’s Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program! When you sign up to become a host employer, we place top floriculture/horticulture students at your operations to gain practical experience in the industry.
We have a great group of students this year - reach out to our Program Manager, Candice Musgrove, at cmusgrove@afeendowment.org if you’d like to learn more and get involved! We have interns ready to start as soon as this May!
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Armellini Logistics Celebrates 80 Years of Excellence in Perishable Logistics
Armellini Logistics, a leading provider of perishable logistics solutions, is pleased to announce its 80th anniversary. Founded in 1945 by Jules and Sarah Armellini, the company has grown from a local trucking operation to a nationwide network, renowned for innovation and service beyond expectation. This milestone celebrates eight decades of dedication, family values, and a commitment to keeping perishable goods moving efficiently and safely. Read more.
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The Life In Bloom Foundation Supports Floral Education
“We take great pride at Life In Bloom and with The Life In Bloom Foundation in furthering education about cut flowers, says J Schwanke. “Not only to the 115 million households the show reaches every week, but also to young people who are learning about floriculture and horticulture through more than 400 professional educators across the nation.” Read more.
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From the Field: Fresh Growth, Fresh Insights
Spring is officially here—finally! After a long winter, there's nothing quite like the promise of fresh growth, longer days, and, of course, spring flowers in the landscape and garden centers. At the American Floral Endowment (AFE), it also marks the start of a new season of travel, grower visits, and industry events, which I love because it brings me back to my roots. (Another thing I love - plant puns!). Read more.
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Celebrating Carol Caggiano, AAF, AIFD, PFCI
After an incredible career as a florist, designer, educator, and mentor, Carol Caggiano AAF, AIFD, PFCI is retiring from the floral industry.
Carol’s dedication, creativity, and kindness have touched countless lives. She’s been a guiding light for so many—sharing her knowledge freely, lifting others up, and always giving from the heart. Her work has graced countless events including Fun ‘N Sun, her teachings have shaped the paths of many through Teleflora, and her presence has uplifted all who have had the privilege of working alongside her. SAF has been an important part of Carol’s career as she has dedicated many hours working for the betterment of the floral industry.
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While we’ll miss her daily presence in the industry, we’re thrilled for all that’s ahead: more time with family and friends, travel, community and church projects… and maybe a little teaching here and there (because once a mentor, always a mentor!).
Thank you, Carol, for the beauty, wisdom, and love you’ve shared with us all. Your legacy will continue to bloom for years to come. Click here to send Carol an email.
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Kaeleku Tropicals
Kaeleku Tropicals is a distinguished tropical flower farm and florist based in the enchanting town of Hana, Maui, Hawaii. Renowned for their expertise in cultivating exotic blooms, they specialize in Alpinia Purpurata and Heliconia flowers, along with a diverse assortment of tropical ornamental flowers. Their commitment to quality and passion for floral artistry ensure that each bouquet and arrangement captures the vibrant spirit of Hawaii's lush landscapes.
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Last week the Mother’s Day Transportation Update was sent to members, complete with various reminders, schedules, and helpful information. If you missed the email, and would like a copy, email Chris Johnson. Another Transportation Update is planned for next week.
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FedEx Updates & Service Disruptions:
With the Mother’s Day shipping season here, we need to remind members to contact FedEx prior to Mother’s Day if shipping volumes are over and above their normal. You can do this by contacting your Account Executive, driver, or even local terminal. This helps them plan and reduces capacity problems. More information can be found in the Mother’s Day Transportation Update.
With the Spring season here, we can look forward to better weather, however, winter-like disturbances are is still with us and it's an essential practice to check for service delays or alerts before shipping. Knowing to what to expect before you ship can limit any unexpected delays and headaches.
Did you know that members have access to FedEx Freight (pallets) rates? Our offering boasts an 89% discount for LTL Domestic Priority and LTL Domestic Economy, plus a number of surcharge discounts adding extra value to these exceptional rates. Since FedEx Freight is a separate division of FedEx, members will need to contact Chris Johnson directly to be linked, but the process is simple. If highly discounted Door to Door pallet rates interest you, we can help.
FedEx International Shipping:
See here for an excellent resource from FedEx that walks shippers through the process step by step. First time international shippers inherently have questions on the process and paperwork required. If you'd like to talk to someone in person whether on the phone or at FedEx office, assistance available when needed.
Additional Reminders:
Although FedEx First Overnight is available to any FedEx customer, it is HIGHLY recommended that you do not select this service unless it is absolutely necessary and you fully understand the pricing. FedEx First Overnight (8am) is a remarkable service but please understand FedEx does not discount this option. Rates are VERY expensive and cannot be re-rated once shipped.
Did you know that our Priority Overnight rates (10:30am delivery), typically are only a few dollars more than Standard Overnight? The Standard Overnight delivery commitment is around 5 hours later (3:30pm), which can make a difference with many varieties in terms of arrival condition. Take a look - you will be surprised how close these rates are.
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For those wanting to know who your FedEx representative is, or if you want to be contacted by FedEx, please email Chris Johnson your FedEx account number and he will respond with information on your FedEx contact. It’s a good practice to establish a relationship with your FedEx representative. They can be of great assistance when needed.
Call (877) 339-2774 for FedEx’s tech support team, who can help with many tech-related issues including guidance regarding on-line shipping platforms.
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You can have your shipments held at your nearby FedEx Office instead of being delivered to your door. Having shipments held at your local FedEx office can help with temperature management since your boxes will be stored in a temperature-controlled office rather than riding in a truck all morning. It’s also true that you can drop off your shipments at your local FedEx office. This can be an advantage for some parts of the country where having your packages standing by in FedEx office is preferable to being in a truck for hours.
Find the latest news from FedEx here.
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Surcharges & Claims Resources:
For those members looking for good general information on Surcharges and Claims, the following information can be helpful.
This first resource offers information regarding surcharges and fees. Keep in mind that the CalFlowers program offers members MANY surcharge and fee reductions that are significantly lower than these standard surcharges, however it’s still a good reference point and has some clear definitions on what each fee/surcharge is. If you would like a summary of your program surcharge/fee discounts and waivers, please check our website or email Chris Johnson for a copy.
The second resource is very helpful when you need to file a claim for damaged or lost product. Keep in mind, a product claim is different from our Money Back Guarantee, which applies to shipping charges and is handled differently. Product claims are more involved and can be confusing, but this resource helps navigate the process.
FedEx New Member Resources:
New members who are just starting with FedEx shipping can utilize the “Customer Training” service that is available upon request. This service offers shippers direct one-on-one assistance from FedEx covering many of the questions new shippers may have. If you are interested in signing up, please contact Chris Johnson. Visit this webpage for excellent information for new shippers and a summary of FedEx's offerings.
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We would also like to remind members to stay current with their FedEx Express shipping invoices. FedEx payment terms are 15 days. All members shipping on FedEx Express are expected to stay within the FedEx payment terms. Failure to stay current with FedEx risks your account being delinked from the program. For more information on this issue, contact Chris Johnson, Director of Transportation. To obtain your invoice details and payment options, please contact FedEx Customer Service.
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GLS Updates & Transit Map:
Exciting News! We’ve introduced NEW GLS Ground rates exclusively for our members. This service covers the entire domestic U.S. and is ideal for non-perishable items, though perishable goods can also be shipped. Our rates are highly discounted and available to all shipping members. For complete pricing and additional details, please email Chris Johnson.
The CalFlowers GLS program is one of our popular, most value-priced offerings, with discounts well over 70% off standard rates. GLS offers later pick-ups and earlier deliveries while providing express door-to-door services covering CA, AZ, NV, OR, WA, NM, UT, and ID. Members who want to ship on GLS must sign up in advance. It’s easy and just takes a few minutes. Please contact Chris Johnson for more details at (760) 533-5580 or chris@cafgs.org.
Check out the GLS interactive Time-in-Transit map. Plug in your ZIP code and a handy map will show you your 1-day, 2-day transportation options.
GLS Program Improvements:
GLS has been very receptive to our requests for program improvements. They have added the following features to our program for members to utilize when shipping Priority.
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GLS will now honor product claims. If GLS is at fault (acts of God, not included) and the product arrives damaged, significantly late, or just missing, members now can file a claim. We highly recommend member shippers to indicate the correct Declared Value to be covered.
GLS will credit 100% of shipping costs if your shipment is not delivered on the day promised. Bad weather is excluded. Members will need to request this within 48 hours at customerservice@gls-us.com.
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GLS has given our account access to a special premium team of Customer Service agents. This high-level group was designed for fast response and problem solving. Please contact Chris Johnson for access to this important resource.
GLS has a new website. Additionally, try this handy Delivery Rates & Times Calculator to view delivery dates and estimated time of arrival.
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Alaska Air Cargo Program:
If you've been using our new CalFlowers/Alaska Airlines shipping program, you’ve likely experienced its exceptional value. This program provides outstanding rates to numerous regions nationwide, including shipments from California, Portland, Seattle, and Alaska.
For 2025, we have renewed our contract with Alaska Cargo and are pleased to announce no change in pricing! Look for more information coming soon and be sure to explore all program details on our website.
Did you know Alaska Airlines provides one of the most comprehensive intra-California services, with San Diego serving as its largest hub in the state? Even better, through our exclusive partnership with Alaska Airlines, we offer truly exceptional rates that you won’t find anywhere else.
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For the latest News & Updates please visit the Alaska Airlines webpage.
For the latest in Alaska Cargo News see here.
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For questions about our Alaska Air Cargo program, please contact Chris Johnson, 760-533-5580.
Alaska Air commonly asked questions.
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Air Canada Cargo Program:
In case you missed it, we now have Air Canada rates available to our membership! They can be viewed on our website. These are the standard Floral Rates from Air Canada, and they offer good value. However, we are currently working with Air Canada with the goal of securing exclusive rates for CalFlower members. More information to follow.
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That Flower Feeling: Unit Sales Webinar
Learn how That Flower Feeling is driving floral sales and transforming the industry. Whether you're a retailer, wholesaler, or industry leader, this webinar is packed with actionable strategies to elevate your floral sales game. Watch here.
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Looking Back at the Future
It can be easy to lose track of time in March when you’re a florist. It's between Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, the weather is always exceptionally gray, and it sometimes feels like you’ve been either time traveling or repeating the same day on a loop. That’s why I’m always excited to attend the Wisconsin & Upper Michigan Floral Association’s annual convention. Read more.
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Sizzling Success! The 2025 Great Lakes Floral and Event Expo was ON FIRE!
Wow—what a weekend! The 2025 Great Lakes Floral and Event Expo, Ignite & Inspire, truly lived up to its name, and it’s all thanks to YOU!
The excitement kicked off Thursday with our powerhouse team of volunteers processing thousands of stems donated by our incredible sponsors. Thinking, “How can I be part of this next year?”—Great news! We’ll be starting our volunteer outreach soon, and you can always reach out to the GLFA office to get involved. This event simply wouldn’t happen without our amazing volunteers—so from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU! Read more.
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Members of CalFlowers receive discounts from FedEx Office on the business printed items you use most. From posters to direct mail, you’re covered. Members must login to their profiles to access the discount code.
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