What Inspires Us THE MAKINGS OF A WINNER


> In 2006, Lane DeVries, AAF, pres- ident and CEO of Sun Valley Floral Farms in Arcata, California, set out to develop the perfect ilex — one with the right color, size and number of berries and with a substantial stem length. About 15 years later, after much testing, planting and cross pollinating, he had a winner: ‘Winter Spirit,’ a red ilex featuring dense berries extending to the tip of the branch in a vibrant red. (Read more about the development of ‘Winter Spirit’ in the Up the Supply Chain column.) So you can imagine why, after so


much time and hard work, DeVries was fretting over his ‘Winter Spirit’ entry in the Society of American Florists’ Outstanding Varieties Competition, held in September in


conjunction with SAF’s annual convention in Phoenix. September is relatively early in the season for ilex, and the leaves — which had yet to drop off the branches — obscured the berries. DeVries spent hours cutting the leaves off the branches before the judges began evaluating nearly 250 entries. ‘Winter Spirit’ earned a blue ribbon and the judges declared it “Best in Class.”


And while DeVries had hoped it would take the top honors — “Best in Show” — he wasn’t too disappointed with the results. That’s because ‘Amistad,’ a light pink double lily grown by Sun Valley, was chosen “Best in Show.” You can read more and see pictures of ‘Winter Spirit,’ ‘Amistad’ and other


“Best in Class” and Blue Ribbon winners in this issue. If you like what you see there, don’t miss the competition at next year’s convention, Aug. 6-9 in Miami. I’m sure you’ve worked hard to build a loyal following on social media. Don’t


risk it with lax security. In the Digital Strategy column, one florist shares how a scammer preyed on her followers. We asked an expert to weigh in on what busi- ness owners need to do to keep social accounts secure. By now you’ve got your business looking festive for the holidays and have


your seasonal arrangements ready to go. But have you solidified your staff- ing plan for this busy time of year? Even if you have, check out what finance expert Paul Goodman, MBA, AAF, PFCI, has to say about staffing for the holidays. His advice could save you some big bucks in overtime — and that’s more money in your pocket. Another thing to keep in mind when the shop gets busy? Safety. Ensuring


your workers have the best equipment and a hazard-free work area will help everyone be more productive. James DelPrince, Ph.D., AAF, AIFD, PFCI, shares what you can do to set up your employees for a productive and injury-free season in the Quality column.


Thanks for reading! Amanda Jedlinsky Editor in Chief ajedlinksy@safnow.org


KEEP WELL-BEING TOP OF MIND Keep the well-being of you and your team top of mind with the Society of American Florists’ free series of wellness webinars led by industry veteran Barry Gottlieb. The three- part series focuses on mental well-being in the workplace, healthy habits and sleeping soundly. safnow.org/ondemand


4 FLORAL MANAGEMENT | November/December 2023 | WWW.SAFNOW.ORG More Online


WINTER SOCIAL GRAPHICS SAF has pre-made graphics to promote your seasonal offerings. Find Facebook and Instagram graphics, web banners, and customizable Instagram story slides for Thanksgiving, winter, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s and more. Free for SAF members. safnow.org/winter


PREPARE FOR HOLIDAY SALES Need to find seasonal employees? Is your website prepped for high seasonal demand? SAF has on-demand webinars, articles, and resources to help you navigate the holiday rush. safnow.org/holidayprep


POINSETTIAS AREN’T POISONOUS This holiday season share poinsettia knowledge — such as the history of the plant, care tips and the toxicity myth — with customers. The Society of American Florists makes it easy for members with downloadable handouts to print for shoppers. safnow.org/poinsettia


SHUTTERSTOCK/CHIYACAT


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