From left, Danny Sanchez, South Florals Group, Miami, Florida; Brad Denham, Arizona Family Florist, Phoenix, Arizona; Darrell Housden, Teleflora, Phoenix, Arizona; and Cheryl Denham, AAF, Arizona Family Florist, Phoenix, Arizona, walk to meetings during the Society of American Florists’ Congressional Action Days in 2020. This year, attendees will tell legislators how price increases, labor woes and supply chain challenges are impacting their businesses.
Does the increased cost of running your business keep you up at night? In 2021 consumer prices rose at the fastest pace in more than 30 years. Floral industry costs — such as hard goods, fresh product, gas or wages — overall increased an average of 9 percent, according to economist Charlie Hall, Ph. D. Join your peers at the Society of American Florists’ Congressional Action Days in March to tell legislators how increasing costs, supply chain challenges and labor woes are impacting your business.
Congressional Action Days is an opportunity for members of the floriculture industry to show Capitol Hill that our industry matters — and that we vote. During past Congressional Action Days, SAF members successfully increased funding and expanded reach for the Floriculture Crops Summary, maintained funding levels for the Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative, advocated for the need for duty-free access to fresh product, and highlighted the challenges in agriculture labor. CAD is returning as an in-person event in 2022.
What’s in it for you?
- Gain an insider’s perspective on how Washington, D.C. works. Learn how to advocate for our industry and hear directly from Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Michigan) about how to share your message effectively with lawmakers. Kildee is a strong advocate for family-owned companies and domestic producers, making him a natural ally for SAF’s main street businesses and U.S. floral growers.
- Have a seat at the table with lawmakers. Take the opportunity to explain how inflation affects your business to the decision makers on Capitol Hill. Attendees will meet with members of Congress and federal agency staff who influence industry issues and have been supportive of the floriculture industry.
- Team up with follow attendees for a uniquely D.C. experience in “Race to the White House: A D.C. Scavenger Hunt.” Discover surprising sights and uncover history’s mysteries in public places around the White House. You don’t need to know the area or its landmarks — you just need good teamwork, sharp eyes and comfy shoes. Join us for this special fundraiser for SAFPAC!
“Attending CAD gave me the opportunity to network with peers in the industry, as well as learn about aspects of our government and the floral industry that I didn’t know about before,” says Cameron Pappas of Norton’s Florist in Birmingham, Alabama. “And most importantly, have a say in the issues that affect our industry.”
Click here to register and check out the CAD schedule, speakers, hotel information and detailed information about the issues.
Katie Butler is the senior vice president of the Society of American Florists.
