(From left to right) Megan Mitchell of Mitchell’s Flowers & Events in Orland Park, Illinois; Traci Dooley of Hortica in Edwardsville, Illinois; Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL); and David Mitchell, also of Mitchell’s Flowers & Events at SAF’s Congressional Action Days in March. Congress’s August recess is also a good time for floral business owners to contact legislators about issues affecting their bottom line.
The Senate and House’s recent proposed funding increases for the Floriculture Nursery & Research Initiative started with SAF members putting the issue in front of Congress earlier this year — a real-world example of the importance of cultivating relationships with lawmakers. Use Congress’ August recess to reach out to lawmakers about issues affecting your business’ bottom line.
Not sure of the first step to plan a recess visit? SAF has resources to help you answer questions such as:
- “Where do I start?” Find your representatives and Senators.
- “What is the best way to contact my lawmaker?” Email or call your legislator in Washington D.C. or in their district office. Invite them to visit your business during their recess, or tell them about the issues affecting your business.
- “What more can I do?” Attend town hall meetings in your district and participate in SAFPAC to support the floral industry’s only political action committee.
Check out SAF’s Grassroots Guide for more tips and follow these best practices to have successful visits this month.
Stephanie Brady is the project manager for the Society of American Florists.
