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We hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day! We extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire floral community, including but not limited to, growers, wholesalers, florists, retailers, transportation providers, and partners, whose hard work and dedication make it possible for people to celebrate their loved ones with the beauty of flowers. You make life’s special moments even more meaningful. Thank you for all that you do!
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Save the Date!
2025 Member Appreciation Meetings
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Two Exciting Events — Two Iconic California Cities
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This summer, join us for one of two unforgettable days of celebration, connection, and floral inspiration—each featuring CalFlowers leadership, engaging round table discussions, exciting raffle prizes, and fun networking opportunities! Choose the event that works best for you (or come to both!). Click here to learn more.
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That Flower
Feeling
CalFlowers, proudly announces the formal operational separation of TFF, transitioning it into a fully independent, industry-supported brand effective September 1, 2025. Read more.
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CFG & Kendall Farms announces strategic partnership to expand U.S. domestic floral offering
Continental Floral Greens (CFG) and Kendall Farms are proud to announce a new strategic partnership that unites two industry leaders in U.S.–grown floral and foliage production.
The collaboration centers on a dedicated eucalyptus farm in Southern California that began production five years ago, located adjacent to Kendall Farms’ existing operations. The farm will focus on key varieties, including Baby Blue, True Blue, Silver Dollar, Gunni, and Parvifolia—which will be available through both companies’ established distribution channels. Read more.
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Applications Now Open for AFE's 2025-2026 Educational Grants!
The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is now accepting applications for 2025-2026 Educational Grants. The deadline for all educational grant applications is June 1, 2025. AFE has three different educational grant opportunities to help fund wide-reaching industry learning programs that provide solutions and focus on ongoing and new educational opportunities. Learn more and apply.
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Stream the New Season of "Life In Bloom"
The NEW SEASON of J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom is premiering on local public television (PBS) stations across the nation. However, if you can’t wait until your local station schedules new episodes, the show is available to stream for FREE with the PBS App. Download the FREE PBS App on your Smart Phone, Tablet, or Smart TV to stream the new season - and all previous seasons - on your schedule. Read more.
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Sustainbloom Celebrates Anniversary of Website Launch
One year ago, Sustainabloom's website was launched with a mission to help floriculture businesses, at every level of the industry and every step of their sustainability journey, explore ways to meet environmental, social, and economic goals.
Since the website launched in April 2024 by the American Floral Endowment (AFE), Sustainabloom has grown rapidly into a free hub chock-full of research-backed resources, educational tools, industry news, and program support initiatives. Organized in an easily accessible website, the program has already flourished into an impressive nucleus of information that has formed a knowledge-rich foundation meant to be shared, explored and expanded on as the industry and sustainability evolve. Read more.
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The Memorial Day Flowers Foundation Celebrates 15 Years of Honoring Heroes
The Memorial Day Flowers Foundation (MDFF) announces its 15th anniversary, marking a decade and a half dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who have served their nation. For fifteen years, MDFF has facilitated a poignant tradition: enabling visitors and family members to place flowers at the gravesites of America's heroes. As they step into 2025, the Foundation proudly welcomes back its steadfast recurring sponsors and expresses deep gratitude for the enthusiastic support of new partners joining our mission.
"Our journey would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of our longtime supporters. Through every challenge, including times when the world stood still, these incredible organizations ensured the Foundation could continue its vital work."
CalFlowers: "Our main sponsor and a pillar of support since the beginning. MDFF simply would not exist today without their enduring partnership." Read more.
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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 (up to 78% off!) 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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I hope everyone’s Mother’s Day shipping season was a productive and profitable one.
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FedEx Updates & Service Disruptions:
Now that Mother’s Day is behind us, be sure to file any Money Back Guarantee Service requests and product claims within 15 days. The sooner the better!
With the Spring season here, we can look forward to better weather, however, winter-like disturbances are still with us. 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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Many times your shipping platform may not allow you to book a shipment to arrive on Saturday. To get around this, shippers need to go to FedEx.com and book it manually. This will allow Saturday delivery zones and times to show up.
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 a FedEx office is preferable to being in a truck for hours.
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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 with your FedEx account number and he will respond with your FedEx contact. It’s a good practice to establish a relationship with your FedEx representative. They can be of great assistance when needed.
Find the latest news from FedEx here.
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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Surcharges & Claims Resources:
For those members looking for general information on Surcharges and Claims, the following resources 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:
In case you missed it, 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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Alaska Air commonly asked questions.
For questions about our Alaska Air Cargo program, please contact Chris Johnson, 760-533-5580.
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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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Member Spotlight
Bloomia
Bloomia delivers high-quality, year-round tulips to consumers across the United States from its state-of-the-art hydroponic farm in King George, Virginia. Located just an hour from Washington, D.C., Bloomia specializes in classic tulip varieties using premium bulbs sourced from Holland, Chile, and New Zealand. The company also offers a seasonal Novelty Tulip program from mid-February through Mother's Day.
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2026 ASCFG Conference: Early Bird Registration through May 31!
- Enhance your member experience — join ASCFG in Albuquerque!
- Discover strategies and gain insights to propel your business forward.
- Meet fellow flower growers and network with industry leaders.
- Stay in a lovely hacienda style boutique hotel with exquisite amenities.
- Explore historic Old Town ABQ and immerse yourself in its culture.
Learn more and to register.
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That Flower Feeling Volunteer Opportunity
TFF is seeking volunteers following Floriexpo, June 6-7, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Volunteers will assist in supporting the "That Flower Feeling Pop-Up". The event provides a unique opportunity for your team to contribute directly to a meaningful community event, showcase the generosity of the floral industry, and witness the joy that flowers bring to people firsthand. Sign up by emailing Vanessa (Vanessa@thatflowerfeeling.org) by May 24.
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Women in Flowers Retreat
Women in Flowers is hosting a two-day event designed to inspire and connect women in the floral industry. Balancing life focuses on finding harmony between business and personal growth through hands-on workshops, thoughtful discussions, and creative experiences. 📅 Monday, June 16-17📍Location: Katie Kennicott Education Center, Chicago, IL. Learn more.
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Registration is Open! Attend the Texas Floral Expo June 27-29
The Texas State Florists’ Association welcomes all floral industry professionals to League City, Texas, for the Texas Floral Expo on June 27-29. Just minutes from Houston, the conference will be held at the South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center, with waterfront views, a spa and easy access to shopping and entertainment. Plus, there will be more quality floral education than ever before, with 13 premier presenters, 10 sessions included in Everything Expo registration and eight optional hands-on workshops from which to choose. New this year, two sessions will be presented in English and Spanish! Register by June 6 to save $100. Learn more and register.
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You're Invited: AIFD® Symposium 2025 – A Celebration 60 Years in Bloom!
Join us in Palm Springs as AIFD commemorates six decades of floral artistry, innovation, and community. The AIFD® Symposium 2025 promises an unforgettable experience filled with inspiration, education, and connection. From captivating main stage programs to immersive hands-on workshops, this celebration of our floral legacy is not to be missed.
Main Stage Program Highlights
Kicking off the Symposium with brilliance, Jacob McCall takes audiences on a journey through six decades of AIFD® history. With dynamic floral interpretations and storytelling, “LEGACY” honors legendary designers, pivotal milestones, and the enduring spirit of innovation that defines AIFD®.
Don’t miss the main stage program sponsored by Calflowers, ELEMENTAL. Presented by Lynde DiSomma AIFD, Sharrai Morgan AIFD, Patti Fowler AIFD, and Nita Robertson AIFD, this collaborative program celebrates nature's core elements—fire, earth, water, and air—through seasonal, regionally inspired floral interpretations, as four designers unite their creativity across the country. Learn more and register.
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Stay connected with our membership directories. Your go-to resources for networking, flower sourcing, and finding support services.
Can’t find what you need or want to update your listing? Contact us.
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