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Fun 'N Sun is now less than a month away, and the excitement continues to build. We now have more than 50 exhibitors signed up for the Flower Fair, making this the largest exhibition in Fun 'N Sun history.
One of the highlights of this year's convention will be the presentation of the 2026 CalFlowers Distinguished Service Award to Harrison "Red" Kennicott III, Chairman of Kennicott Brothers Company.
There could not be a more deserving recipient. Throughout his remarkable career, Red has devoted himself not only to building one of the industry's premier companies, but also to strengthening the floral industry as a whole. His leadership has consistently been characterized by integrity, innovation, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to people. Few individuals have had a broader or more lasting impact on our industry, and it is our privilege to recognize him with this honor.
The Distinguished Service Award returns this year after more than a decade and recognizes individuals whose dedication, leadership, and lasting contributions have strengthened both CalFlowers and the floral industry. The presentation will take place during the General Session on Friday, August 7, at The Langham Huntington in Pasadena.
Another highly anticipated moment of this year's convention will be the unveiling of our association's new name during the Thursday evening dinner on August 6. Curiosity is growing throughout the floral community, and we continue to receive inquiries from across the industry. We look forward to sharing this historic milestone with our members and all who attend this year's Fun 'N Sun Convention.
Combined with an outstanding educational program, keynote speaker Bret Culp, a dynamic industry panel discussion, networking opportunities, tours of the Los Angeles Flower Market and Rose Parade float-building facility, and the largest Flower Fair in our history, this year's Fun 'N Sun is shaping up to likely be one of our best conventions ever.
If you have not yet registered, there is still time to join us. We hope you will be part of what promises to be a memorable and historic Fun 'N Sun as we celebrate our industry's future while honoring the people and traditions that have brought us here.
We look forward to welcoming you to Pasadena.
Thank you,
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Lane DeVries
President, CalFlowers
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CalFlowers Honors Floral Industry Legend Red Kennicott with 2026 Distinguished Service Award
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As CalFlowers celebrates 85 years of floral excellence, the association is proud to announce that Harrison "Red" Kennicott III, Chairman of Kennicott Brothers Company, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 CalFlowers Distinguished Service Award, recognizing a lifetime of extraordinary leadership, innovation, and service to the floral industry.
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The award will be presented during the Fun 'N Sun 2026 Floral Convention in Pasadena, California, marking the return of CalFlowers' Distinguished Service Award after more than a decade. The award honors individuals whose dedication, integrity, and lasting contributions have strengthened both CalFlowers and the floral industry as a whole.
For Red Kennicott, flowers have never simply been a business. They are a family legacy spanning nearly two centuries. Read more.
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Sustainabloom Recognized with 2026 Spotlight Award
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Four years after its launch, Sustainabloom continues to grow as the trusted source for sustainability resources for the floral industry, and we're excited to share that it has been recognized with the 2026 Greenhouse Grower Spotlight Award. Presented during Greenhouse Grower's Evening of Excellence at Cultivate'26, the award recognizes organizations making a meaningful impact on the floriculture industry through innovation, leadership, and service. Read more.
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Enjoy 15 Hours of Flowers on Create TV July 31, August 1, & 2
Create TV brings viewers ten back-to-back episodes of J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom broadcast 3 times on Create TV Friday, July 31st, Saturday, August 1st, and Sunday, August 2nd. “Our friends at Create TV again asked me to curate ten episodes for a weekend marathon,” enthuses J Schwanke, host and creator. “Naturally, I was thrilled to do so!” J Schwanke's Life in Bloom, a flower lifestyle television show seen in the U.S. on Create TV public television (PBS) stations nationwide, encourages viewers to enjoy arranging flowers, and reinforces the health and wellness benefits flowers offer.
“Being featured on a weekend marathon on Create TV demonstrates how popular Life in Bloom is with viewers. Viewers continue to respond to flowers and are requesting the chance to enjoy the show more often – instead of say, cooking or travel shows,” J explained. “When you multiply these 15 extra weekend timeslots by all the Create TV channels in each market, it means the show is broadcast an extra 6,770 times that weekend, alone. Create TV will also air the episodes during Prime-Time August 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th, which is another 3,012 airings - such a great showcase for Flowers and Life in Bloom!” Read more.
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Do you have floral news you want to share with the CalFlowers community?
Contact us
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Fun 'N Sun 2026: Three Weeks Away —
and History is About to Be Made
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On Thursday evening, CalFlowers will make one of the most significant announcements in its 85-year history.
The countdown is on! In just three weeks, the floral industry will gather at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, for four unforgettable days of connection, education, flowers, friendship, and celebration.
As we celebrate 85 incredible years of CalFlowers, Fun ’N Sun 2026 is already shaping up to be one for the history books!
During An Evening of Glitz & Glamour, members and guests will be part of a special moment that celebrates our remarkable legacy while looking ahead to an exciting new chapter. If you're attending Fun ’N Sun, this is one evening you won't want to miss.
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Click to Meet Some of the
Fun 'N Sun Exhibitors
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With summer here, spring disturbances are cropping up. It’s an essential practice to check for any service delays or alerts before you ship- see here. Knowing to what to expect before you ship can limit unexpected delays and headaches.
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We continue to receive reports that claim adjustments are being made through FedEx's automated scanning systems. FedEx has confirmed that many of their facilities utilize advanced dimensioning equipment that measures package dimensions with greater accuracy than in the past. As a result, shipments may be billed based on dimensions that differ from those originally entered by the shipper.
In practical terms, this means your package may be recording larger dimensions in the FedEx system than expected. For example, a box measured by a shipper at 20" x 8" x 6" may be scanned by FedEx at 21" x 7" x 7". While these differences may appear minor, they can significantly impact the package's dimensional weight and, ultimately, the transportation charges reflected on your invoice. This issue may help explain some of the billing adjustments members have experienced.
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.
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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.
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.
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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 a FedEx office is preferable to being in a truck for hours.
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.
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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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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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Find the latest news from FedEx here.
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We would 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, Dir of Transportation. To obtain your invoice details and payment options, please contact FedEx Customer Service.
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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.
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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 an updated 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 Updates:
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If you've been using our 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 and now Hawaii!
For 2026, we are pleased to announce the renewal of our Alaska Air Cargo agreement, featuring newly negotiated, highly competitive pricing that delivers exceptional value to our members. Rates have been reduced across the board, and the program now includes expanded service to Hawaii.
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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Member Spotlight
Outlook Flower & Bulb
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With more than 75 years of farming history in Outlook, Washington, Outlook Flower & Bulb is building on a strong agricultural legacy with a fresh vision for the floral industry. Formed in 2026, the company combines generations of growing expertise with a forward-thinking approach to partnership and product expansion.
As a large-scale grower, Outlook Flower & Bulb specializes in unique crops including allium, eremurus, and peonies. In addition to working with large wholesalers, the team also offers direct shipping to florists and event designers, providing flexibility across the supply chain.
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AI Employment & the Future of Floriculture with Pam Lopez
AI is changing the workplace. The question is: Are we ready for it?In the Bloom Show Takeover, Pamela Lopez Ponce, Talent Director at Pollen Talent Floral Recruiting, will explore one of the biggest shifts facing the floral industry today—the impact of artificial intelligence on employment, leadership, and workforce development.
Date & Time: July 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern
Tune In Here
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What does it take to turn humble beginnings into extraordinary success? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Lane DeVries, a Dutch-born flower farmer and accomplished author who began his journey on a small family farm in Holland and went on to build Sun Valley Floral Farms, which was once the largest cut-flower producer in the United States.
As a part of the American Floral Endowment's Young Professionals Council (YPC): Professional Development & Leadership Webinar Series, this motivational session is designed especially for young professionals interested in developing strong personal leadership skills.
Date & Time: July 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern
Register Here
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Retail
Ecuagenera USA Corp
Apopka, FL
Florida Retail Flowers, Inc.
Alpharetta, GA
Rosella Flora
Lexington, NE
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Wholesaler
Everflorals by Heirloom Home Decor
Jackson Township, NJ
Valley Springs
Miami, FL
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Grower
Dibble & Bloom Flower Farm
Humboldt, IA
Michigan Botanical Resources Inc.
Conklin, MI
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Agricultural
Matka
Arcata, CA
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Associate
Questudio
Vienna, VA
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