Two states have recently won victories in the battle against deceptive phone book listings:

In North Carolina, the Deceptive Advertising of Business bill (S. 514), was signed into law by Gov. Mike Easley on Aug. 31.

The bill prohibits "businesses that supply perishable products from misrepresenting the geographical locations of their businesses in telephone directories, directory assistance databases, on the Internet, and in print advertisements."

"It's a good thing -- at least all the work finally got something accomplished," says Billy Hardin, AAF, of Hardin's Wholesale in Liberty, N.C., who moderated a panel discussion in November on the subject of deceptive listings. He warns, however, that this legislation "will help, but won't save [florists'] business alone -- they still need to market their product ... and see how they can serve their customers better."

In California, A.B. 128, which bans floral or ornamental products or service companies from misrepresenting their geographic location, passed the state Senate and will be sent to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for signing.

"I am so excited," says Ann Quinn, executive vice president of the California State Floral Association, who encourages industry members in other states to "do whatever it takes to go through the process, because it is worth it. Our florists are worth it." She adds "congratulations to North Carolina on being the 23rd state [to pass deceptive listings legislation]. I am optimistic we will be the 24th."

--Vanessa Machir
vmachir@safnow.org

 

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