Upcoming programs and potential new volunteer leaders topped the agenda for SAF's councils and committees, which met Tuesday and Wednesday before the start of SAF Palm Springs 2007 to discuss upcoming projects.
The Consumer Marketing Committee laid out SAF's 2008 Consumer Marketing Plan, featuring the Power of Giving PR program. The program will publicize AFE-funded research findings which show that people who give flowers make a more favorable impression on others and are perceived to be more likable, friendly and emotionally intelligent. The Committee also discussed continued outreach to funeral trade publications and the 2008 SAF Local Marketing Kit.
The Government Relations Committee discussed the implications of the new "no-match" rule as well as AgJOBS' chance of passage this year. In addition, the committee talked about the importance of constituents communicating with their legislators. Immigration legislation was also a much-discussed subject for the Growers Council.
Social networking sites were the main topic of discussion at the Technology Committee meeting. Members talked about how they could use sites like facebook.com to market to younger generations, and how SAF could integrate this technology into its own Web site in the future. In addition, they discussed the use of cell phone texting in marketing campaigns.
The Business and Economic Trends Committee also discussed how to use current technology to give industry members more access to statistics and information, as well as general industry trends.
Delivering timely, topical and practical articles dominated the discussion of the Floral Management Advisory Committee, which reviewed and provided dozens of new editorial ideals for the 2008 editorial calendar. Technology, marketing, smart and botton-line friendly design ideas and best practices are among the broad categories that Floral Management will cover next year.
The PFCI Committee began the development of ideas for next year's design competition and product showcase to be held at the 2008 SAF Convention, as well as an educational program at the 2008 AIFD Symposium.
The Member Service Committee explored ideas for several new member benefit programs. The newest addition to the SAF line of credit cards: the no-fee American Express card from Bank of America featuring a full-color image of flowers.
