SAF Wednesday E-Brief - 01/23/2008  (Plain Text Version)

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In this issue:
Headlines
•  Danbury Mint Sings Same Negative Tune
•  SAF Member Testifies About Health Care at Hearing
•  Small Business Call for Tax Cuts
•  Industry 'Students' Travel to Mexico
Newsmakers
•  Philadelphia Paper Promotes Flowers in the Morning
•  She's a Winner; California Florist Wins 'Amazing Race'
Believe It or Not
•  How to Snag a Guy in 10 Minutes: Be a Florist
Valentine's Day Notebook
•  Back to School Marketing
•  Bring on the Reporters
•  Talking Points for Valentine's Day
Trends and Tips
•  By the Numbers: Wedding Magazines Grow,
Green Pubs Shrink
Mark Your Calendar
•  'A Day in the Life'
for Congressional Action Days Attendees
•  Coming Up ...
Regular Features
•  Product Spotlight: Retail Pricing Worksheet
•  Voting Plans for Upcoming Presidential Election
•  Florists Cite Timing for Valentine's Day Success

Danbury Mint Sings Same Negative Tune

Jewelry and collectibles company Danbury Mint once again has packed its Valentine's Day catalog from the outside envelope to the inside pages with harmful floral statements, such as: "A dozen roses can't compare to ...  A DOZEN RUBIES" and "Flowers? Jewelry? Women love them both but flowers are quickly gone — while a fine piece of jewelry can last forever. So give the lasting gift of a fine piece of jewelry. It can cost little (if any) more than flowers!"

SAF contacted the company's president, Peter Maglathlin, and program director Alex Blank, and requested it promote its products on their own merits. SAF provided an opportunity for the company to respond to the floral industry's concerns, and at press time, Danbury Mint has not responded.

Danbury Mint did not respond to SAF letters and calls in 2007, 2006 or 2005. "Although the Danbury Mint continues to make negative floral references in its advertising, it's important to let the company know that the floral industry is paying close attention and is not giving up," says Jenny Stromann, SAF director of consumer marketing. "One day, we'll get through to the Danbury Mint."

SAF is the voice of the industry and responds to instances of harmful floral publicity. Alert SAF to negative floral references by faxing (703) 836-8705, e-mailing jstromann@safnow.org or calling (800) 336-4743. 

--Vanessa Machir
vmachir@safnow.org