Flowers & Design Competition

[CHR]

I hope everyone takes advantage of opportunities to let themselves and their designers shine.

Aren't nearly as many design competitions as there were 15 years ago, but the opportunities are still out there. They give designers a chance to stretch, think and strut their stuff.

We encourage our designers to participate in the annual competition from Flowers &. This year's theme was 'Gorgeous!' - the retail selling price of entries had to be $75 or less.

I'm busting my buttons to say that two of the ten finalists this year come from Avante Gardens. The ladies got the calls earlier today and everyone is still jumping up and down.

Can't publish their entry photos, but will after the voting is over in July.

Yay!

 

[Tracy D'Amico]

I always mean to enter these things, then get caught up in other stuff and the deadline goes by. I really want to make it a priority - I like the sound of "award winning designers on staff".

Congrats Cathy, on having such encouragement set up for your designers, and having the talented designers to get into the finals!

tracy

 

[carol]

New one to me

Last week I received a letter stating that I was entered in a local design competition between all the local florists as a fund raiser for old greyhound dogs..
Seems this local woman wanted to make money for her favorite charity so she went through the yellow pages and set up this competition listing every florist listed locally,,,even that guy from NJ listing under the local town name. Then she sent out these leters and set up all the posters etc.
Even had tables designated for each florist.
She never bothered to ask.. just assumed we would all be delighted and afraid not to join in or something.
I am totally amazed at what people will do to small businesses and what they think is acceptable to ask (in this case demand)

 

[CHR]

Carol, that's a difficult situation. Did you speak with her about how inappropriate it was to list your company without prior approval?

In any case, I'd be half tempted to send an entry for the New Jersey florist. :>

We've participated in a few local competitions over the years and have had good results. Several years ago the local Nordstrom had an invitational competition and asked shoppers to judge the entries. Each design had to be made in one of their Lalique containers. We received the most votes, got bragging rights and I have a gorgeous Lalique vase to show for it.

We weigh participation based on the exposure and whether or not the sponsors are a group we'd support or would want to be associated with.

 

[carol]

I like the idea of sending an entry from that NJ guy... but since I just started to list a phone number in the white pages under the same name he uses.."keene Flowers"... it might backfire.. this new listing will be in print in the August Book but I am already getting calls from Information giving it out.. guess it is a toss up as to which "keene flowers" the operator gives out.
She sent their invitation to a fake address they list in the phone book so I am sure 'it got lost in the mail'

I am really shocked when people think I need to donate to their choice of charities.. under their name.. Some of the big businesses have their hands out for donations to an office party to raise funds for United Way.. they have their employees bid on,pay for these donated gifts..then lump all that money into the company's United Way contribution... so my donation is really re-named as their donation.. and of course United Way comes to my store for my donation also. What a racket.. and have you ever noticed how hard it is to get a donation for your project out of these same big companies?? no one there ever knows who to refer you to..so they get to skate away home free