IFA board member available at Atlanta Gift Market

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Tom Carlson

New Member
Aug 26, 2004
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Janesville
www.fairviewflorist.com
State / Prov
WI
An opportunity presents itself for me to be in Atlanta for the Gift Show late afternoon Sunday, January 16 and Monday January 17. I am offering to meet with any independent florist who has questions about IFA and the benefits it offers to the U.S. independent florist.

I am trying to make arrangements for a common meeting place and when that is known, I will post that information. I will have a land phone number and my cell phone during the time I am at the Atlanta Gift show.

Anyone interested in a one on one opportunity to discuss IFA objectives and member benefits should contact me by the 12th so we can establish a time and place convenient for each one.

Before January 13, contact me at 608-755-7700, Fairview Florist, Janesville, WI., ask for Tom Carlson. My fax is 608-755-7700.

I will be in Charlotte, NC January 13 through 15th and might be able to have an evening meeting at my hotel there. Then I am in Atlanta mid-afternoon the 16th, staying at the Fairfield Inn near Hartsfield. Sunday late afternoon, evening and Monday AM will be open to florists who have interest and questions about IFA. I will be taking care of my show buying on Monday afternoon the 17th.

I will also be available at the Chicago Gift Show, possibly on Sunday the 23rd and probably Tuesday, the 25th. If that interests florists attending that show, please let me know and I will let you know and also post details as they develop.

The independent retail florist is facing major challenges not unlike other retail categories. The changes are coming fast and we don’t need anymore time to identify problems and register complaints. Now is the time to work out common solutions. A voice is needed and it can be the Independent Florist Association. A place to share ideas is needed and it can be the IFA. A place to exchange orders is available through IFA. Other benefits needed by independent florists are available through IFA. The stage for taking our business back can be the IFA. Strength is in numbers and leadership. IFA is totally independent and completely run by retail florists. All members are the owners of IFA.

Strong, forward looking, industry knowledgeable and technology savvy florists are need as members and additional directors of IFA. The sidelines is not where the solutions are going to come from. Florists have to come onto the playing field and face the challenges presented by industry giants. As members of IFA we have the ability to control the future of the independent florist. Now is the time to act.

Please consider coming to meet and talk about IFA. If I hear from sufficient numbers, I will try to make arrangements for whatever size group wants to assemble. Please let me hear from you as soon as possible.

Tom Carlson, IFA Director
 
IFA and Chicago Mart January 19-25 2005

Tom I will be at the Chicago Mart on January 22nd and 23rd. I'm thinking about proudly wearing a shirt that says IFA 2005!.

We went with the 0-100 program and have already used the 'alliance' to start the movement.

This is right in front of florists who want to make a stance and get back in the drivers seat. IFA has the foundation to make things work and for all to quit the dancing around the issues.
 
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