Wedding Show February 28, 2010

Sharon McGukin will be at Georgia State for a wedding show on February 28, 2010.  It will run from 1:30 until 4:30pm.  Sharon's new book will be available for purchase and for signing.  We hope this show will keep everyone ahead of the curve and ready for anything a bride might want!  Bouquets will be displayed for your brides' viewing pleasure after the demonstration is complete, so be sure to invite them!  It's always a delight and learning experience when Sharon is here so we hope to see you on February 28th!

For nearly 40 years, brides have turned to Sharon McGukin (Mac-Goo-kin) AIFD, AAF, PFCI, to make their wedding day more beautiful with flowers. Sharon’s southern charm, genuine smile, grace, and entertaining stories of previous weddings reassure brides. Her exquisite floral designs and attention to detail have created memorable weddings and reception, for her brides and their families.

Florists also turn to Sharon for her wedding know-how. She travels the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Europe teaching floral design and tracking trends as a member of two prestigious floral industry design teams: Teleflora’s Education Specialists and Smithers-Oasis Design Directors. She also regularly writes wedding design and floral trends articles for prominent floral industry publications.

Sharon serves on the executive board of directors for the American Institute of Floral Designers, was a recent trustee of Professional Floral Communicators International and is a member of the American Academy of Floriculture. Sharon and her husband, Tim, live in Carrollton, Ga.

To read the accompanying article paste this address into your browser:

http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2009/07/20/yrb_541473.shtml

SAF E-Brief Article

Ga. Wholesaler Takes On ‘Phantom Florists,’ Talks Up Customers in Article

When the local newspaper called Georgia State Floral Distributors Inc., to interview the owners for the weekly business spotlight, they did what they always do: thought of their customers.

While they made sure to highlight the wholesaler’s 55 years in business and their ability to satisfy “90 percent of all florist’s needs,” they turned the interview toward their customers and what readers should know about supporting local businesses.

They are three Collins brothers: Cecil "Len" Collins Jr. and Pat Collins are the owners and their brother, Darrell Collins, works alongside them as general manager. They took over the business, formerly named Georgia State Wholesale Florist, from their father, Cecil, 23 years ago.

Len used the opportunity to tell the paper about "phantom florists" — non-local toll free or online floral delivery services — and deceptive phone listings.

"You get your money's worth when you call a florist,” Len told the paper. If we can get customers to realize that if they talk to a brick and mortar shop, they're going to be happier, get a better deal and get fresher flowers. And you'll get the order right because you're talking to the designer."

Talking up the value of retail florists, Pat told E-brief editors, is just common sense. “Small businesses have to be in this together, building relationships with other local vendors, and local customers is what we do every day we’re here,” he said.

Try this:

* Use your 15 minutes of fame to educate readers about issues important to the industry and your bottom line. Talk about deceptive phone listings and the importance of supporting local businesses. Emphasize that the biggest impact is on the consumer, who is misled into thinking they are ordering flowers from a local shop. Provide tips for consumers when ordering flowers.
* Give a shout out to your suppliers when talking to reporters, especially if they’re doing helping you run a more sustainable business. If you’re a wholesaler or grower, talk up your customers. When their business is good, so is yours.
Amanda Long

Original Article Featured in Augusta Chronicle:

http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2009/07/20/yrb_541473.shtml

One More Reason to Buy from GSFD

I just saw that a British company will be selling the exact same hanging candle holders that we posted pictures of several weeks back. Except that they won't have theirs in until late July and 6 will cost you upwards of $35 (22lbs)! Good thing Georgia State is right up the street and they have plenty to hang up at your next event or wedding! And we have a much better price ($3.25ea/$19.50 for 6) that comes without shipping and handling... how can you beat that?! There are 3 different shapes/sizes in stock too! So just remember before you buy online, check with us!

New Arrivals!

Nowadays everyone wants to stand out. So why not make your floral work stand out from the rest by using exotic and new flowers?! These new flowers and pods are a perfect addition to everyday arrangements or for those brides who want to do a little something different when it comes to their flowers. We hope that you will stop by not only to see these new flowers but to take some time and peruse the store!

How To Purchase From GSFD

For all of you who are wondering how you can get your hands on the product you've seen on the blog here's how: the easiest way is to email us at info@georgiastatefloral.com to get a suggestion of a retailer that is in your area who buys from GSFD. If you have a business license then you too can email info@georgiastatefloral.com to find out the particulars of buying at GSFD! We hope to hear from you!

P.S. See our "About Me" section to see where we deliver!

New Containers

The first containers pictured are available in various sizes and shapes. There are very subtle variations in the colors that may not be obvious in the pictures so that's one more reason to come in to Georgia State to look at all the new goodies we have! The aluminum containers are beautiful and easy to care for, much more so than silver! The details are magnificent and must be seen in person to be fully appreciated however the pictures do a good job of capturing their essence. Though the candelabra and candle holder are iron they are quite light weight in regards to iron work, and their chocolate brown color will go with many different design motifs. We are still awaiting the arrival of the rest of the glass votive hangers however the ones we have are flying off the shelves so come get yours before everyone else! We hope y'all have a great weekend and are staying cool... and the best way to stay cool is to come in to Georgia State Floral Distributors to take a walk through our HUGE flower cooler! Hope to see y'all in here soon!

The 3/50 Project

I'm sorry that you can't read all of what this has to say, but please look at the website and spread the word!

New Arrivals 5-27-2009

All kinds of new and exciting things are arriving daily at Georgia State! Stop in and see how Georgia State can fulfill all your floral needs!