Georgia State Floral - Your One Stop Supplier

Just Arrived for Prom Season 2011

2011-02-15T14:23:00.006-05:00

Wedding Seminar 2011

2011-01-27T09:26:00.005-05:00

BOGO Select Smithers-Oasis Mache Shapes

2010-12-16T14:47:00.003-05:00

Just In! New From Smithers Oasis

2010-12-16T13:14:00.004-05:00

October 11, 2010 - Just In Time Inventory

2010-10-11T08:13:00.000-04:00

9-27-2010 Just In Fresh Products

2010-09-27T10:32:00.001-04:00

Important reminder..Christmas Greens discount ends Thursday, Sept.30th

9-26-2010 Design Show UPDATE

2010-09-08T11:52:00.001-04:00

Important Notice:

Show times have been expanded to suit customer demand.

Joyce Mason-Monheim will be conducting a WEDDING & EVENT DESIGN CLINIC after the Christmas seminar concludes. Please mark your calendar and plan for a full day of entertainment and learning.

September 26, 2010 Christmas Design Show

2010-07-19T10:37:00.002-04:00

JOYCE MASON-MONHEIM AIFD, CFD, PFCI, AzMF

September 26, 2010, Georgia State Floral will be hosting our annual Christmas Design seminar featuring Joyce Mason-Monheim of Phoenix, Arizona. Tickets can be purchased by phone, e-mail, or when shopping in our showroom. Make reservations now to see one of our industry's design superstars.

Joyce Mason-Monheim's Bio:

The love of flowers and the enjoyment of teaching have greatly enriched Joyce’s floral career of over 30 years. Achieving a floriculture degree in 1976 has been just the start of her designing experience. Joyce has spent the greater part of her career experiencing floral retail shop operation and is currently a free-lance designer and educator.

Joyce has served as President and leading positions of many local, state, regional and national organizations. She has been published in many media outlets focusing on trade editorials and design photography. She has participated in special events including the Rose Parade, Presidential Inaugurations and Design Chairman for the Society of American Florist Annual Convention. Joyce has presented twice at the American Institute of Floral Designers National Symposiums. Joyce’s educational classes have been enjoyed in almost all 50 states.

Currently Joyce is a Teleflora Educational Specialist, a member of the Professional Floral Communicators International, a Certified Floral Designer, is an Arizona Master Florist, and has been placed in the Arizona State Florists Hall of Fame. As a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers she holds the positions of 1st Vice-Chairman for Membership and is the Education Chairman, helping develop the new AIFD on-line class series. Floral Management Magazine has named her one of the top ten “Rock Star” presenters in the country. All of this accumulative experience has developed her in to a prestigious floral industry leading designer and educator.

Tickets: $20.00

Phantom Florist Bill Signed By Governor Perdue

2010-05-28T16:30:00.001-04:00

http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/sum/sb368.htm

Quality Control Hints

2010-04-22T08:54:00.001-04:00

Prom Season 2010

2010-03-10T09:33:00.007-05:00

Prom Season is upon us and before long young ladies and gentlemen will be filling up local flower shops looking for the latest in prom floral fashions! At our wedding show 2 weeks ago Sharon McGukin made the comment that prom business is the best way to get wedding business because those girls will remember the florist who made their gorgeous corsage. And she is absolutely right! So here are some ideas to get those high schoolers into your shop and buying their prom flowers from you!

Advertise with other "prom businesses" such as local tuxedo shops (Simon's Formal Wear etc.), limo rental companies, dress shops (Elegant Bridals, Victoria's etc.), nail salons, hair salons... Trade business cards with these places and then you have instant advertising! Even better if you're close by or in the same shopping center!
After Hours Tuxedo rentals has young men hand out coupons with their names on them and if 10 people come in and use those coupons that man gets his tuxedo free or with a percentage off... Try this with your business and see what happens!
Ask a local high school if you can set up a table during the lunch period to show off what you can offer in terms of flowers and embellishments. Then allow the students to pick out, order, and pay for their corsages/boutonnieres then and there!
If the high schools won't allow you to set up a table, approach one of the larger school organizations and propose a fundraising opportunity where they can get a percentage of every sale they bring in to your store.
Have a "Prom Party" at your store where girls can come in with their mothers and friends and see samples of what's new and what you can offer to help them stand out!
Advertise on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. Post pictures of work you've done so they can see what they may want before coming in!
If they order a corsage, offer a discount on the boutonniere. Or if they mention seeing your ad, perhaps they get the boutonniere for free with the corsage.

There are many ways to get business this prom season, you just have to network and think outside the box! Hopefully some of these suggestions will help and please feel free to offer your own ideas!

We hope to see you all soon!

2-28-2010 Wedding Show

2010-03-01T16:06:00.000-05:00

We had a tremendous turnout Sunday. Thanks for attending!

Wedding Show February 28, 2010

2009-12-30T16:04:00.001-05:00

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.

2009-08-06T10:12:00.002-04:00

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

2009-08-06T09:58:00.005-04:00

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

2009-07-06T07:38:00.006-04:00

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!

2009-07-06T07:17:00.002-04:00

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

2009-06-19T10:59:00.002-04:00

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

2009-06-19T09:08:00.004-04:00

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

2009-05-29T07:38:00.002-04:00

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

2009-05-27T10:03:00.002-04:00

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!

Need to Decorate? Our design staff is waiting to help.

2008-11-07T10:55:00.013-05:00

When considering interiorscape, Georgia Sate Floral is your "One Stop" resource for all your decorating needs. Our selection of interior products is perfect for any commercial or residential project. We feature a design team that has fifty years of design experience and is versed on the latest design mechanics, color trends, and fabric applications. Call now to schedule design assistance.

Your ONE STOP Floral Distributor

2008-10-31T12:39:00.000-04:00