Flower Shop Network’s Joe Hays and Leslie Cox attended the 2009 Arkansas State Florists Association Convention that took place August 14-16 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. True to the norm, they returned with a ton of fun stories and pictures about the things that were going on and the wonderful people they met at this year’s show.

I see this every time. The favorite thing for all of our Network Coordinators to do at these shows is to speak with florists about their shop, their designs and anything else about the industry that interests them. They love the chance to talk about how Flower Shop Network is helping/can help florists really stand out among the competition. Mostly though, FSN’s network coordinators are “people persons”. They love making people smile and meeting people that make them smile.  They always return with great stories about these people and how they turned a workday into a vacation.

One of the florists that stood out to both Joe and Leslie was Terry at The Arrangement in Hot Springs Arkansas. Terry created the beautiful flower arrangement displayed inside FSN’s booth during the convention. Joe and Leslie kept raving about how beautiful Terry’s arrangement was and how many compliments it received. So, a special thanks goes to Terry for a fantastic job! (To view the arrangement, see photos below.)

They also bragged about two of FSN’s florists who won awards during the design competition. Mick Koch of Clarksville Florist & Gifts Inc. in Clarksville Arkansas received first place in the Sympathy & Wedding division. Kay Schaefli at Expressions Flowers LLC in Fort Smith Arkansas won the coveted Designer Of The Year title and won the Arkansas Cup (1st Place). Both of these achievements are SO impressive! They take time, preparation, talent and support. We are very happy for all of the competitors this year, but a big pat on the back goes to Kay and Mike. Congratulations! (View pictures of Kay’s award-winning arrangements below.)

There were several other stories of great people and funny moments at this year’s ASFA Convention, but those stories would fill a novella. Instead of reading the rest of the stories, feel like you were there by viewing the pictures below. Don’t forget that you can also share your comments and stories below! [Read more…]