SAF Members Take To Congress And The White House During CAD

ALEXANDRIA, VA — More than 90 Society of American Florists members representing all industry segments, three countries, 25 states and the District of Columbia, traveled to Washington, D.C., in mid-March to meet with lawmakers and key congressional staff. While there, the group advocated powerfully for issues that are critical to the success of retail florists, wholesalers, growers and suppliers — and the overall health of the floral industry.

"I come to Congressional Action Days because I believe that we as good citizens need to make a difference," said Michael Pugh, AAF, of Pugh's Flowers in Memphis, Tennessee. "The only way our elected representatives know what we're thinking is if we come here and make our voices heard."

SAF's 38th Annual Congressional Action Days featured a direct address from a California congressman with personal ties to the floral industry, a spirited and bipartisan talk about high-profile issues from D.C. insiders, an address from a veteran network journalist and a nearly three-hour White House briefing created especially for SAF, featuring remarks from and Q&A sessions with seven top administration officials.

For many SAF members, the chance to be on the Hill with their industry peers, speaking to lawmakers, has become a highlight of their calendar.

"Over the years, I've found it very important to be here, and I would encourage everyone to come," said Karen Fountain, AAF, of Flowers 'n' Ferns in Burke, Virginia, who was on Capitol Hill participating in CAD for her 27th time.

Art VanWingerden of Metrolina Greenhouses Inc. said he knows firsthand how long it can take to change laws — and he also understands on a deeply personal level the potential pay-off. VanWingerden spent about five years fighting to improve outdated zoning laws that were adversely affecting his growing operation in Hendersonville, North Carolina. The effort was contentious, expensive and time-consuming — but he ultimately prevailed and helped write the new law.

"That's the kind of the thing that motivates me to come to Congressional Action Days —  the ability to progress," he said. "As an industry and as business owners, we can't wait for things to change. If we do that, we'll just be acted upon."

For other participants, this year's event represented a new opportunity to learn and engage.

Hannah Crittenden, who graduates with a degree in supply chain management this spring from Michigan State University, attended this year as one of 23 first-timers alongside her father, Rod Crittenden, head of the Michigan Floral Association.

"I've always been interested in politics, and especially now that I can vote," she explained. "I wanted to come to CAD because I want to be involved, and I've learned a lot here: Talking to lawmakers and staff isn't just something for the 'elites.' Anyone can pick up a call, or walk in an office, and comment on an issue. That's exciting."

Highlights from CAD 2018 include:

Expert Takes. Before heading to Capitol Hill, participants were briefed on the year's issues: key fixes to the country's immigration system and funding for the Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative (FNRI) and Floriculture Crops Report.

D.C.-based attorney and immigration expert Laura Foote Reiff acknowledged that immigration is a major issue — and one that isn't likely to be resolved soon. Still, she encouraged SAF members to share their stories. "Congress hasn't done what they need to do on immigration reform," she said. "Generally speaking, we have seen very business-friendly proposals from the Trump administration. But the domestic policy wing of the White House really runs immigration. That's why it's important to talk about the country's business, economic and national security needs, as they relate to immigration."

Terril Nell, Ph.D., AAF, research coordinator for the American Floral Endowment and former SAF president, presented an overview of the FNRI — and how that effort has benefited all segments of the industry, along with the general public, bringing some of the top academics and researchers to work on the industry's biggest challenges, including post-harvest technology and pest and disease management.

Dr. Marvin Miller, AAF, discussed the history of the Floriculture Crops Report and the importance of asking Congress to fund the effort once again. "Floriculture is the sixth largest farmgate value crop category in the U.S. — a lot of lawmakers don't realize that," he said. "This is the benchmark report for our industry. Researchers, producers and marketers need it to plan, and so it affects all of us."

Lobbyist trainer Stephanie Vance helped CAD participants prep and practice in advance of their congressional meetings. 

White House Briefing. Seven senior-level administration officials briefed SAF members in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in the White House complex during a session that lasted more than two hours. CAD participants heard directly from White House officials on issues of immigration, drug enforcement, health care, tax reform, trade and labor.

A Reporter Reflects. During the annual reception and dinner for SAF's Political Action Committee (SAFPAC), CBS News' Chief White House Correspondent Major Garrett detailed his experience covering the 2016 presidential election. 

A Congressman Connects. Just before heading to Capitol Hill, members heard from Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-California-20) who spoke from his heart — calling out personal relationships with SAF members in the audience — about the "heart and soul" and "strength and success" of the Central Coast of California and its agriculture community. In particular, Panetta reflected on a visit to Kitayama Brothers Inc., and how the company's history — and the family's determination to overcome adversity — had stayed with him. "That's what agriculture is about," he said. "People who are willing to take risks to succeed. Faced with difficult times, they continue to move forward. That is the American Dream."

Save the Date: SAF's 39th Annual Congressional Action Days is March 11-12, 2019.

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About SAF 

The Society of American Florists is the leading organization representing all segments of the floral industry. SAF is proud to provide marketing, business and government services to its members, including growers, wholesalers, retailers, suppliers, importers, educators, designers and allied organizations. The association was chartered by an act of Congress in 1884. To learn more about SAF or to join, visitsafnow.org.

Source: The Society of American Florists