SEATTLE, WA – Slowflowers.com, the comprehensive online resource that connects consumers with local, seasonal and sustainable flowers, today announced details about the second annual “American Flowers Week.”
In 2015, Slowflowers.com creator Debra Prinzing organized the week-long celebration of domestic flowers to raise consumer awareness and unite America’s flower farmers with the U.S. floral industry. In one month that effort generated more than 400,000 social media impressions on Twitter and Instagram, demonstrating the power of images, ideas and values that promote American Grown Flowers.
“Consumers are more conscious than ever about the origins of the goods they purchase, especially when it comes to food — and flowers," Prinzing said. "It's important to raise awareness for and celebrate American grown flowers, as well as flower farmers who grow a diverse selection of botanicals for the cut flower trade.
At the same time, we salute floral designers whose ethos and intent inspires them to source domestically."
Prinzing announced the 2016 campaign launch to more than 700 Slowflowers.com members, unveiling new graphics and a "50 States of American Flowers" contest. The contest encourages farmers and florists to post photographs of their red-white-and-blue bouquets along with the #americangrownflowers tag on social media platforms. Entrants will be included in a drawing for a number of prizes and the images will be shared in an online gallery available to media.
Sponsorship support from four green industry partners greatly enhances the impact of the campaign, Prinzing said. Those sponsors include Certified American Grown Flowers, Mayesh Wholesale, Syndicate Sales and Longfield Gardens.
“Certified American Grown Flowers could not be more excited to be supporting a week focused on America’s flower farmers and their flowers," said Kasey Cronquist, administrator of Certified American Grown and CEO/Ambassador of the California Cut Flower Commission. "Origin matters, and we believe a week like this helps drive public awareness about hard-working American flower farmers they can support all year long. Buying American Grown Flowers makes a difference."
Support from Mayesh Wholesale Florist, a Los Angeles-based floral suppliers, signals a positive shift in the floral industry, Prinzing noted. According to Patrick Dahlson, Mayesh CEO, "As a flower distributor, we have a great history with our U.S. flower growers. Mayesh is excited to promote American Flowers Week to highlight our American grown flowers and continue our support of the growing community."
The goal of American Flowers Week is to engage the public, policymakers and the media in a conversation about the origins of their flowers. As an advocacy effort, the campaign is timed to coincide with America’s Independence Day on July 4th, providing florists, retailers, wholesalers and flower farmers a patriotic opportunity to promote American grown flowers.
American Flowers Week supporters can find more information and resources at americanflowersweek.com. Downloadable fact sheets, infographics and the 2016 American Flowers Week logo and social media badges are available for growers and florists to use for marketing and promotion efforts.
The “50 States of American Grown Flowers” contest will highlight local flowers from across the country, Prinzing said. "Slowflowers.com member farms and florists are invited to submit their designs to a gallery to be shared with media during American Flowers Week. Our goal is to showcase the botanical and seasonal beauty from flower farms and designers in all 50 states."
Participants are encouraged to use the social media tag #Americanflowersweek to help spread the word about this campaign across all platforms. To participate in the "50 States of American Grown Flowers" contest, entrants are invited to complete the online form here.
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About Debra Prinzing:
Debra Prinzing is a Seattle-based writer, speaker and leading advocate for American Grown Flowers. Through her many Slow Flowers-branded projects, she has convened a national conversation that stimulates consumers and professionals alike to make conscious choices about their floral purchases.
Debra is the producer of SlowFlowers.com, the online directory to American grown farms, florists, shops and studios who supply domestic and local flowers.
Each Wednesday, approximately 1,000 listeners tune into Debra's "Slow Flowers Podcast," available for free downloads at her web site, debraprinzing.com, or on iTunes and via other podcast services.
She is the author of 10 books, including Slow Flowers and The 50 Mile Bouquet.
Source: Slowflowers.com
