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Taskforce CD on mission at Hortifair.

Seeing the fact that the General Assembly gave green light to the Taskforce Commercial Development to work out most of their plans, the taskforce planned a follow-up meeting in Amsterdam from the 14th till the 16th of October. Thus making it possible to also pay a visit to the international Hortifair and have meetings there with various possible partners. A very fruitful mission, it turned out.

Read more ... Taskforce CD at Hortifair

New corporate image to be introduced soon. One of the most important decisions of the General Assembly of FEUPF, that took place in Brussels on the 31th of August, was to change the corporate image / logo of the federation. The new name chosen is: International Florist Organisation. Straightforwardly and simply communicating the essence of what we are: our target group: florists, the operational level: international (European), the legal form: (non-profit) organization.

Read more ... Intro corporate image

Florint launched a dedicated florist group on LinkedIn.

Recently the International Florist Organisation (formerly FEUPF)  launched a dedicated Group on LinkedIn for professionals working in or for the floristry business.   LinkedIn is an online network of more than 30 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries. The facilities to communicate and connect, to share and do networking are easy to use and expanded constantly. Use of LinkedIn is free of charge. It is at the moment the best option for a virtual florists network on the web.

Read more ... Group on LinkedIn

Lack of progress in Advisory Group Flowers & Plants.

On Friday the 10th of October a meeting took place of the Advisory Group on Flowers and Ornamental Plants of DG Agri. A group in which the functionaries of this General Directorate consult the representatives of the industry about actual developments and where relevant dossiers are discussed. This meeting did not underline the ambition of the Commission to really shift the focus towards retail- and consumer related issues.

Read more ... AG October 2008

Sales of FFP Products start in Denmark.

Sales of FFP products meanwhile take place in 6 European countries, mostly as a result of several active participants in the chain.  Recently also the consumer in Denmark was given the opportunity get to know FFP flowers and plants. Supplier Jens Holst A/S initiated this introduction and realised that in 30 shops flowers and plants with the FFP label are available.

Read more ... FFP in Denmark

Final Awarding EuroSkills 2008 Floristry Team Competition.

After four days of hard work the participants, their family, fans and all others involved got to know the results of the more than 50 skills competitions with over 400 competitors at the Awarding Ceremony of EuroSkills 2008 in Rotterdam. A crowd of some 1000 spectators watched the show, presented by the actors of Boom Chicago, during which the results were made known. Seeing the total number of competitions the whole show took quite some time, but the competitors in the floristry competition didn’t need to be in suspense that long: this competition was the very first that was announced.

Read more ... Final Awarding EuroSkills 2008 Floristry Team Competition

Much enthusiasm about ESkills congress on floristry VET.

One of the side events during EuroSkills 2008 in Rotterdam was a congress, organized by FEUPF together with Flornet, about vocational education and training in floristry. The two half days program attracted quite some interested people from the side of the schools and educational institutes, but unfortunately less from the side of the industry. This however was not caused by lack of interest but mainly by the overkill of events that happen in September. Nevertheless a motivated group of attendances listened attentively to the various lectures and vividly discussed during the group- and plenary discussions.

Read more ... Congress on Floristry VET

First edition of EuroSkills youth competition great success.

EuroSkills 2008, the first ever Europe-wide skills competition, organized in Rotterdam, the Netherlands  has been a great success. The 420 candidates from the 29 participating European countries finished their three days of competitions on Saturday 20th September.The EuroSkills competitions were conducted in six different domains which all had their share of winners. At the closing ceremony directly after the competitions, commissioner Jan Figel, member of the European Commission, and Marja van Bijsterveldt, Dutch State Secretary, handed over the gold, silver and bronze medals to the competitors who had won the title ‘best craftsman/craftswomen’ in his or her vocation. For many competitors it has been an unforgettable experience, which can be used to boost their careers.

Read more ... First edition of EuroSkills youth competition great success.

Eurofleurs 2008: young florists create on very high level.

Visitors at Eurofleurs 2008 in Brussels almost couldn’t believe their eyes: the young contestants at this junior championship made floral work of an outstanding level. Especially amongst the theme works and the bridal bouquet, that could partially be prepared at home, there were very special creations. Also striking was that the young talents from Eastern Europe manifested themselves strongly and reached high rankings. It must be said that the Eurofleurs has developed in 10 years time into a contest that almost equals the level of the Europa Cup.

Read more ... Eurofleurs

New commercial course dominates discussions in Assembly.

There were very many points on the agenda of the 2008 Assembly of FEUPF in Brussels. All regular reports, the finances, the European politics, various educational matters, the many issues regarding competitions. They were however outnumbered by the very many ideas and proposals put on the agenda by the DC on request of the new taskforce commercial development. Which not only clearly showed that this taskforce has been working hard during the last year but that its members also have an innovative and creative mind. New ideas, new possibilities, a more commercial course with the perspective of benefits for florists, florist associations, the federation as well as the commercial partners.

Read more ... New commercial course dominates discussions in Assembly.

Robert Steinmann and Toine Zwitserlood both re-elected.

In every General Assembly the elections of the members of the board always are of major importance, since the quality of the board is decisive for the achievements of organisations. In the FEUPF Assembly this year in Brussels that certainly was the case since a vacancy for both the presidency as well as the secretary general were at stake. Both the actual managers, Robert Steinmann as president and Toine Zwitserlood as secretary general, aspired to continue their mandate for another term. 

Read more ... Robert Steinmann and Toine Zwitserlood both re-elected.