April 2003Vol. 44, No. 4

FTD Newsletter © 2003 FTD

*No purchase necessary to enter or win.

FTD Florists Have the Chance to WinAlmost $50,000 in Prizes Including aFREE 2003 Ford Delivery VanWith Every Order Sent FTD! See

Pages6 & 7

for Details!

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Dear FTD Members,

A s we look at the anxious times our countryfaces, please know that everyone at FTD is

here to support our members and thechallenges we are all facing. Our thoughts andprayers are with all whom are affected by the

current events and the loved ones who are overseas protecting ourcountry.

Today, it is clear that competition is increasing and that industrychallenges are complex. FTD and its members, as industryleaders, are faced with a multifaceted job to help move the entireteam into breakthrough performance that pushes the boundariesof conventional productivity.

This is where FTD takes a stand. We find success through thecombined commitments and results from members who mustchoose, each day, to take success personally and to deliver ontheir promises. In this challenging time, FTD is forging new pathsin order to help members' bottom line. With a great brand andthe strength of a great team, we can offer additional value to yourmembership through new business, cost savings and efficienciesthat are yet to be seen in the industry.

We are not just a wire service, we are a business partner. Inaddition to the traditional order-clearing role FTD plays in yourpartnership, we are looking at your business from many otherangles in order to add value to your FTD membership and createa stronger partnership for success. I urge you to look at theprograms and services we are introducing that not only help onthe order side of your business, but that focus on lowering yourcost of doing business. Programs such as Florists Online, WebGift, Flowers All Hours and Marketplace's NEW "JAWS - Just AddWater & Sell" are all great examples of tools that help you lowercosts and stay competitive through changing market dynamics.

The FTD 2003 Convention and Trade Fair taking place July 18-20, 2003 will offer an energized environment for you to learnabout new programs FTD is offering and ways to strengthen andgrow your partnership with us. Be sure to attend this event to takeadvantage of valuable education and networking opportunities aswell. Visit www.FTDi.COM for more information.

FTD will continue to look at new opportunities to partner withmembers and provide solutions that lower their cost of doingbusiness through FTD. If you have any suggestions or businessareas that you would like us to explore such opportunities, pleasecontact me at bnorton@ftdi.com. I look forward to hearing fromyou. ■

Thank you for your partnership,

Visit www.FTDi.COM to viewthe Industry Events and Education

Calendar and much more!

May 20, 2003Allied Florists of Houston Meeting

Braeburn Country Club • Houston, TXFeatured FTD Design Program:

“Inspiring Sympathy Sales” presented byFTD Design Instructor Tina Stoecker AIFD

For registration information, contact the Allied Floristsof Houston at 713-864-7192.Look for FTD Team Members

Joe Arbona & John Hurdt.

•May 29, 2003

Flowers Canada – Toronto ChapterLatvian Cultural Center • Toronto, Ontario

FTD sponsored Wedding Gala design program byAndreas Verheijen of Holland

For registration information, contact Brenda Jonesat 905-471-2501.

Look for FTD Team Member Tim Casson.

•July 18-20, 2003

FTD 2003 Convention and Trade Fair Gaylord Palms Resort • Kissimmee, FL

For registration information, visitwww.FTDi.COM or call 800-788-9000 ext. 6240.

MESSAGE FROM BOB~Chairman, FTD, Inc.~

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!FTD welcomes comments and suggestions fromFTD Florists for the Newsletter. Contact the FTDPublic Relations Department by writing to FTD,Attn.: PR Dept., 3113 Woodcreek Drive,Downers Grove, IL 60515, or send an email tonewsletter@ftdi.com. Please include your FTDMember Number. ■

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FTDshares warm wishesand congratulations

to the Aykens Family, owners ofMemorial Florists andGreenhouses. Tom Aykens andwife Nancy, son Bob, daughterMary and team havesuccessfully defeated lastsummer’s tragic fire, whichdevastated nearly their entire pri-mary location in Appleton,Wisc.

Recently, on a snowy Saturdayin March, the Aykens and staff welcomed hundreds of localcustomers and supporters into their shop to share in theirGrand Opening day. The new location is home to more than4,500 square feet of retail space, three new greenhouses,an extensive call center, design space and much more.

“We are blessed with the support of our community,the strength of our company team and family, includ-ing our partnership with FTD who are rooting us onthe whole way. These are the people who made ourreinvestment in the floral industry and entire FoxValley area an easy transition.”

– Tom Aykens

Supporters traveled toarrive early to seeAppleton Mayor TimHanna join the Aykensfamily for the officialribbon cutting ceremony,showing support onbehalf of the entirecommunity.

“We are excited to be back on our feet. Our OpenHouse event was a huge success driving in more than1,500 customers who all came out to say hello, goodluck and show support for our business.”

– Bob Aykens

After the ribbon was cut, FTDNational Sales Manager DougParks took a few moments tothank the Aykens on theirdedication to the floral industry.Parks recognized the familyand staff for the impactfulinvestment they recently madein the industry by completelyrebuilding their business andretail flower shop. After alsorecognizing the family for theirlongstanding 70-year partner-ship with the FTD brand, Parks

congratulated the family on their business success as one ofFTD’s top florists and presented Tom Aykens with an officialFTD leather jacket.

The Aykens family started the business in 1923, partneringwith FTD shortly after that in 1933. Now supported by thefourth generation, the business has two locations in Appleton,and 55 full time employees. All who are still gainfullyemployed even after this summer’s tragedy, Tom Aykensproudly shares with those who ask. ■

Congratulations!

FTD Member Memorial Florists and GreenhousesReinvest in the Floral Industry

Members Receive Priceless Support from Community and Industry

Bob Aykens, Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna,Tom Aykens, Nancy Aykens and MaryJurgella cut the official Grand Opening ribbonopening their newly rebuilt flower shop andgreenhouses to the community.

FTD National Sales ManagerDoug Parks congratulates TomAykens on his dedication to thefloral industry and partnershipwith FTD.

Visit www.FTDi.COM to view the FTD U.S. and Canadian Mother’s Day AdvertisingCampaign and media schedules. Download your FREE Mother’s Day print ad online at

www.FTDi.COM or place an order for your FREE TV commercial to tag and run in your localmarket. These ads are designed to drive traffic into members’ shops with requests for FTDbranded product. ■

Order Your FREE FTD Advertising Today!

4

Prom 2003 Trends and Tipsby FTD Education Instructor Deborah De La Flor AIFD

Spring is quickly approaching bringing florists many key holidays such as Administrative Professionals’ Week, Easter andMother’s Day, in addition to the ever-profitable Prom season. This year’s Prom season is a great time for fellow florists to add

exciting new trends to the popular, traditional choices. FTD Education Instructor Deborah De La Flor AIFD shares this year’s excit-ing tips and trends with Floral and Nursery Times.

Tips for Prom Season:

✿ Display Your WorkPin creative boutonnieres and corsages made of permanentbotanicals or flowers that dry nicely, to black felt mounted ina picture frame in your shop. Use the FTD Selections Guideas an easy marketing tool. Display price with each design.

✿ Be Aware of Latest Trends Share latest trends with your customers! If the hot color thisyear is “Hot Pink” – be sure to have it on hand for show (inflowers, ribbons, beads, etc.) and know plenty of ways toutilize it.

✿ New Styles Are A Hit Everyone wants to be first to have the latest styles, and flowersare no exception. Be sure to use the trends in your sales pitch– “These new looks were featured in popular magazines!”

Several Newest Trends in Prom Florals: Floral bracelets • Wrist Corsages • Bicep bands • TussieMussies (Nosegays, Clutch Bouquets) • New-age bouton-nieres

Floral Bracelets Floral bracelets are exactly whatthey sound like – a bracelet madeof flowers! They are beautiful,simple to make and can be madewell in advance. Make a minihalo using million star gypsophila,cut million star into small clustersusing floral taped wire, tape tolength of wire and leave a loop atone end. Spray with floralconditioner and seal in plastic (cor-

sage bags work great!). To finish, glue on buds of desiredflowers, and add ribbon if desired. Put end of wire throughloop and twist.

Bicep bands Bicep bands make quite a trendy fashion statement. This newtrend is easy to make using a circle of wired ribbon called“Tubette” twisted into a figure eight shape. Tie a bow of

beautiful sheer ribbon to the center, glue on clusters of millionstar gypsophila, a few spray roses or heads of desired flowersaround the bow. Attach to the bicep, pull one loop throughthe other to size and bend back.

Tussie Mussies (Nosegays,Clutch Bouquets)Name that bouquet!Popular bouquet styles forthis year’s prom season canbe called “Tussie Mussies”,with a metal decorativeholder, “Nosegays” or“Clutch Bouquets”, whichcan be hand-tied with orwithout stems showing.These elegant bouquets aredefinitely a great floralaccessory to prom goers.For florists, they are easy tomake as well! Try a morenatural look with the stemshand tied with a ribbon,giving a new spin to theold classic. Use texturedribbons and beads forsassy updates.

New-age boutonnieres Boutonnieres are a Prom stapleand each year’s trends areprimarily based on popularcolors for dresses and styles.This year, try sleek and stylishnew trends for boutonnieressuch as adding berries, greensor grasses for a more natural

look or beads, textured ribbons and crystals to spice up thetradition. Be sure to have examples of these new ideas onhand for your customers to easily visualize the end product.Use your imagination!

*All photos are from the FTD Selections Guide or FlorsagesTM, byDeborah De La Flor AIFD.

For information on FTD Education Programs, visit www.FTDi.COM or email education@ftdi.com.

5

FTD Cash FloTM Answers Members’Top Credit Card Questions

Join Flowers All Hours® andSave $175 ($250 CDN)

FTD’s credit card program, Cash-FloTM is the most com-petitive credit card processing program in the

industry. Below are two questions our experienced creditcard team gets asked most frequently.

➀➀ Why should I balance my terminal everyday? Creditcard companies charge a non-compliance fee if atransaction(s) is not settled within 48 hours of getting anauthorization. That fee is charged on your monthly FTDstatement at a rate of .95% of the total amount of the sale.The reason for the charge is that it has been established thatthere is a higher incident of fraud when transactions are notsettled within 48 hours. Please make sure to balance yourterminal everyday, or in many cases, your terminal can beprogrammed to automatically settle every night saving youtime and money. Contact the FTD credit card team for details.

➁➁ What is AVS (address verification) and why should I useit? Address verification is a system that indicates if the

address and zip code given at the time of the sale onmanually keyed credit card sales matches that of thecardholders billing address. A “Y” will appear on the receiptif the zip code and address both match and an “N” willappear if the zip code and address do not match. You canalso have a “Z” for zip only matches or an “A” for addressonly matches. This can be a valuable tool for the florst thatshould never be bypassed because a no match indicator onAVS can be a warning of a possible high-risk sale that couldresult in a chargeback. There is an AVS non-compliance feethat is charged if this feature is bypassed at a rate of .4 % ofthe total amount of the sale. Reduce your exposure tofraudulent transactions and avoid AVS non-compliance feesby entering address information on your terminal for everymanually keyed transaction.

Please contact FTD’s credit card department with anyquestions at 800-788-9000 ext. 4262. ■

EARN MORE REBATES!Earn both Dollars & Scents rebates and Cash-Flo rebates by sending your wire orders FTD! Remember, the more ordersyou send FTD, the greater your rebate opportunities and the lower your credit card processing costs. ■

Capture and process orders 24 hours a day with help fromFTD Flowers All Hours. Act now and FTD will waive the

$175 ($250 CDN) application fee if you join by April 30,2003!

It's a 24/7 world and consumers want convenience when itcomes to shopping. With FTD Flowers All Hours, your shopcan be open 24/7 to collect orders from new and existing cus-tomers. And the cost for Flowers All Hours is as little as $0.83($1.20 CDN) per day.

Professional FTD telephone representatives, trained specificallyon your shop's product selection and pricing, can answer yourshop's phone calls and take orders and messages anytime,day or night.

Many florists are utilizing this service not only when their shopis closed, but also during the holidays and busy periods duringnormal business hours as opposed to hiring additional staff.

FTD Flowers All Hours is the easiest, most economical way tooffer consumers the convenience of shopping 24/7, as theyhave grown accustom to when using 800 numbers and theInternet.

BENEFITS:• Never close! Ring up sales 24/7/365.• Generate new customers and increase

sales.• Decrease costs. No need to hire additional phone staff.• Offer new convenience to new and existing customers.• Compete with other 800 numbers and Internet sites.

Hire FTD Flowers All Hours for only $0.83 ($1.20 CDN) a dayand you will have a professional “FTD Employee” that is fullytrained to answer your phones 24/7, plus Flowers All Hourswill never be sick, take a vacation day or require healthbenefits.

Remember…Save $175 ($250 CDN) when you join FlowersAll Hours by April 30, 2003! ■

CONTACT INFORMATIONPhone: 800-669-1000Mercury: 90-9200AAE-Mail: fah@ftdi.comWeb site: www.FTDi.COM/flowersallhours

66

Prizes GaloreFTD is giving away almost $50,000 inprizes. The grand prize is a fabulous brandnew 2003 Ford Delivery Van, perfect for flo-ral deliveries, along with a complete FTDGraphics Package. The Graphics Packageincludes the production of fully wrapping adelivery van with your shop logo and product images, as well as an interior shelving package.

The grand prize will be given away at the annual 2003 FTD Convention this July in Orlando, FL. Three FTD fwill be chosen at random as first prize winners and will receive a free trip for two to FTD’s Convention. Eacprize winner will receive a special key and one of the three keys will open the grand prize 2003 Ford DeVan.

Other prizes include gift certificates for FTD Marketplace and Fresh Flowers products.

Grand Prize: (1) 2003 Ford E150 Cargo Delivery Van (complete with an FTD Graphics Package). Graphics Package includes the production and application of a fully wrapped delivery vinclude logos and product images, and an interior shelving package. One of the first prizeners will have the chance to win the grand prize.

1st Prize: (3) Three FREE trips for two to the annual 2003 FTD Convention, which includes registrahotel and airfare, plus the chance to win the Grand Prize. The two 1st Prize winners thnot win the Grand Prize will each win one FTD Graphics Package (includes productionapplication of fully wrapping a shop’s existing delivery van with logos and product imagesan interior shelving package).

2nd Prize: (10) Ten $250 gift certificates for FTD Marketplace.

3rd Prize: (20) Twenty $120 gift certificates for FTD Fresh Flowers.

FT

FTDis pleased to introduce an exciting new promotion calledthe FTD Delivers Sweepstakes. This promotion gives FTD

Florists the chance to win the grand prize…a brand new 2003 FordDelivery Van. To enter, FTD Florists need to send their orders FTD!No purchase necessary to enter or win.

Send FTD and WinFTD Florists have the opportunity to win in the FTD DeliversSweepstakes. All you need to do is send your orders FTD! For eachorder you, as an FTD Florist, send FTD, your shop will receive anentry into the FTD Delivers Sweepstakes. The more you send FTD,the more entries you will receive. The FTD Delivers Sweepstakesstarts April 1st and ends May 31st 2003. Remember…every orderyou send FTD during that timeframe can give you a chance to win abrand new 2003 Ford Delivery Van or other valuable prizes!

77

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ation,at don ands, and

TD Is Giving Away Almost $50,000 in PrizesIncluding the Grand Prize - A Brand New

2003 Ford E150 Delivery Van!

GOOD LUCK andTHANK YOU FOR

SENDING FTD!

Just Send FTDThe FTD Delivers Sweepstakes begins April 1, 2003 and runsthrough May 31, 2003. For each order you, as an FTD Florist, sendduring this time period, your shop will receive an entry into the FTDDelivers Sweepstakes. All winners, except the grand prize winner,will be selected, at random, on or before June 14, 2003 and willbe notified by telephone. The grand prize winner will be selectedat the 2003 FTD Convention. No purchase necessary. A purchasewill not improve your chances of winning.

Abbreviated RulesNO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASEWILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.Sweepstakes is open only to FTD Florists who are legal residents ofthe U.S. or Canada and whose principal owners are 18 years orolder as of the date of entry. Void in New York, Florida, Puerto Rico,Quebec (Canada) and where prohibited or restricted by law. If aselected First Place Prize, Second Place Prize, or Third Place Prizewinner is an FTD Florist that is a Canadian resident, such winner mustalso solve a mathematical skill test administered by telephone at apre-arranged mutually convenient time in order to claim its prize.Employees and directors of FTD and its affiliates and promotionalparties are not eligible. Individuals taking the first prize trips must belegal residents of the U.S. or Canada and must be 18 years orolder. Sweepstakes ends May 31, 2003. Sweepstakes is subjectto the complete Official Rules, which may be found onwww.FTDI.com. Free method of entry available by sending in a 3x 5 card on which the FTD Florist has printed its shop name, ownersname, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address (ifavailable) to: FTD Delivers Sweepstakes, c/o FTD, Inc. at 3113Woodcreek Drive, Downers Grove, IL 60515. All mail-in entriesmust be postmarked no later than May 31, 2003 and received byJune 7, 2003.

More InformationComplete details about the FTD Delivers Sweepstakes can be foundat FTDi.COM or contact Member Services at 800-788-9000 ormemberservices@ftdi.com. ■

8

Mercury Technology Continues Growth,Education and Innovation

Promising to remain the industry leader for florists, FTD is investing heavily in technology talent. We are in a growth modeto better support FTD florists.

Consumers associate FTD with the image of quality flowers and floral services. FTD Members understand that FTD is atechnology company helping to innovate the businesses of member florists as well. The Mercury Network handles millionsof orders each year, but that is only part of the story. Dependable, easy to use technology systems are available to floriststo send orders and to help the business owner manage every aspect of the business.

Mercury Technology Sales Team ExpandsNew Executive Vice-President Michael J. Soenen (so-nun) recently accepted leadership for the Mercury Technology division.

“FTD is a world class brand with a rock-solid tradition of providing value to the florist. Our aim is to take that to a newlevel, enhancing the Mercury Technology products to be even easier to use and to drive more money to the florists’ bottomline.Note: Mike Soenen (sue-nun) continues in his role of FTD President and COO.

A new Technology arm has been formed to offer professional in-shop technology consultations. According to Phil Langley,vice president of Mercury Technology Sales, the Mercury Sales Engineers are experts in hardware, software AND the floralindustry. They will be teamed up with the local FTD Business Consultants to help automate FTD Members.

“We are eager to meet with florists who want to understand how to use technology to grow their business, manage theirfinances and extend customer service. After gaining an understanding of business objectives, local market, budget, staffingand current hardware and software from the shop owner, the Mercury Sales Engineers can propose a solution designed tomeet stated business objectives. Our goal is to provide scalable solutions that ARE SIMPLE TO USE and HELP FLORISTSMAKE MORE MONEY.”

Team Shares 80 Years of Floral Experience!

Roberta Belanger, most recently the Field Business Consultant (FBC) in Connecticut, owned andoperated a Massachusetts floral shop. She used the Mercury Wings Order Entry system to automate herbusiness.

Chris King, former FBC and Technology Sales Consultant, grew up in the floralindustry. King’s parents, florists in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, have usedAdvantage to help grow their thriving business.

Michael White used Advantage in his successful floral shop in the state of Washington. White has beena part of FTD’s Technology team and has also served florists as an FBC.

Roberta Belanger

Michael White

Chris King

Steve Sproule (not pictured), former florist and MercuryAdvantage system owner, has first hand experience in both theretail and wholesale floral businesses. He has been affiliatedwith FTD’s Advantage product since its first release.

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The 2003 FTD Convention and Trade Fair also willbe the site of in-depth education seminars forAdvantage and Wings users. To view the two dayschedule of events and registration information, visitwww.FTDi.COM or contact FTD Technology attechnology@ftdi.com.

Learn It, Use It, Profit: FTD Technology Seminar ScheduleAre you interested in automating your business but don’t know where to start? Would you like to learn how to use yourcurrent FTD system to the MAX?

Mercury Sales Engineers and local FBC’s are hosting local Technology seminars that are comprised of productdemonstrations and business building discussions. As new events are confirmed, local shops will be invited via e-mail,telephone and slimcast messages.

Questions? Contact us directly by email at technology@ftdi.com or via phone at 800-767-3222.

SCHEDULED SEMINAR LOCATIONS4/10 Washington, DC5/29 Toronto, ON6/28 Welches, OR7/16-17 Orlando, FL

Advantage 8.1 FREE Product Update ReleasedAdvantage users can improve shop productivity with new features included in the free 8.1update. NOTE: (�� ) indicates a time savings, (m ) indicates a dollar impact and (EZ ) indicates convenience.

Key Features:

• Enter Designer Recipe and attach to products and to orders automatically. Calculateprices automatically based on cost of goods and profit margin desired. �� m

• Add more flexibility to credit card processing for incomplete orders. EZ

• Expand your pricing options with additional Bar Coding. EZ

• Make changes in completed POS credit card orders. Now you can create anorder from history at the POS terminal too. EZ

• Use new sort option in Customer Order History to search from newest to oldestchronological dates. �� EZ

• Add your florist preferences to Florist Notes. �� EZ

• Process a full BANK Reconciliation. Reconcile checks AND deposits, transfer funds between accounts, enter interestearned and service charges and fees. �� m

Advantage labels for all current Linux and Solaris Users: Watch your mail for your copy of 8.1 software and the newReference Manual that lists all of new features. ■

SEMINAR HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • Order Management and Point of Sale• Balancing the Books• Future Enhancements, Email Marketing• Controlling Design Costs and Customizing Your System • PLUS Roundtable discussions and Hands On Training!

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10

T he Power Marketing Catalog is the ultimate resource for dynamicbusiness marketing, featuring all of your imprint marketing materials to

help boost sales and strengthen your business. These materials contributeto a comprehensive, year-round marketing program that gives real,measurable results. All imprint materials depict arrangements featured inthe Floral Selections Guide. Each promotional piece can be customizedwith you shop imprint or logo and many of these vehicles can becustomized with your own special offers, promotions and pricing structure,creating a strategic marketing mix that targets specific sectors of yourcustomer profile.

FTD Members will receive this exciting marketing tool along with theFall/Winter 2003 Buyer’s Guide and more exciting news from FTDMarketplace this month! ■

FTD Marketplace Inspires Memberswith Marketing Power!

Look for your Buyer’s Guide in April to be one of the firstto order the Waterford Holiday Heirlooms® Bouquetpresented by FTD® and many other NEW additions tothe FTD Marketplace collection. Call Marketplace at800-767-4000 or shop online at www.FTDi.COM

DEADLINESThe Clearinghouse Statement cut-off is thelast business day of the month. The cutofffor receiving RECs is 11:00p.m. (CST) onthe last day of the month and for ROFs it is3:00p.m. (CST) on the last business day ofthe month. This means that any activityreceived after these deadlines will beprocessed and reflected in the next month’sstatement.

The deadline for reporting orders andadjustments is 60 days from the deliverydate. Any order which could not beprocessed will be included on theCombined Report under “Confirmation ofOrders Filled (Incoming)”, at the end alongwith an explanation.

Efficiency Reminder to Report FTD Orders Filled! For expediency and efficiency in processing your Report of Orders Filled (ROFs), please be

reminded of the following guidelines and procedures.

HOW TO REPORT ORDERSView additional instructions in the manual under Orders and Messages.Direct questions to Mercury Support 800-669-1000.

BY MERCURYSend your phone orders as an ‘REC’ message.

BY MAILIf you are not a Mercury User, mail in your Report of Orders WEEKLY to thefollowing address: DP Center, Florists Transworld Delivery, PO Box 7053,Downers Grove, IL 60515-7053

If you need to order Envelopes, Report of Orders Filled Forms, or AdjustmentForms call Member Services at 800-788-9000.

Send and Receive options are available for efficiency and automationthrough Mercury Technology. Call 800-767-3222 today to find out more.■

TIPS• Remember to make sure your ROFs have accurate sending members and are legible.• Avoid Duplication! Do not mail and fax the same orders to avoid duplication.• Faxing is for emergency use only. We can not guarantee faxes will get on the current statement.

11

FTDi.COM CONTEST:Mother's Day Products on

FTD.COM

A t FTD.COM, it is our goal to streamline our holiday productfeatures to make filling FTD.COM orders easier for FTD

Florists. As a result of these refinements, the following products willbe featured for Mother's Day 2003:

A12-M1 = The FTD® Loving Thoughts® Bouquet A13-M2 = The FTD® Spring Garden® BouquetA13-M3 = The FTD® Timeless Elegance

tmBouquet

C13-3068 = The FTD® Stunning Beautytm

BouquetC22-3062 = The FTD® Beloved

tmBouquet

C13-3068 = The FTD® My One & Onlytm

Bouquet

To view the corresponding images and recipes for these products,you can either…1. Refer to the FTD Selections Guide Workbook.2. Go to www.ftdi.com and search under the FTD.COM button

for Mother's Day Features. 3. Go to www.ftd.com and search using the item number.

In addition, we will feature our usual assortmentof Rose Bouquets.

Also, to help you fill orders quickly, just prior to Mother's Day,FTD.COM will switch to open order. If your Mercury Messageindicates "open order", you can fill with the bouquet that isdescribed or a bouquet that represents the same value.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to sendthem to FTD.COM by GEN message to 90-8400AA or by call-ing the FTD.COM Florist Hotline at 800-554-0993.

New Rose Offering Don't forget . . . FTD.COM is testing a lower priced rose productto better compete in the market. After Mother's Day, you'll havethe option to fill those orders. To sign up for this program contactDirectory Services at 800-788-9000. And remember that FTDFresh Flowers offers great pricing on roses to fill these orders. Formore info, contact FTD Fresh Flowers at 800-366-1863. ■

Enter the April FTDi.COM Contest online at www.FTDi.COM,by answering the following question for your chance to win

four(4) assorted boxes of pre-made arrangements courtesy of FTDFresh Flowers and the NEW! Just Add Water – JAWS program.A total value of more than $500! Arrangements will be shippedafter Mother’s Day.

What is a guaranteed benefit of the FTD Fresh Flowers NEW!Just Add Water – JAWS program?

A. Reduced Design Time D. Low OverheadB. Expand Profit Margins E. All of the AboveC. High Visibility

Contest deadline is midnight of April 30, 2003.One winner will be chosen from all correct entries.

Congratulations go out to Bloomers Floral Design& Gifts LTD in Kelowna, BC, Canada!

Bloomers Floral Designs & Gift was our February FTDi.COMContest winner and will be receiving two (2) FREE AdultRegistrations and one (1) FREE ROOM for the 2003 FTDConvention and Trade Fair! ■

FTD Fresh Flowers Presents“JAWS” – Just Add Water!

The JAWS program offered to FTD Members by FTD FreshFlowers consists of pre-arranged drop-in bouquets – the latest

in floral industry efficiency.

End The Guesswork • Eliminate OverstockEnhance Service • Increase Productivity

Reduce Design Time • Expand Profit MarginsHigh Visibility • Low Overhead

Each pre-made bouquet includes primary and secondary flowersas well as all the greenery necessary to make a full, attractivearrangement. They’re pre-assembled with stems secured in place– simply drop into a vase and in seconds the bouquet is ready fordelivery or on-site sale. Take advantage of this savvy, business-minded program today. Bouquets are available in dry packs orwet packed in a procona. All prices are FOB Miami, pleaseallow two weeks for delivery.

Call FTD Fresh Flowers at800-366-1383 today forpricing. ■

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Winners will be recognized at the FTD Member Awards Presentation and Gala Dinner on Saturday,July 19th, 2003, at the FTD 2003 Convention and Trade Fair at the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, FL.

Nominate your shop or a fellow member today!

Acceptable forms of nomination submissions include: Online at www.FTDi.COM • Via fax at 630-515-4183 • Via mail to FTD Member Awards, Attention PR Department, 3113 Woodcreek Drive, DownersGrove, IL 60515

Supporting materials (five-page maximum) are encouraged and are accepted for online or faxed submissions by regu-lar mail. Please provide a copy of completed nomination form with supporting materials. Questions? Email conven-tion2003@ftdi.com or call 800-788-9000 ext. 6240. Deadline for accepted nominations is April 30, 2003.

FTD Education at the FTD 2003 Convention and Trade Fair

Don't miss FTD Technology User Group Seminars.Visit www.FTDi.COM for more information.

TRENDWATCH 2004 ULTIMATE WEDDINGS - A PRACTICAL APPROACH A CELEBRATION OF LIFE -

TODAY'S SYMPATHY FLOWERS BUSINESS VALUATION SIMPLE, EFFECTIVE AND PROFITABLE CARE AND

HANDLING PROCEDURES FOR CUT FLOWERS TEAM UP FOR SUCCESS WHERE'S YOUR CASH?

WHO ARE FLORAL CONSUMERS? THE MARKETING MIX AND MANY MORE!

QUALITY VENDOR BOOTHS FOR GREAT SHOPPING DEALS FTD MEMBER NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

THE FTD "GROWING TOGETHER" PRESENTATION BY CEO BOB NORTON LUNCH WITH A SPECIAL GUEST

SPEAKER THE FTD GALA DINNER AND FTD MEMBER AWARDS PRESENTATION ROUNDTABLE

DISCUSSIONS KIDS PROGRAMS AND MUCH MORE!

FREERoomOffer!

View PastWinners atFTDi.COM!

Limited free room offer (one room per membership registration, two nights - value of more than $350).

REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2003 CONVENTION AND TRADE FAIR Online at www.FTDi.COM • Contact your Field Business Consultant • Fax the registration form

to 630-515-4183 • email to convention2003@ftdi.com • Call 800-788-9000 ext. 6240

Nominations for the Prestigious 2003 FTD Member Awards are Accepted Now!