Florists, designers and gift shop managers should get excited as the Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market is set to take place once again from July 8-16, 2008. Make plans to attend as the permanent and temporary exhibits provide excellent ideas for fashioning new floral designs, providing creative home décor in your store or home, and allow a convenient time to network with other Atlanta florists and local designers.

More information can be found at the Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market website.

The American Institute of Floral Design will be hosting the AIFD Symposium July 3-7, 2008 at the Chicago Hilton and Towers in Chicago, Illinois. Florists and floral designers can enjoy a few fun-filled days of networking, learning, designing and dreaming at this year's AIFD Symposium. The theme of “Collaboration…Floral Education” leaves the imagination reeling as plans are underway for this year’s event which will feature educational seminars, networking opportunities and much more. Make plans to attend what is sure to be a fabulous time of learning and teamwork.

Learn more about the 2008 AIFD Symposium.

Ask the Expert: REPOTTING OF LUCKY BAMBOO PLANT

NEED TO REPLANT IN A BIGGER CONTAINER.  WHAT DO I USE. THE CONTAINER NOW HAS SMALL PEBBLES.  THANK YOU RHONDA

Flower Shop Network applauds the state of Tennessee in their latest legislation against deceptive Internet listings. Flower Shop Network along with our partners in the floral industry appreciate the work being done by the State of Tennessee toward strengthening consumer protection which includes the recent effort to widen an existing ban on deceptive telephone listings. Effective July 1, the state of Tennessee has broadened the current law to include a ban on deceptive Internet practices.

As of July 1, any company or companies that purposely misrepresent geographic location through misleading business name, telephone listings, dialing service or over the Internet with the intention of gaining an unfair competitive advantage is subject to a minimum penalty of $1000 per violation. Maximum penalty per violation is up to $5000.

Filing a complaint against a company suspected of fraudulent behavior of this nature involves delivering evidence along with a formal complaint to the office of Consumer Affairs for the State of Tennessee. If the evidence proves sufficient, penalties will be issued.

Presently 23 states authorize a ban against deceptive telephone listings. This legislative move by the State of Tennessee will add an extra strong arm of protection to consumers—one of which Flower Shop Network firmly approves. Only listing real local florists and flower shops in our directory, Flower Shop Network commends these Tennessee legislators for their efforts in preserving the integrity of honest businesspeople and consumers.

For more information about this Tennessee Legislation go to the Tennessee Legislation site and read HB3834 .