CAD gave me the opportunity to network with peers in the industry, as well as learn about aspects of our government and the floral industry that I didn’t know about before, and most importantly, to have a say in issues that affect our industry.

It is important to remind our legislators of our role in the economy, society and in their districts.

To have communication and information exchange with other floral professionals is extremely important. A fast shifting market forces us to change our way of working. To have these discussions with other leaders in the industry is incredibly valuable.

Congressional Action Days brings awareness to both the industry and Congress. It helps industry members see the issues in a new light and understand the struggles some of our peers face. Additionally, it helps Congress see a united front of florists arguing for changes that have a substantial economic impact on our economy.

I am reminded of several important aspects of Congressional visits: 1) the staffers are smart and extremely well informed; 2) they really want to hear constituent input; and 3) it makes a big difference!

It is clear to me that face-to-face conversations with our representatives (or staff) and sharing the effects the legislation they write and vote on have on our life and businesses impacts their point of view. Even when we know the legislator is on the other side of the issue, we have seen a slight shift in position when real stories are told and real effects are shared. In that regard, more SAF members are needed to walk the Halls of Congress and visit more representatives. Consider making this trip and be active in the laws that affect your business.

If the industry you’re in is important to you, it should be worth explaining it to those who make the laws that help or hinder your industry. Leave this important task to others, and your concerns will not be part of the education of our legislators.

By attending CAD, you will see and hear vital information regarding the floral industry and so much more first hand. To receive first-hand information is priceless — you cannot continue to assume that changes are going to be made without getting involved. Our voices must be heard, and I feel that they are now listening! JOIN US and let’s keep our industry alive.

Advocating for our employees and businesses and sharing our stories in person is an important way to for us to connect with our legislators. SAF CAD helps makes that possible.

CAD provides attendees with the opportunity to not only influence decision makers in government, but also the ability to network with a broad network of industry peers.

CAD offers a fantastic experience to everyone working in the floriculture industry. I will continue to encourage business owners and industry leaders to attend this event in the future and I am looking forward to next year. Lobbying to our congressmen about the issues puts a face with the entire floral industry while favorably promoting flowers. Our energy and efforts, I believe, will positively affect many aspects this year. Our voices were heard. It is a great event, and makes me proud to be a member of such a fantastic organization.

The support and comradery of those that have attended before put me right at ease. The connections that I made to others in the industry were amazing. I will return again!

Not only is this a great opportunity to network with our peers and discuss challenges and issues that often face all of us, I cannot overstate how important it is to meet with our representatives and tell our individual stories. We can’t affect change if we don’t use our voice. The bonus is it truly is a wonderful experience!

I thought I couldn’t make a difference… now I know I can.

It was so exciting to learn about the issues and then make our “ask” directly to the people on Capitol Hill.

Nothing is more American than going to the seat of government and being a voice for my business and our industry.

Most legislators hear from lobbyists all the time, and they get little input from entrepreneurs. They seem eager to hear our point of view, and it makes a difference when they vote.

CAD was a great experience! I highly recommend it!

It’s a phenomenal event for our industry — a great way to connect with peers, experience Capitol Hill and discuss important legislation that influences our industry.

If you want governmental change when it comes to your business, you have to help make it.

If we don’t speak up, then legislators have every right to pass laws ‘in the dark’ without considering their impact on our industry.