The Flower Promotion Organization (FPO) took its PR campaign to new levels this fall by incorporating simple flower home decorating recipes into its campaign arsenal. First, the FPO utilized the talents of floral designer Jill Slater as their spokesperson for live television interviews on Chicago's CBS affiliate channel 2, NBC affiliate channel 5, and cable giant WGN to demonstrate just how simple decorating with flowers really is. Next Ms. Slater and industry design icon Bobbie Ecker teamed up to provide Chicago print media editors with floral home décor design ideas at a unique event at a furniture studio focusing on Classic, Contemporary, Rustic and Arts & Craft decorating themes in various room settings. The editors also had the opportunity to create their own designs in a 'hands-on' workshop, letting them experience the fun and simplicity of decorating with flowers. At the completion of the program, each editor was given E.I.C.D.I. ("Even I Can Do It") recognition.

"The TV anchors and print media editors were amazed at how easy and fun it was to create their own designs," said Stan Pohmer, FPO's Executive Director. "I'm confident their personal enjoyment and new confidence in their abilities will definitely be reflected in the stories they write and air about flowers in the future."

Consumers can peruse all the recipe ideas that were presented to the media as well as get a 'behind the scenes' look at these PR activities on the FPO website, www.flowerpossibilities.com.

"We started developing the flower recipe concept in October when our regular web columnist, Dr. Bridget Behe, was interviewed on a Pittsburgh radio station," stated FPO Managing Director, Will Carlson. "And, based on the success of the radio efforts, it was a natural extension to expand this concept to TV and print media. We found this to be an excellent way for the consumer to personally experience and enjoy the possibilities we promote, that it's easy and effective to decorate with flowers. Through these simple, yet very attractive flower décor solutions, anyone can now achieve his or her own E.I.C.D.I. distinction with confidence.

"Based on the success we experienced in Chicagoland, I think you'll see more of this kind of promotion as we expand into other markets," stated Pohmer. "We've developed a cost effective model that can be expanded and rolled out, complementing the other elements of our integrated campaign mix. I'm excited about the new possibilities this added element brings to our campaign."

The Flower Promotion Organization, an alliance between Colombian and U.S. flower growers, was created to expand the US market for all cut flowers. The FPO is committed to increasing short-term and long-term consumer demand for fresh cut flowers.