October 25, 2000 - ADWEEK, the advertising industry's leading national trade publication, selected the Flower Promotion Organization's "Paperweight" television commercial for their "Best Spot of the Week" feature. This award, sought after by virtually every advertising professional, confirms the notion that the FPO's campaign breaks the floral advertising mold and brings industry advertising to a new level.

ADWEEK selects award winners based on the creative concept and message delivery, effectiveness and production value. Visual effects, writing, editing and music are also criteria against which all submissions are judged. ADWEEK receives hundreds of applicants for the coveted award. FPO joins advertisers such as Nike, Visa, Mercedes-Benz and Federal Express as winners featured in the October 16 issue. The copy accompanying a photo of the commercial reinforces the clever campaign message stating, "Everyone knows flowers are beautiful things, but this lush ad proves they have a practical side, too. They can be used as a paperweight, a window treatment and as air freshener." According to an Adweek executive, it has been several years since any such award has been bestowed upon a floral industry advertiser.

"We are thrilled that our campaign has been recognized in the advertising industry as innovative and cutting edge," said Arnie Thirup, FPO co-Chairman. "Of course, the true measure of our success will be judged when we demonstrate the campaign's ability to boost cut flower sales," he continued. The FPO is evaluating the campaign's effectiveness and will share the results with the industry early next year.

The Flower Promotion Organization, an alliance between Colombian and American 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.