SAFPAC Gold Club supporters will be treated to an informative talk from Congressman Steve LaTourette (R-14-Ohio). LaTourette, a supporter of the floriculture and nursery industry, as well as small business. He will address SAFPAC Gold Club members during lunch on Tuesday's event at SAF's 30th Annual Congressional Action Days.

Don't forget to register today for SAF's Congressional Action Days and if you would like more information about SAFPAC and what it does for you and your business, contact Brian Gamberini at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Message The Administration unveiled its FY2011 budget yesterday. The $3.8 trillion budget request includes a provision for permanent extension of the estate tax at 2009 levels - 3.5 million per person and a top rate of $45 percent.

During Congressional Action Days, SAF members will be visiting their Senators and Representatives we need permanence and the most generous level of relief possible. Congress can still pass an estate tax bill that includes more rate relief and a higher exemption which would protect more small floral businesses from this onerous tax. If Congress does nothing the estate tax will snap back to higher rates and a very low exemption in 2011.

Looking for more information on the 2011 budget proposal? Check here or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

In a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans by almost 3-1, and in an election where Brown trailed by as many as 30 percentage points, Brown won the special election for the late Sen. Ted Kennedy's Senate seat. Most experts agree that Brown united his supporters by responding to their complaints and fears about politics and issues at the national level.

The message is clear: Grassroots action works. Organizing support for a cause gives you the opportunity to make a difference. SAF's Congressional Action Days gives floral industry members from across the country the chance to become an industry advocate for a day on Capitol Hill. Speaking with one united voice gives the industry an opportunity to make lasting change.

Join other SAF members this March at CAD -- it's easy and fun. You'll learn the steps that you need to take in order to lobby effectively during your meetings on the Hill.

Surf over to the www.CongressionalActionDays.com or check out the CAD Facebook Fan Page for up-to-date information on the event and to get registered.

SAF has launched the official 2010 SAF Congressional Action Days Facebook Fan Page. This page will provide important information about this year's CAD and can be used a forum for attendees to trade ideas in the leadup to their time in Washington DC.

The CAD Fan Page will work in association with the Capitol Letters Blog, CAD Twitter Feed, and the CAD website. Make sure you keep a close eye on all these sources to get valuable information before coming to Capitol Hill.

Check it out today and share some of your past CAD experiences!

The official Congressional Action Days brochure is now avaiable for download online at www.CongressionalActionDays.com. If you are looking for a detailed schedule of events, explanation of the fun activities planned or just want to see some of the pictures from CAD last year, check it out.

CAD is less then two months away so make sure you reserve your spot for this year's event. If you need more information or have questions about CAD, email Brian at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Empowered, difference making, impactful -- these are just a few of the terms that SAF members are using to describe their experiece at Congressional Action Days. Members from across the floral industry have weighed in on the positive influence that you can have by attending CAD.

Find out what your fellow growers, retailers and wholesalers are saying about CAD on SAF's YouTube page, SAFVision.

Looking for a way to learn about your lawmakers before coming to CAD? Become Facebook Friends with them or follow your representative or senators on Twitter. Most lawmakers are using these social networking tools to get messages out to their constituents including information on future town hall meetings.

Check out TweetCongress and see if your lawmakers are using Twitter!