Home Grassroots Efforts Building a Relationship Neb. Senator Surprises Florist with Impromptu ‘Thank You’
Neb. Senator Surprises Florist with Impromptu ‘Thank You’ PDF Print E-mail
Grassroot Efforts - Building a Relationship with Congress

Talk about a close call: When Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) called Joey Schwanke, AAF, PFCI, at Greens Greenhouses & Treasure House in Fremont, Neb., the longtime industry leader nearly mistook the lawmaker for an irksome telemarketer.

In fact, Johanns, a former governor of Nebraska and the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture from 2005 to 2007, was calling to thank Joey and her husband, former SAF President Mel Schwanke, AAF, for letters the couple sent his office during his recovery from surgery. Johanns also thanked Joey and Mel for their visit to his office during Congressional Action Days in March.

The Schwankes weren't the only SAF members to maintain positive connections with federal lawmakers in April. SAF's Convention Committee Chairwoman Shirley Lyons, AAF, of Dandelions Flowers & Gifts in Eugene, Ore., recently attended Town Hall meetings for Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-4-Ore.). While Lyons wasn't able to meet the lawmakers, she did brave the crowded rooms to hand-deliver business cards to their top aides. She also offered to give Merkley and DeFazio tours of her shop in the future.

Do you know your member of Congress? Have you attended an event in the past few months? Let SAF's Brian Gamberini know about your experiences so that SAF can help you develop that relationship, or ask Brian how to find out about upcoming events you could attend. E-mail Brian at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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