Let`s see--- Imagine you are  a producer that has been trading with a company during the last 4 years. The company is always getting behind in its payments every year, but eventually pays its debts within 4-6 months. In 2010 you  are still selling your flowers or greens , even if it hasn`t paid you since January ( always hoping that the situation gets better soon). The company owes you "just" US$50.000. Then, you hear that the company ha received U$6.000.000, and it is using them to buy farms in another country. After two months or so, after you have talked to everybody in the company, with no answer, you realize that it filed chapter 11 (sort of), and you haven`t been informed about it at all.
What would you think about that company?

After reading all the comments, I'm sure I'll have to do much talking and listening to make our investment worth.  Any "lesson" will be welcome.

Thank you Harley and flowerswhsl for the hints. Hope to get to know you in the WF&FSA convention.

I enjoy reading and learning in"flowers and cents". It is an excellent way of been up to date in the USA flower's business. Our group of exporters ( named "Colombian tropicals") will be attending the next WF&FSA convention, having a booth in the area that, supported in part by  "Asocolflores"( the Colombian association of flowers exporters), is available for us. Is that the best way to contact wholesalers interested in tropical flowers and bouquets? or the way to achieve that wholesalers may get interested?

So, everyone is wondering if this type of shows are worthy. What about  WF&FSA?, a good forecast about it. Who's attending?

I´m glad to know that even in the mid west people gets attracted  by  odd mixtures. does it work like in traditional flowers, that color depends on the holiday?, for example: rostrata may be a good election in halloween?, or just in Valentine´s?

Both of you are right, I have had flower literally burned because they mix it in the same palet with roses or carnations. It doesn´t matter it says "NO COOLER" everywhere in the box. Do you know if someone has tried to put together in the same arrangement traditional flowers and tropicals, and survived?

all right,  they look different.  isn´t that their appeal?.  besides, they should last much more in warmer temperatures.   that could be an advantage. or I don´t know something you do, Rosita?

 .  Then, why tropical flowers haven´t reach the market with big volume all year round?

Valentine was great, retailers are thankful about it.  Just have a question, What is the real importance of tropical flowers for you all?