From: CBALaFler@aol.com
Date: Sun, 16 Apr 2000 21:35:05 EDT
Subject: Re: balloondeco-d Digest V00 #104
To: balloondeco@balloonhq.com

Hi Gang,

I usually don't say much on any subjuct, and prefer to be one who observes 
and is educated. This time I will make an exception. There are two point I 
would like to get across.

First. My wife and I have been in the flower and balloon business for 15 
years now. In that time, in both industries, there has been NOT ONE company 
who has invested the time and money to further the growth of the industry, at 
ALL levels, than Pioneer.  
Having said that, I will state I do not always agree with the way Pioneer 
presents itself. The bottom line is this: They did and do sponsor IBAC since 
1990, They remain the only company who provides brochures at their cost to 
the industry, they are the only company who continues to support a CBA like 
program, which, for me, proves to the customer I am deadly serious about what 
I do, and lastly, they do in fact, reach out through their new system of 
having field representatives there to answer questions. 

My second point is this. In my observation of the floral, balloon, and 
related industries, there is also no one vendor who has helped to provide a 
coordinated line of product to maximise profit for the retailer. I can send 
out a balloon bouquet with a mug that matches the foil balloons in the 
bouquet, with ribbons and bows that are perfect with the whole package. I 
don't know about you, but I don't mind going to one source to make my client 
thrilled, me look fabulous, and my supplier a hero forbeing able to help my 
efforts. 

Before any of you put down any effort of PBC to improve the industry as a 
whole, look to yourself. If your business, full or part time, home based or 
retail, has not reaped some reward due to PBC's efforts, then you may 
criticize them. If you have enjoyed profits frome their efforts then hold 
back and look at the big picture. PBC deserves far more credit than what I 
see they have had here on the deco line. Think first. Then suggest to them. 
PBC is more open to ideas than ANY company I have ever dealt with.

Kevin