Member Stories

Nearly 50-Year Local 47 AFM Member Takes Advantage of Union Plus Flower Discount

Union Plus Team

May 7, 2018

American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 47 member Ken Gruberman used to think online flower orders were costly and would arrive late or not at all, but the Union Plus Flower Discount Program through Teleflora has changed his mind. 

Gruberman has worked in the field of music preparation for 50 years. He is currently involved in getting music out of a composer or arranger’s mind and onto a printed page for either performance or recording. This year Gruberman will receive a Lifetime Membership Pin for being an AFM Local 47 member for 50 years. 

When Gruberman initially saw the Union Plus discount email advertising their Teleflora offer for Valentine’s Day this year, he thought the offer almost seemed too good to be true.

“I know that Union Plus stands behind their partnerships, and when I saw the promotion, it stood out for me because the photos looked more alluring than similar offers,” he said.  

Gruberman clicked on the email link and immediately felt impressed by what he saw on the special Union Plus web page—a page you could only access via the special offer email. 

“It had items that were not on the regular Teleflora pages (I checked), and the prices were as spectacular as the arrangements,” Gruberman said. 

For about the same cost as he’d spent in the past, he received an expertly crafted, beautiful arrangement in a spectacular vase that “actually brought tears to my wife’s eyes when it was delivered,” he said. 

Gruberman said he was also kept apprised of his order’s progress and was even able to talk to the hometown florists doing the work. The flowers are always hand-delivered locally and have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Gruberman does not drive due to an eye condition. In the past, ordering flowers online has been more convenient compared to coordinating a ride to a local florist and then figuring out a way to sneak the surprise into the house without being seen. 

“Thank you Union Plus for supporting union members, for giving us discounts we can really use and that enhance our lives, and for always being there when we need you,” Gruberman said.

Gruberman is also grateful for access to other Union Plus benefits including the Union Plus Credit Card Program. He said its initial appeal was the low interest rate and the option for hardship help in case of job loss, disability or a strike, not to mention the cash-back rewards.

He is also enrolled in the Union Plus Wireless Discount Program for his AT&T plan. “AT&T coverage is our lifeline when we travel, so this is really appreciated,” he said. 

“Unions are having to fight to stay relevant to a new generation and aren’t always able to offer benefits to their membership as they used to,” Gruberman added. “To have an umbrella organization like Union Plus stepping up to fill that gap? As the ad says, ‘priceless.’”

Order beautiful flower arrangements and gift baskets through the Union Plus discount program and make someone’s day. Flowers are perfect for birthdays and holidays, and is a lovely way to say, "Get well," "Thank you!” or “Congrats.” Union members, retirees and family members save 20% to 25% by visiting unionplus.org/flowers or calling 888-667-7779.