BloomNet®, an international wire service and world class business solutions provider, has announced the appointment of Renato C. Sogueco to the position of Vice President with responsibility for digital initiatives and educational programs.

Prior to joining BloomNet, Mr. Sogueco was Chief Information Officer for the Society of American Florists. In his new role at BloomNet, he will focus on bringing innovative business solutions and revenue-growth tools to BloomNet Florists...including offering Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and Social Media strategies and services to retail florists.

In addition, Mr. Sogueco will oversee the day-to-day operations of BloomNet’s Floriology Institute located in Jacksonville, Florida. Among his responsibilities will be spearheading the introduction of a new business curriculum for existing courses at the Floriology Institute® as well as developing new stand-alone business courses and serving as a course instructor.

“We are thrilled to welcome Renato Sogueco to our family,” said Mark Nance, AAF, President of BloomNet. “His extensive and diverse background in the floral industry, together with his wealth of knowledge and tremendous energy, will be powerful assets for BloomNet Florists in enhancing their growth opportunities and profit potential.”

Mr. Sogueco joined the Society of American Florists 22 years ago and soon progressed to Webmaster with responsibility for developing SAF’s first website. He was then promoted to Director of IT, playing a major role in assuring that SAF remained on the forefront of leading-edge technology.

For the past twelve years as CIO for SAF, Mr. Sogueco has managed a wide array of complex projects relating to software and hardware platforms while also providing a broad range of expertise in building premise and cloud infrastructures. Additionally, he has been invited to speak at numerous floral industry events and technology forums, sharing his knowledge of IT strategy, mobile policy, virtualization, content management systems, business intelligence, social media tactics, search strategies, electronic marketing, and several other topics.

Among many other duties and accomplishments, Mr. Sogueco has also served as a consultant to hundreds of floral businesses large and small including retail shops, garden centers, wholesalers, and growers; he has been a liaison to the SAF Retailers and Wholesale Councils and Technology Committee resulting in widespread absorption of best practices and entrepreneurial thinking shared by many of the industry’s most successful businesses; and he has served on SAF’s education team developing the programming at that organization’s annual convention and other conferences.

About BloomNet®

As the leading floral industry service provider, BloomNet, a wholly-owned subsidiary of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, is focused on continually exceeding the expectations of its select community of Florists. Retail Florists across the nation and around the globe rely upon BloomNet as their trusted source for unique personalized service, comprehensive florist care, innovative programs, and quality products designed to increase their viability. BloomNet is committed to working side by side with our Florists to foster industry education, build community, and develop long term relationships built on trust, commitment, and dependability.