[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 127 (Monday, November 13, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2007]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING THE KLINGER FAMILY

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                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 13, 2006

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize an accomplished family with nurseries in several of the 
agriculture hotspots of Florida's 5th District. The entire Klinger 
family has taken a leadership role in growing the Florida agriculture 
industry, including fighting for increased relief funding for 
communities devastated by natural disasters.
  The Klingers own and manage the lake Brantley Plant Corporation of 
Longwood, working as a team to grow their business and give back to 
their friends and neighbors. The family owned company currently has 
locations in Lake Brantley, Center Hill and Windermere.
  Started by Paul Sr. and his wife Regina in the 1970s, the Klingers 
today boast three generations working in the family business. Paul's 
four sons Bill, P.J., Dan, and John run the nursery operations, but 
still rely on Paul Sr.'s years of experience and advice.
  In addition to his active role in the nursery, Bill also served as 
the 2004 President of the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape 
Association. He is involved in politics and is a tireless advocate for 
the green industry and Florida agriculture.
  P.J., who is the Director of Research and Development at the Center 
Hill operation in Sumter County, has also taken a leadership role in 
the community and serves on the Extension Advisory Board. He oversees 
growing practices at all three sites and monitors compliance with Best 
Management Practices. P.J.'s three sons also work for the family 
business. Ben is the dispatcher at the Lake Brantley plant, Brad is in 
sales and Barrett is the Assistant Nursery Manager at Lake Brantley.
  Serving as the manager of the Center Hill nursery, Dan is joined by 
his son Adam, who serves as the Nursery Manager at the Windermere 
location, and a daughter Ashley who is in customer service.
  John manages the Longwood nursery and has three children, Caroline, 
Katie and Jack, who are eager to join the family business one day as 
well.
  Mr. Speaker, families like the Klingers deserve recognition for their 
hard work and dedication to Florida's agricultural community. They have 
dedicated their lives to grow their business, improving the lives of 
area residents by growing and expanding their plant operations, and 
bringing quality jobs to the entire region. The Klingers are to be 
commended for their work and I wish them the best of luck as they 
continue operations in the future.

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