[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 68 (Thursday, April 20, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E518]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        EARTH FRIENDLY PRODUCTS

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                        HON. RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 20, 2017

  Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize a family-owned and 
operated company celebrating its 50th anniversary on April 21, 2017.
  When it comes to trends that will keep America competitive in the 
global economy for generations to come, we think of innovation, 
entrepreneurship, environmentally friendly businesses, and 
manufacturing. I was sent to Congress by my constituents to look for 
innovative ways to bring these trends together, and today I am reminded 
that a shining example resides right here in my district in Addison, 
Illinois.
  The founding of Earth Friendly Products (ECOS) is a story that rivals 
any other. The founder, Van Vlahakis, immigrated from Greece to the 
United States with $22 in his pocket in 1953 to escape poverty after 
World War II. First living in homeless shelters and speaking little 
English, he went on to study chemistry at Roosevelt University while 
working the night shift at a cleaning products company. During his 
work, he was exposed to harsh chemicals that gave him headaches and 
caused co-workers to suffer from rashes and other irritations. 
Remembering that his mother in Greece used natural substances such as 
water, vinegar and olive oil for cleaning, Vlahakis decided to start 
his own business to make better cleaning products. In 1967, he created 
in his home's garage what would become Earth Friendly Products. ECOS 
now sells more than 200 environmentally friendly cleaning products in 
more than 60 countries and has been recognized with safety awards by 
the Environmental Protection Agency.
  We all know we need to make more things in America again. ECOS is a 
great example of using clean technology to do that while still creating 
jobs for Illinois working families. Transforming Illinois into a center 
for science, technology, and innovation is the kind of opportunity that 
many of us envision for our state. This 50th anniversary for ECOS is an 
opportunity to remind the country that we can continue to use clean 
products that protect the environment while creating good-paying jobs 
at the same time. For ECOS, that means a $17 per hour companywide 
minimum wage started by the company in 2014.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have Earth Friendly Products in my 
district, and I look forward to the company continuing to create jobs 
for my constituents for the next 50 years. I celebrate the 50th 
anniversary of ECOS and the impact the company has had throughout the 
country.

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