[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 26, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E540-E541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF EARTH FRIENDLY PRODUCTS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 26, 2017

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the 
outstanding public service of the Vlahakis family on the occasion of 
the 50th Anniversary of the founding of their family's company, Earth 
Friendly Products. The success story of the Vlahakis family is one of 
love, labor, and perseverance. This family owned and operated company 
began with the vision of Van Vlahakis, who immigrated to America from 
Greece with just $22 in his pocket. He spoke little English, yet he 
made something of himself, studying chemistry at Roosevelt University 
and founding the company out of his garage in 1967.
   Born out of Van's own experience suffering the effects of exposure 
to harsh chemicals, Earth Friendly Products was a green company before 
being green was fashionable.
   The Vlahakis family's commitment to sustainability is evidenced by 
their decision to use safe ingredients, earning recognition as the 2015 
EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year. Just last year, they opened a new 
Carbon

[[Page E541]]

Neutral Platinum Zero Waste manufacturing center, demonstrating 
leadership in the cause of sound environmental stewardship.
   The Vlahakis' dedication to a healthier and happier planet applies 
not just to their corporate philosophy, but to their community. They 
have created good jobs and voluntarily implemented a $17 per hour 
company-wide minimum wage, one of the highest in the nation. They also 
bring interactive educational programs directly to kids in schools, and 
host field trips at their facilities.
   Although Van Vlahakis passed away in 2014, his legacy lives on under 
the leadership of his daughter and my friend, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks. 
Kelly is a champion in the Greek-American community and she has been an 
inspiration to those in the green movement.
   Fifty years after Van Vlahakis had the foresight to make products 
with safe ingredients and sustainable practices, much of America has 
caught up to his vision. We now expect the goods we purchase to be both 
effective and safe and we demand that companies not exploit the 
environment in pursuit of profits.
   Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks and Earth 
Friendly Products as they celebrate this momentous anniversary.

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