[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 17]
[EXT]
[Pages 24294-24295]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



         CARMEN COSENTINO WINS FLORICULTURE HALL OF FAME AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 5, 1999

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker: Today I am proud to commend one of my 
constituents and a very good personal friend, Mr. Carmen Cosentino. 
Last week the Society of American Florists recognized the achievements 
of outstanding individuals in the floral industry and gave its highest 
honor, induction into the Floriculture Hall of Fame, to Carm Cosentino.
  The purpose of the Floriculture Hall of Fame is to honor men and 
women who have made outstanding and lasting contributions to the 
advancement of floriculture as an integral part of the American way of 
life.
  Carm, who owns Cosentino's Florist in Auburn, New York, is a well-
known industry spokesperson who has touched many in the floral industry 
through his talks, magazine articles and educational seminars. In his 
43 years in the floral industry, Carm's passion has redefined how 
potent a grassroots effort can be. He has dedicated his life to 
teaching others in his industry about proper care and handling in order 
to prolong enjoyment and appreciation of the beauty of flowers.
  Carm has spoken at hundreds of industry gatherings, instructed and 
acted as a spokesperson for major wire services, and has even 
translated his witty personal style onto paper as a contributor to many 
publications. His dedication to the floral industry is evidenced by his 
service as director of the SAF Board of Directors, vice president and 
president of the New York State Florists Association, and as director 
of the Seeley Conference.
  It is a true accomplishment that Carm also owns and operates his own 
retail flower shop

[[Page 24295]]

and wholesale business. Throughout his life in the floral industry, he 
has demonstrated the highest regard for improving the lives of everyone 
through flowers.
  I am proud to call Carm Cosentino my good friend, and I join his 
lovely wife Anne Marie and his family today in recognizing this 
professional achievement.

                          ____________________