LOS ANGELES - 9/20/2009

The American Hellenic Council, in combination with Earth Friendly Products hosted an event at the company’s Garden Grove manufacturing facility with special invitee the local Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA40) who is representing the district in the US House of Representatives.

During the event, Mr. Royce who has been an overall strong supporter of our positions in Congress had a chance to meet with our delegation in a private setting to discuss issues that concern our community. Among other AHC members that attended, present were VP of Political Action Aris Anagnos, Executive Director Alexander Mizan and board member Jim Pilafas.

During the private meeting with the Congressman and one his associates, Mr. Royce expressed his continued support for the peaceful and fair reunification of Cypurs. He mentioned that he had visited Cyprus and was taken aback by the sheer number of Turkish troops (almost 40,000) that are occupying the geographically small northern third of the island.

We informed Mr. Royce about  House Resolution 486 urging the F.Y.R.O.M. to negotiate with Greece on arriving to a permanent and just solution to the name dispute. Mr. Royce did agree to co-sign the resolution, which he did a few days later.

Aside from foreign policy issues, the event featured a tour of the facility of Earth Friendly Products by AHC members and Congressman Royce and a discussion of eco-friendly manufacturing. The company is family-owned by Greek-Americans. Van Vlahakis founded Venus Laboratories, the parent company in 1967. By 1993, the company was completely green with Earth Friendly Products. His daughter and VP of Public Relations Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, who is also a board member of the AHC was instrumental in organizing the event.

Our members were able to see every step of production, from research and quality control testing to packaging and shipping. The factory produces cleaning products that are made out of renewable resources, are not harmful to the environment and are less expensive to manufacture and sell than conventional products made by industry giants such as Procter & Gamble or Unilever.

Most, if not all, of the power used by the facility is being generated by the massive solar array that was recently installed on the roof of the building by Progressive Power Group. Chris Staskewicz, who is one of the principals of the company, was on site to show us the system that Mr. Vlahakis calls one of the best investments he has made.

During the luncheon, that was organized and sponsored by the company, we had a chance to hear Congressman Royce discuss sustainable manufacturing processes. He praised the employees of the company for the important work they perform. The food, which was prepared by Maria Foskari of Anaheim-based Foscari Cuisine & Catering was organically made and delicious. Congressman Royce also mentioned the importance of these products in maintaining our clean water supply which is increasigly important in light of the recnet water-related tensions in many parts of California and draughts that are affecting the country.

American Hellenic Council members discuss with Congressman Ed Royce issues that concern the Greek-American Community

AHC VP of Political Action Aris Anagnos discusses Foreign Policy with Congressman Ed Royce.

Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA40) with AHC Board Member Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks & Van Vlahakis of Earth Friendly Products

Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks shows Congressman Ed-Royce the Solar Panel Array Installation at the rooftop of the Earth Friendly Products facility in Garden Grove, CA

Copyright - AHC 2009
For more information please contact: American Hellenic Council Director: Alexander Mizan 323-651-3507

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