When Earth Friendly Products opens its sparkling new ultra green Southeastern Division manufacturing facility on Friday, Nov. 9, the heat in Miami will be turned up more than just one or two notches. The maker of ECOS, the world’s top-selling green laundry detergent, is putting the final touches on its newest regional plant in preparation for the big day ahead. They will kick off the gala with a “green carpet” event, a ribbon-cutting, a tour for VIPs and the media, and a special luncheon for honored guests.
With support from Hollywood, Washington, D.C., Florida, Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami, the launch of the new plant will be a memorable event for the whole greater Miami community. Among the well-wishers is the star of TV’s “Dharma & Greg,” actress and mother, Jenna Elfman who will give a very special message of praise and support. Others who will be part of the VIP luncheon include keynote speaker Congressman Gus Bilirakis; CEO of Healthy Child Healthy World, Gigi Lee Chang; John Vlahakis, President of Earth Friendly Products, and Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, Executive Vice President of Earth Friendly Products.
Additional speakers will include the Honorable Jean Monestime, Miami-Dade District 2 County Commissioner; the Honorable Myra Taylor, Mayor of Opa-locka; Diana Rodriguez, Special Assistant to the Mayor of Miami, the Honorable Carlos A. Gimenez, and Dr. Van Vlahakis, CEO and Owner of Earth Friendly Products.
To top off the gala, Earth Friendly Products will continue its commitment to the local community by presenting a check to the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation. “We are proud to support Miami Children’s Hospital,” said Ms. Vlahakis-Hanks. “This hospital has become one of the top-rated pediatric medical facilities in America and the continuing hard work and dedication of the Foundation and the ongoing commitment to excellence by everyone connected with the hospital is really wonderful.”
Designed by a LEED-certified architect, the many sustainable, energy efficient and pollution control features surpass the highest environmental construction standards. Solar panels that deliver clean, renewable power and make the facility energy self-sufficient, solar tubes, Daylight harvesting, water and energy efficient appliances, and occupancy sensors are just a few of the distinctive features that make the new plant an environmental hallmark for South Florida. For the company, it represents another step forward in Earth Friendly Products’ commitment to incorporate the very latest advancements in environmental technology at all of the company’s five regional plants which are strategically located across the United States to keep their carbon footprint low.
A strong commitment to excellence in product research and development is a vital part of the heritage of Earth Friendly Products. “It’s important for people to realize that the inspiration behind the creation of our company was our own children and grandchildren,” said Dr. Van Vlahakis. “We wanted to provide a legacy of environmental responsibility and a commitment to the development of products that would pose no harm to people or animals. For decades, we have strived to keep that promise to future generations and we will continue to keep our pledge as we provide products that people can trust and depend on.”
Readers who would like to learn more about what Earth Friendly Products is doing for the environment, please visit www.ecos.com.
By Tricia Kent
