By Alexandros Mizan

The Greek-American-owned company, which specializes in making environmentally-friendly cleaning products, opened its doors for the first time to the public since the renovation with the goal to show the Congressman and the world how sustainable manufacturing can create a thriving business even in the midst of the great recession.

Van Vlahakis father, founded the parent Company, Venus Laboratories, in 1967 in Chicago. In 1993 the company went entirely green with Earth Friendly Products. Vlahakis, an immigrant from Greece and chemist by profession, had a vision of manufacturing detergent and other cleaning products that are made out of renewable resources, are not harmful to the environment and its users and are less expensive to manufacture and sell than conventional products made by industry giants such as Procter & Gamble or Unilever.

In the company of Congressman Ed Royce, members of the American Hellenic Council were given a complete tour of the facility. Mr. Vlahakis, who is in charge of developing the products and his daughter Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, who is the Director of Marketing and Communications at the company, as well as other employees were eager to show us every step of production, from research and quality control testing to packaging and shipping.

The facility was recently retrofitted for being LEED-compliant and certified. 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.

Mr. Vlahakis stressed that he is planning to harness the solar power for the company’s other manufacturing and distribution facilities across the country. After all, who could argue with an investment providing a solid return that also makes one feel good about slowing down global warming?

What followed was an impressive lunch hosted by Ms. Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks. The food, which was prepared by Maria Foskari of Anaheim-based Foscari Cuisine & Catering was organically made and delicious. After lunch, Representative Ed Royce addressed all of the attendees, members of the American Hellenic Council as well as all the employees Earth Friendly Products and stressed the importance of protecting the environment while at the same time enhancing economic activity and generating quality jobs in the area. Mr. Royce, who is member of the International Conservation Caucus, applauded Earth Friendly Products employees for their work and Mr. Vlahakis for being able to develop and bring to market products that are free of formaldehyde, phosphates and chorine at a competitive price point. Congressman Royce also mentioned the importance of these products in maintaining our clean water supply which is increasingly important in light of the recent water-related tensions in many parts of California and draughts that are affecting the country.

The day concluded with a private meeting of AHC Board members with Congressman Royce and a brief discussion of issues that concern the Greek-American community. Mr. Royce expressed his continued support for the peaceful and fair reunification of Cyprus and agreed to co-sponsor H.R. 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 co-sign the resolution a few days later.

Overall, it was a very impressive event. Van and the Vlahakis family made us proud for showing that Greek-Americans can lead the way in protecting the planet and building successful businesses at the same time. The most impressive of all however was the fact that during our tour all the employees greeted us with a smile. They were genuinely happy and eager to host us and talk to us. Having worked in manufacturing management at a time where the US manufacturing base is shrinking, I can testify that it’s hard to find a company like this one. If one can look at Earth Friendly Products’ practices, one will be able to see solid wages, benefits and four bonuses a year. Truly an example-setter.