William L. Clay: “Mr. Speaker, Paul Ecke, Jr., revolutionized the way poinsettias are bred, produced and sold in the United States, making…”

“Mr. Speaker, Paul Ecke, Jr., revolutionized the way poinsettias are bred, produced and sold in the United States, making it the best selling potted flowering plant in the United States and the world. The poinsettia, which is native to Central America, flourished in Southern Mexico, where the Aztec Indians used it decoratively, for medicine, and for dye for textiles. The poinsettia was first brought to the U.S. by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico from 1825 to 1829. Ecke Ranch, established by Paul Ecke, Sr., and subsequently owned and developed by Paul Ecke, Jr., created a worldwide poinsettia market. In 2001, poinsettias contributed $250 million in sales at the wholesale level to the United States economy, and many times that amount to the economies of countries around the world. This resolution recognizes Paul Ecke, Jr.'s integrity and determination and love of people which have enabled him to develop the poinsettia industry and extends condolences to his family on his death. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.”