May 27, 2006- Kaptur Unveils Flower of the Year to Showcase Ohio's "Bloom Coast" on Flower Day

Our coastal region can draw millions of visitors here annually byshowcasing the beauty of our 'Bloom Coast’. Lucas and LorainCountiesare Ohio's flowercapitals. Homeowners, businesses, organizations and local governments canvisually show their support by beautifying their own property andneighborhood,” said Kaptur. “Through coordinated theme plantings, our regionwill draw visitors to lake-oriented experiences from Toledo to Clevelandas our region gains a reputation as the Cape Cod or Hilton Head of the Midwest. Our hope is that this willbuild a major, annual eco-tourism attraction, as the Maumee Valley Growers,Lake Erie Coastal Ohio and so many other entities pursue their efforts.”

Maumee Valley Growers is an association of wholesale and retail greenhousegrowers who are dedicated to growing the Northern Ohio floriculture industry.Lake Erie Coastal Ohio is also working with Maumee Valley Growers,botanical gardens, Metroparks, and others to plan for native species plantingsalong scenic byways in Northern Ohioand to market our coast.

Agriculture is Ohio’s number oneindustry, and Kaptur is committed to exploring ways for family farmers andgrowers to compete in a global environment. During her visit to theFarmers’ Market today, Kaptur also encouraged qualified people to participatein the Senior Farmers’ Market Coupon program which has provided more than $5million in fresh fruits and vegetables to thousands of the region's olderadults, while also providing income to hundreds of local growers by spendingour food dollars locally..

To find local growers in your area, go to www.maumeevalleygrowers.comand, for farm markets, to www.ohioproud.org/fmdirectory.