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[Page S850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING SUN HARVEST CITRUS
Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, as chairman of the Senate
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I honor a
small business that demonstrates America's unique entrepreneurial
spirit. I am pleased to recognize a business that has been a notable
member of their local community for nearly 30 years. Today, it is my
pleasure to name Sun Harvest Citrus of Fort Myers, FL, as the Senate
Small Business of the Week.
Founded in 1990 by Sandy McKenzie Nicely, Sun Harvest Citrus is known
for their high-quality citrus products, which makes them a premiere
Fort Myers destination. Their produce is sourced from citrus groves
originally purchased by Sandy's grandfather Robert Edsall, Sr., in
1940. The grove, located along the east coast of Florida and consisting
of approximately 800 acres of land, has passed through her family for
three generations and is now managed by her brother, David McKenzie.
Sandy became inspired to open the Sun Harvest Citrus store in 1990 when
the Florida citrus industry dealt with overproduction. The store became
a great way to sell the surplus citrus from the groves, while offering
a location for customers to gather. Since 1990, they have expanded
their products to offer several different types of citrus produce,
juices, candies, and sweets, as well as serve as a tourist attraction
for the Fort Myers area.
Today, Sun Harvest Citrus employs more than 25 Floridians and
produces a diverse variety of orange and grapefruit products. The store
sells seasonal citrus baskets and produces up to 2,500 gallons of juice
a day. One of their most popular products is the Orange Vanilla mix
soft-serve ice cream that has become a well-known tourist stop for
people traveling down the west coast of Florida. Many of their products
are seasonal, such as Valencia oranges or Honeybell tangelos, with Sun
Harvest Citrus providing each seasonal fruit and juice during the
months they are produced.
In addition to their store and citrus groves, Sun Harvest Citrus has
become a centerpiece in the Fort Myers community. USA Today listed Sun
Harvest Citrus as one of the 10 best places to shop in the Fort Myers
area. Sun Harvest Citrus also distributes their juice to local
businesses and community events. For example, in an effort to spread
Christmas cheer, Sun Harvest Citrus provided their fresh orange juice
to patients and families at a holiday event hosted by the local Fort
Myers Kiwanis at the John Hopkins All Children's Outpatient Care
center.
Sun Harvest Citrus is an excellent example of a family run business
that is making a positive impact in their community. I commend this
Florida business for its dedication to providing great products to the
community and creating a gathering place where all local residents and
visitors are welcomed. I am proud to recognize everyone at Sun Harvest
Citrus, and I look forward to seeing their continued success.
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