Miller Receives Paul Ecke, Jr. Award

Miller Receives Paul Ecke, Jr. Award

If you need data, or want to know about a statistical trend in the floriculture industry, start with Dr. Marvin Miller of Ball Horticultural Co.–winner of the Society of American Florists’ (SAF) Paul Ecke Jr. Award.

“Marvin is known all over the industry as the data guy,” says Paul Ecke III of Paul Ecke Ranch, who presented the award to Miller during SAF’s 125th Annual Convention. “The Paul Ecke Award represents dedication to the floral industry, to the profession and to the community–all that my father stood for. I know my father would have been very pleased to present this award to someone who has truly made a difference in the floral industry.”

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As the market research manager for Ball, Miller spends every day intently focused on the changing structure, conduct and performance of the floral industry, SAF says. A relentless researcher, his in-depth analysis of data from all parts of the industry, state and federal government and other sources has created a wealth of knowledge.

“But what’s great about Marvin is he doesn’t stay put in his office. Instead, he is often in the field talking to growers and garden centers, hearing what they have to say and analyzing their feedback just as intensely as he analyzes numbers,” Ecke says.

Miller also has been a valuable contributor to SAF’s government relations committee. “He has worn the leather off several pairs of shoes during his frequent visits to Washington, D.C., for Congressional Action Days,” Ecke says.

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Throughout his career, Miller has met with USDA officials to lobby for additional research reports and to question USDA about the format, reliability and usefulness of federal statistics. A frequent author and speaker on a wide range of topics, Miller also is president of and an ambassador for America In Bloom, which recognizes towns and cities across the nation for their efforts to beautify their streets and public areas with plants and flowers.

Miller is a native of Baltimore and received his bachelor’s degree in horticulture and master’s degree in agricultural economics from Purdue University. His doctorate in food and resources economics is from the University of Florida.

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