Ecke Ranch Introduces New Management Team Steve Rinehart Named COO; Andy Higgins Named President.

ENCINITAS, Calif. -- Paul Ecke Ranch today introduced its new management team, led by CEO Paul Ecke III, Chief Operating Officer Steve Rinehart, and President Andy Higgins.

Under the new management structure, Paul Ecke III is maintaining his title and responsibilities as CEO, a position he has held with the Ranch for 14 years. Steve Rinehart and Andy Higgins are filling senior management position after extensive careers -- thirty-seven years combined -- with the Ranch.

"With their strong leadership skills and extensive experience and knowledge of our industry, Andy and Steve are natural choices to lead the Ranch," said Paul Ecke III. "Andy and Steve will help guide the Ranch as we solidify our roots in Encinitas and expand our focus and reach in the international floral industry," said Ecke.

As Chief Operating Officer, Steve Rinehart will be responsible for managing production and operations of Ranch facilities worldwide. Over the past 20 years, Rinehart has worked in numerous positions at the Ranch, including Senior Vice President of Production and Operations, Director of Product Development, and Head Grower. He also has extensive general management experience in off-shore operations at an Ecke Ranch Mexican affiliate.

"As part of the Ecke senior management team, I've seen this industry evolve and grow over the years, taking on a broader, more global approach," said Rinehart. "Despite the difficulties and technical demands of the 21st century floriculture industry, Ecke Ranch's focus on product quality and customer satisfaction has never changed."

Rinehart is a graduate of The Ohio State University in Horticulture and has a degree in Executive Management from UCLA's Anderson Graduate School of Management.

Rinehart and his wife Vicki are 20-year residents of Encinitas, and have raised their three sons here. Rinehart stays involved with the Encinitas community by working with a local elementary school's Destination Imagination program.

Andy Higgins was recently promoted to President of Ecke Ranch. As President, Mr. Higgins will utilize his 17 years of senior management experience at the Ranch and Paul Ecke de Guatemala to focus on developing long-range strategy, including the planned modernization of the Ranch's Encinitas facilities. He will continue to oversee day-to-day management of Ranch operations, including sales and marketing, human resources, finances, IT and master scheduling.

"The Ranch's history in Encinitas and its contributions to the community are well-documented," said Higgins. "As we move to expand our reach in the global marketplace, we are taking steps to secure our future home here in Encinitas. Our plans are to completely modernize our facilities so that we can expand our product line, which will require a more precise growing environment," he said.

Higgins earned his B.S. in ornamental horticulture from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, and recently completed a graduate-level certificate in general management from UCLA's Anderson Graduate School of Management.

Higgins and his family have lived in North County for 19 years, and in Encinitas for the past six years. He is a volunteer with the Ecke Family YMCA Adventure Guides program.

Former Ranch President Chris Calkins is leaving his position to serve on the Ranch's Board of Directors. "I have worked with Andy and Steve for a long time," said Calkins. "Under Paul Ecke III's leadership, the Ranch's new management team has what it takes to thrive in the international floral market," said Calkins. "As a member of the board, I look forward to staying closely involved in the Ranch's success," he said.

Individual head shots of CEO Paul Ecke III, Chief Operating Officer Steve Rinehart, and President Andy Higgins are available upon request.

The Ecke family has operated the Encinitas floriculture ranch since 1923. A mainstay in North Coastal San Diego, Ecke Ranch produces more than 70% of the poinsettias grown in North America. The Ecke Ranch is one of the largest private employers in the City of Encinitas. For more information, please visit the Ecke Ranch website, www.ecke.com.