Thank you Don. It's great to be here today.

I am pleased that my wife, Lou, was able to join us today - she has always been a great supporter of the wildflower program.

It is good to see that Bill Johnson has joined us as well.

I want to thank the women of the Garden Club of North Carolina for their ongoing support of our program and this luncheon.

I don't know what we would do without you.

Wildflowers are one of the department's most popular programs -- one that continues to expand each year.

New wildflower beds are added annually -- we now have more than 3,000 acres across the state.

Native plantings continue to increase, and we are leading the nation in techniques for harvesting our seed.

And this year we also continue to see the results of our Monarch Butterfly Program.

During the past year, as I traveled across the state, I heard from citizens and visitors about how much they enjoy the wildflowers that you plant along our highways.

While our roads are among the best in the nation, people may not notice our advanced pavement markers or the miles of guardrail installed for their protection.

But these amazing flowers leave a lasting impression on motorists -- whether locals or visitors, they notice the flowers.

Now more than ever, each of you plays a key role in the economic development of our state.

In these tough budget times, Governor Easley is working hard promoting our state to potential industries to ensure job growth and stability as well as touting our state as a great place to visit.

Your efforts allow the department to showcase the natural beauty of our state.

It is proven that attractive and clean roadsides are strong indicators for industry recruitment.

North Carolina is a leader in transportation -- but also in wildflower plantings and beautifying our highways.

We continually are contacted for seed sources, planting instructions and soil suggestions by transportation departments all over the country -- and by citizens all over the world.

It is often said that imitation is the highest form of flattery.

In closing, I want to thank each DOT employee who contributes to the ongoing efforts of the Roadside Environmental Unit.

Your work is greatly appreciated and admired.