Floor Statements

Madam President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize the Original Saw Company of Britt, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 1990, Robert and Laurie Eden started the Original Saw Company. After purchasing Jones Machinery Company, the couple moved the business from Des Moines to Britt in 1989. Later, the Edens bought Lancaster Machinery and the rights to begin manufacturing the radial arm saw. By the fall of 1990, the couple officially rebranded as the Original Saw Company.

In 1993, after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa, Robert's son Allen joined the company full time. For nearly a decade, the father-son duo successfully managed the business together until 2002, when Allen took over as president of the company.

Today, Original Saw Company has grown to a team of 21 community members and stands as the sole American manufacturer of radial arm and beam saws. The company has expanded its offerings from an initial lineup of 11 models to 24, ranging in sizes from 12 inches to 22.5 inches The company also offers tools such as saw measuring systems, extension tables, miter saw stands, and other essential woodworking products. In 2018, Original Saw Company doubled the size of its production facility. In 2020, they strengthened its capabilities further with the purchase of a molding machinery company. Original Saw Company's partner company Jones Machinery also provides machinery services and sales across the Midwest.

Original Saw Company actively supports its community through sponsoring activity tickets for West Hancock Community School District, ensuring all elementary students can attend home sporting events. Additionally, Original Saw Company is a member of various industry organizations, such as the Wood Industries Association, where Allen served as the president. The company is also a member of the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings as well as the Cabinet Makers Association. In December 2022, Allen was awarded the North Iowa Area Community College Entrepreneur of the Month. This September, Original Saw Company looks forward to celebrating its 35th anniversary.

Original Saw Company's commitment to crafting reliable saws, parts, and services underscores its dedication to quality and American manufacturing. I want to congratulate the Eden family, as well as the team at Original Saw Company, for their dedication to the woodworking industry and their local community. I look forward to seeing their continued success in Iowa.

Madam President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Iowa Spring Manufacturing of Adel, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 1976, James Bianco founded Iowa Spring Manufacturing to create and deliver large, heavy-duty metal springs for agricultural and mechanical equipment and overhead garage door industries. Before starting the business, James lived in Des Moines and worked as a salesman for an Indiana-based mechanical spring company. He leveraged his experience and long-standing relationships to start his own spring manufacturing business.

James and his wife Kathy began with a single machine and consulted an engineer to bring their vision to life. By 1979, the company relocated its headquarters to Adel to accommodate its growing operations. James managed Iowa Spring Manufacturing for more than 25 years and stepped down as CEO in 2002, handing over the reins to his son Tim Bianco, who joined the business full-time in 1989.

Iowa Spring Manufacturing continues to expand its products to manufacture and deliver metal springs for agriculture, construction, and recreational industries. In 2007, the business launched a garage door spring division named Southern Atlantic Spring in North Carolina. With operations in three States, the company maintains over 450,000 square feet of manufacturing space, including their new 60,000-square- foot facility in Adel, which opened in April 2023. Under Tim's leadership over the last 20 years, Iowa Spring Manufacturing has grown from 30 employees to more than 200 employees, taking American-made springs across the Western Hemisphere.

Iowa Spring Manufacturing is a member of the Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Farm Equipment Manufacturing Association. Additionally, Tim sits on the executive board of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI), as well as the board of the Spring Manufacturing Institute. In 2021, ABI awarded Tim with the Legend in Manufacturing Award. Locally, Iowa Spring Manufacturing is a dedicated supporter of the Adel Public Library and Adel High School. Across its locations in Iowa, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, the company also works to support the local fire and emergency services. Next November, Iowa Spring Manufacturing looks forward to celebrating its 49th anniversary in Iowa.

Iowa Spring Manufacturing's commitment to providing the country with reliable, American-made equipment is clear. I want to congratulate this family and the team for their dedication to keeping American-made metal springs available across the United States. I look forward to seeing their continued success.

Madam President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Lakefront Living of Pleasantville, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 2018, Stacy Rowson started Lakefront Living after working as an embryologist for 13 years. She initially focused on selling custom sand and engraved vases for weddings and unity ceremonies, she expanded her business over time and moved it out of her home and into a rented a space in Pleasantville, IA. In 2019, Stacy purchased and transformed an old grocery store into the brick-and-mortar storefront where Lakefront Living remains today.

While sand creations were the foundation of the business, Stacy's entrepreneurial spirit drove her to explore new possibilities. A suggestion from a community member sparked the idea to invest in a direct-to-film printer, opening the door to designing and printing custom products.

Today, Lakefront Living specializes in customizable apparel, accessories, and gifts--all crafted in-house. The business has six community-based employees who assist Stacy with the design process. From custom tumblers to soaps and bags, Lakefront Living also plays a key role in creating much of the merchandise for the local high school. The company collaborates with small businesses across the Midwest to bring unique gifts and decor to the store. Lakefront Living also hosts parties, painting workshops, and charcuterie-making classes.

Lakefront Living's dedication and impact on the community has not gone unnoticed. The business is an alumnus of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program and has won several awards, including the 2021 Pleasantville Business of the Year and placing second in the Red Rock Startup Pitch Contest. This year, the Marion County Economic Development Commission also recognized Lakefront Living as the Best Small-Town Retail Store and the Best Hobby and Special Interest Store in Marion County. Stacy also plays an active role in the Pleasantville community through her involvement with the Pleasantville FFA

Alumni Association, Pleasantville Community School District High School Boosters Club, and the Liberty Evangelical Free Church youth group. Additionally, Stacy cofounded the Pleasantville Christmas on the Square, an annual event that takes place on Small Business Saturday. Next year, Stacy and her team look forward to celebrating Lakefront Living's fifth anniversary.

Lakefront Living's desire to create customized quality products is clear. I want to congratulate Stacy Rowson, her family, and the team at Lakefront Living for not only offering unique, quality products, but also working to uplift other small I look forward to seeing their continued success in Iowa.

Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Elliott Art Studio of Jefferson, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 2023, Chad and Alyssa Elliott opened Elliott Art Studio in Jefferson. Chad Elliott, a lifelong artist and painter, started creating art as early as 5 years old. His skills and passion for art grew after graduating with a degree in ceramics from Graceland University. While honing his skills, Chad also discovered a new passion for music, teaching himself guitar and integrating this creative outlet into his life as an artist. Today, Chad tours the country as a musician, both as a solo artist and as one-half of a duo named the Weary Ramblers. The Iowa duo was even considered for seven Grammy nominations this year.

Chad created all of his art in a home studio before his family moved to Jefferson in 2023. Inspired by the community's vibrant support for the arts, the Elliotts decided to open a brick-and-mortar location to create, sell, and teach art to aspiring artists. The studio is sectioned into a gallery in the front that displays finished pieces and a workshop in the back to develop art. The Elliotts also purchased a pottery wheel and kiln to create ceramics pieces in the studio. The studio has grown to become more than an art space, hosting concerts with local artists, open mic nights, and song circles.

Chad and Alyssa manage Elliott Art Studio, with their children contributing their own artwork to the gallery. Recently, the couple expanded their products to offer hoodies and home decor featuring Chad's designs. They also plan to launch painting and pottery classes, as well as artistic workshops.

To give back to the community that helped inspire the studio, the Elliotts are active in the Jefferson community through their involvement on the downtown Jefferson business promotions team, which helps support small businesses in the community. Chad also shares his talents throughout Iowa, painting murals in Coon Rapids, Spencer, and his hometown of Guthrie Center. The business looks forward to celebrating their second anniversary in Jefferson in May 2025.

Elliott Art Studio's commitment to inspire the next generation of Iowa artists is commendable. I want to congratulate the Elliotts for their creativity and dedication to growing the art community, and I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Sully Locker & Market of Sully, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 1946, Nelson Terpstra opened Sully Locker & Market as a local meat processor and storage facility. The Terpstra family owned and operated the locker through 2012, then sold it to another local family. In the spring of 2020, Rick and Cheryl Nikkel purchased the company. The Nikkels aimed to expand the business while honoring its more than 70- year legacy in Sully, where Cheryl grew up relying on the Sully Locker to store and process her family's livestock.

Today, Sully Locker & Market processes over 850 cattle annually and manages every step of the process, from butchering and packaging to storing and shipping fresh cuts of meat nationwide. The business is also a full-service meat retail store, offering groceries, home decor gifts, and Cheryl's homemade soups and dips that are prepared on-site. In April 2023, the Nikkels expanded by opening the Sully Meat Market in Ankeny, IA. The market focuses on retail, offering a variety of cuts of meat from steaks to deli meat, as well as locally raised bison from Iowa Prairie Bison and local baked goods from La Rose Marie Bakery of Sully. Beyond managing Sully Locker & Market, the Nikkels run their family farm, raising over 700 cattle and numerous hogs.

Sully Locker & Market has continued to grow, now employing 13 community members, including their son Josh, who is responsible for overseeing the meat processing operations. The company actively supports initiatives such as Hope Ministries, an organization in Des Moines committed to finding solutions to homelessness across Iowa. The business also works closely with the Lynnville-Sully Community School District to support a variety of charity efforts.

Sully Locker & Market is a proud member of the Iowa Meat Processors Association (IMPA) and will be celebrating its 79th anniversary next year.

I want to congratulate the Nikkel family and the rest of the team for their dedication to offering locally sourced quality products and providing a needed service to the community. I look forward to seeing their continued success.

Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize the Bakery Unlimited of Winterset, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 1984, Jim and Marcia Sparks opened The Bakery Unlimited on Main Street in Winterset. Jim was working in insurance when an unusual opportunity presented itself in the form of a pizza oven, a bread rounder, and mixer. Initially, the couple purchased the equipment with hopes of reselling it, but they changed their plans when a historic 1883 building on Winterset's Main Street was looking for a new owner and recognized the community's need for a warm and welcoming gathering place; the Sparks decided to transform the historic building into a bakery. Leaning on Marcia's background as a food nutritional research graduate from Iowa State University and her collection of crafted recipes, the couple brought The Bakery Unlimited to life.

From the beginning, The Bakery Unlimited delighted the community with old-fashioned baked goods made from scratch. While the bakery features a wide variety of offerings from breads and bagels to pies and cakes, its signature items are doughnuts and apple fritters. These fritters are made using Red Delicious apples grown from the Sparks' own orchard, a tribute to Madison County, the birthplace of the iconic apple.

In November 2020, Winterset lost a beloved community figure when Marcia Sparks passed away. It was my honor to meet Marcia in August of 2019, to bake alongside her, and learn how to make her famous apple fritters. Marcia was incredibly kind, greeting everyone who entered the bakery with a friendly smile and warm welcome. After she passed away in November 2020, her legacy lives on through the impact she had on the community, as well as through her daughter Katie Sparks, who grew up immersed in the bakery. Katie learned her mother's many baking traditions and recipes. Today, Katie manages all the baking and oversees the business' day-to-day operations. Marcia was a member of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, as well as the president of the Retail Bakers Association, providing knowledge and expertise to aspiring bakers across the country. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Marcia baked and donated 250 loaves of bread for members of the Winterset Community. The bakery has continued

this tradition as Katie bakes and donates 250 loaves of bread each Memorial Day to honor her mother. While the bakery doesn't ask or require donations, funds collected during these events are directed to causes in the community, such as helping the Winterset Fire Department, as well as helping a family purchase a stove after their home was destroyed by a tornado.

Today, The Bakery Unlimited is thriving with a team of eight community members and has continued to grow while gaining notoriety across Iowa and the country. In June 2024, USA Today named The Bakery Unlimited one of the top 10 doughnut shops in the United States. In addition, Sara Broers included the bakery in her book, ``100 Things to Do in Iowa Before You Die.'' Deeply rooted in the community, The Bakery Unlimited actively supports local events for schools and the Iowa 4-H program. The bakery is also a proud member of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Businesses and recently celebrated its 40th anniversary in October.

The Bakery Unlimited's commitment to baking one-of-a-kind treats and bringing the Madison County community together is clear. I want to congratulate the Sparks family and the rest of The Bakery Unlimited team for their dedication to creating outstanding baked goods for everyone to enjoy. I look forward to seeing their continued success.

Madam President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Vander Haag's, Inc., of Spencer, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 1939, John C. Vander Haag, Sr., founded South Side Junkyard in Sanborn, IA. It was initially created as a scrap metal business to support the wartime effort. However, he noticed a growing demand for truck parts throughout World War II and transformed the business into a trusted supplier of recycled truck parts. In 1955, his son John C. Vander Haag, Jr., took over and expanded the company's services and community footprint. In 1969, South Side Junkyard rebranded into Vander Haag's, Inc. They relocated its headquarters to Spencer, IA, to enhance repair services and provide an opportunity to better supply truck parts throughout the State. The company evolved into a multifunctional business, focused on customer service and community support.

Today, John M. Vander Haag, the founder's grandson, serves as the president of the company. Over three generations, Vander Haag's has grown into a full-service provider of new and used truck parts, offering services from truck repairs and equipment sales to installation and truck and trailer sales. With 11 locations and a team of over 350 people across the Midwest and Texas, Vander Haag's is recognized as a national leader in the trucking industry.

Through its products, services, and philanthropy, Vander Haag's is deeply involved in its communities. The business sponsors the Career and Technical Academy, which trains people for various job opportunities. The team also supports Woodworking with a Purpose, which has provided over 2,000 desks for schoolchildren since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, Trucks, Parts, and Service recognized Vander Haag's as a Distributor of the Year finalist, marking the company's 3rd year receiving this honor.

In 1997, the Vander Haag family founded Yesterday's Memories & Truck Museum in Sanborn, showcasing antique cars, trucks, and everyday items from the past 80 years. The museum also offers space for nonprofits and other organizations to host events at little to no cost. The Vander Haag family also received the 2022 Beyond Expectations Award from the Iowa Area Development Group for its support in constructing 20 duplexes in Sanborn. Thanks to three generations of hard work, Vander Haag's will celebrate its 86th anniversary next year.

Vander Haag's commitment to high-quality service and customer satisfaction as a family-owned and operated business is clear. I want to congratulate the Vander Haags and the entire team for their dedication to providing exceptional experiences to families in Iowa and across the country. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Repaint Studios of Hampton, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

At the beginning of 2021, Billie Asmus left her career in the agriculture industry to pursue furniture refinishing and refurbishing full-time while caring for her first child. As time went on, Billie became acutely aware of the waste and mess generated by disposable plastic paint trays and was motivated to explore sustainable alternatives that wasn't available in the market.

Billie returned to school to pursue a sustainable alternative to paint trays when she was pregnant with her second child. She entered a pitch competition and won third place for her concept: the Repaint Tray. Encouraged by the success and feedback, Billie filed the nonprovisional patent for the Repaint Tray and found a manufacturing team that helped her expand her business. She attended meetings with her newborn strapped to her chest and was committed to following through what would later be categorized as groundbreaking innovation. Later that year, Billie publicly announced the Repaint Tray at the Iowa EntreFEST pitch competition, secured third place, and earned recognition as one of Iowa's Top 10 Startups.

After winning the Lowe's Global Blue Product Pitch Competition in December 2023, Repaint Studios officially launched the Repaint Tray to the market in February 2024. In August, Repaint Studios won first place at the Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition. The company now sells Repaint Trays, lids, and liners worldwide through its online marketplace. Partnering with six independent retailers, as well as Lowe's and Home Depot, Repaint Studios expanded its reach and will launch in Lowe's stores nationwide, including all locations in Iowa, later this year.

After graduating from the Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center at North Iowa Area Community College, Billie returned to the venture school program as a coach. In this role, she helps new entrepreneurs navigate the process and challenges of product-based manufacturing. Repaint Studios has also created a giveback program to recycle all damaged products. Billie has partnered with TerraCycle, a global leader in recycling, to ensure Repaint Studios materials are repurposed for the construction of accessible playgrounds with features for children with disabilities. Today, Repaint Studios has two community-based employees and looks forward to celebrating its third anniversary next year.

Repaint Studio's commitment to sustainability and customer service is inspiring. I want to congratulate Billie, her family, and the entire team at Repaint Studios for their dedication to innovative problem- solving and entrepreneurship. I look forward to seeing their continued success in Iowa.

Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. It is my privilege this week to recognize Delta Metals of Lamoni, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Before moving to Decatur County, IA, Marvin Peachey owned and operated Delta Metals in Delta, CO. After forming strong connections with friends and colleagues, in 2013, Marvin opened Delta Metals in Leon, offering a range of manufactured metal roll roofing and siding products.

After relocating, Marvin and the Delta Metals team spent the early years traveling throughout Iowa. They focused on building trust through providing high-quality products and services. The company specialized in metal roofing and producing metal sheets. Today, Delta Metals serves as a comprehensive solution for various construction needs, including metal paneling and building packages for barndominiums, post-frame, and steel-frame buildings. They continually expand their product line to include various sizes, shapes, and colors to be able to cater to various client needs. As the company expanded, they added a sales office in Knoxville, IA. In 2022, they opened their brandnew headquarters in Lamoni, IA. Today, Delta Metals has a design team and thirty-five community-based employees.

The Delta Metals team is deeply involved in the Decatur community through their volunteer work at local events such as the Leon Chamber Easter Egg Hunt and the Lamoni Fall Festival. Marvin and his family are dedicated to helping their communities; from supporting disaster relief efforts to organizing community donations, Marvin, his wife Tina, and the team at Delta Metals are committed to making a difference. Additionally, Delta Metals is also a member of the Leon and Lamoni Chambers of Commerce and sponsors events held by the Decatur County Development Corporation. In recognition of their industry contributions and service to the community, the Decatur County Development Corporation awarded Delta Metals with the 2019 Business of the Year Award. This past July, Delta Metals celebrated their 11th anniversary in Iowa.

I want to congratulate Marvin Peachey, his wife Tina Peachey, and the entire team at Delta Metals for their continued dedication to supplying top-quality metal roofing and construction supplies and services to Iowans. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Greenfield Dental of Greenfield, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Following in his grandfather's footsteps, Dr. Ryan Frost was driven by the desire to give back to his community through dentistry. After graduating from the University of Iowa's College of Dentistry in 2018, Dr. Frost relocated from Des Moines to Greenfield where he worked with Dr. James Elliott at Greenfield Family Dentistry. In the fall of 2020, he became the owner of Greenfield Family Dentistry and then merged with Nodaway Valley Dental, rebranding to Greenfield Dental.

Shortly after establishing Greenfield Dental, Dr. Frost and his team realized that expansion was the best way to cater to the diverse dental needs of the Greenfield community. As part of the expansion, Dr. Frost moved Greenfield Dental's location in order to grow from 4 workspaces to 11. He also invested in a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) machine for 3D x ray imaging, which allows for in-office root canals and dental implant procedures. This enabled Greenfield Dental to accommodate more patients, provide same-day emergency procedures, and offer a broader range of treatments, including dentures, teeth straightening, and pediatric dentistry. As the practice continued to grow, Greenfield Dental welcomed Dr. Erin Johnson as an associate dentist to help meet the community's dental care needs. In addition to Dr. Frost and Dr. Johnson, Greenfield Dental has a team of 11 employees who help with the dental practice in a variety of roles.

Over the past 4 years, Dr. Frost and his team have built a reputation as a practice deeply rooted in the community. Dr. Frost currently serves as the treasurer for the Greenfield Main Street Chamber Board, which annually recognizes Greenfield Dental and other local businesses for their community investments. Additionally, Greenfield Dental supports the Adair County Health and Fitness Center through annual donations. In the aftermath of the May tornadoes, the Greenfield community united in support of the cleanup

and recovery. Greenfield Dental, along with many others in the community, dropped everything to help their neighbors recover from the disaster. This fall, Greenfield Dental will celebrate its fourth business anniversary.

Greenfield Dental has quickly become a staple in Greenfield by providing residents with community-based, accessible dental care. I want to congratulate the team at Greenfield Dental for their contribution and commitment to their customers and community. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Kaleidoscope Factory of Pocahontas, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 1997, Leonard Olson received a kaleidoscope as a gift while he was recovering in the hospital from a heart attack. This gift would go on to spark a lifelong passion of woodworking. A few years later, Leonard purchased a woodworking kit and began making his own kaleidoscopes. In 2000, he established the Palmer Kaleidoscope and Gavel Manufacturing Company to showcase his handmade woodwork that spanned from kaleidoscopes to household items. After 4 years, Leonard's passion project became a full-scale business, when he transitioned his studio into a store and opened Kaleidoscope Factory in Pomeroy, IA, in 2004. In 2014, Leonard moved Kaleidoscope Factory to downtown Pocahontas, where it quickly became a town staple. Kaleidoscope Factory has proudly welcomed visitors from across the world to not only purchase a kaleidoscope but also discover the art behind woodworking.

After Leonard's passing in 2019, his family and friends were determined to keep his dream alive. His family came together to carry on his mission of bringing joy to the community through woodworking and kaleidoscope making. Leonard's sisters Lois Hessenius and Margaret Egli stepped in and became owners of the business. Lois's husband Richard and son John handcraft the kaleidoscopes in their backyard, while a close family friend Patty manages the store. The community also got involved and assists with various aspects of the business, including handcrafting products or helping manage the website. Today, the unwavering support of friends and family has allowed Kaleidoscope Factory to offer a wide variety of products, from gameboards and trains to charcuterie boards, in addition to their signature kaleidoscopes.

Kaleidoscope Factory is actively involved with the Pocahontas community. The team regularly attends county fairs across Iowa. The company is a member of the Pocahontas Chamber of Commerce. After Leonard's passing, the Pocahontas Chamber of Commerce renamed the annual Pocahontas Art Walk to the ``Leonard Olson Memorial Art Walk'', to honor Leonard's contribution to the Pocahontas Community and encourage visitors to support local businesses. The business also partners with the Pocahontas County Economic Development Commission to install life-sized kaleidoscopes throughout parks and community centers around Pocahontas. This April, Kaleidoscope Factory celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Kaleidoscope Factory's commitment to keeping the art of woodworking alive by providing quality handmade kaleidoscopes and wooden goods to Pocahontas and its visitors is clear. I want to congratulate Leonard Olson's family, Lois and Richard Hessenius, Margaret Egli, and Patty Mefferd, and the rest of the Kaleidoscope Factory team for their dedication to preserving Leonard Olson's passion and contribution to the Pocahontas community. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Lichtsinn RV of Forest City, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 1976, Ron Lichtsinn, Sr., founded Lichtsinn Motors and primarily sold American-made general motor vehicles. Three years later, a collaboration with the founder of Winnebago expanded the company into selling recreational vehicles and motorhomes as well.

Ron Sr.'s son, also named Ron, was born and raised in Forest City before he moved to Des Moines for college. After graduating and meeting his future wife Hope, he relocated to Minneapolis for work and established a successful corporate career. While in Minneapolis, his wife Hope commuted to New York City for her job, and when 9/11 occurred, she was just 4 blocks away. This prompted the couple to move back to Forest City, IA.

After owning and operating Lichtsinn Motors for 25 years, Ron Sr. sold the business to his son and daughter-in-law in 2001. Ron and Hope grew the business to encompass the RV industry and had immense success in restoring market share. Now, the family expanded the space to a 52,000-square-foot facility, officially changed their name to Lichtsinn RV, and is recognized for being the top Winnebago Motor Home Dealer in North America.

Lichtsinn RV prioritizes its community. In 2009, Lichtsinn RV created the ``We Care Charitable Giving Foundation'' that matches all employee contributions and has now donated over $275,000 to organizations such as schools, sports teams, cancer society, arts centers, and Tunnels to Towers. Ron also serves on the board of Forest City Education Foundation, which provides scholarships for students in the community.

Lichtsinn RV's commitment to industry excellence and passion for their community is evident. I want to congratulate the Lichtsinn Family and the whole team for their impactful role in providing American-made recreational vehicles and motorhomes to folks across the country. I look forward to seeing their continued work.

Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Revelton Distilling Company of Osceola, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

The Taylors' annual visits to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival inspired their creation of Revelton Distilling Company. Over the course of 6 years of attending this event, Robert and Christi connected with seasoned industry professionals, who revealed that many Kentucky distillers sourced their corn from Iowa. In 2016, the Taylors attended distillery school and officially opened Revelton Distilling Company in December 2020. As master distillers, the couple oversees every detail of their spirits' production.

Committed to supporting local agriculture, Revelton Distilling Company sources all its corn from Iowa farmers. The company then donates the byproduct of their spirit production back to those farmers for livestock feed. Revelton Distilling Company crafts all its products in-house, which includes 13 distinct spirits, ranging from flavored liqueurs to their multiple award-winning Revelton Mulberry Gin. Additionally, after 3 years of barrel aging and quality testing, the company launched their limited-release, single-barrel bourbon whisky.

Today, Revelton Distilling Company hosts a variety of community events, from corporate retreats to live music concerts in their 1930s- inspired art deco cocktail lounge. The company also offers hands-on whiskey-making experiences to demonstrate the inside workings of a distillery. Revelton's spirits have spread to four States and are currently in over 600 restaurants, bars, liquor stores, and grocery stores. Today, the company has grown to employ 21 members of the community.

Revelton Distilling Company has earned recognition not only in Iowa but globally. Over the years, Revelton

Distilling Company has won multiple Micro Liquor Spirit Awards and San Francisco Spirit Awards for their outstanding product design and incredible tasting spirits. The business actively participates in the community as a member of the Clarke County Development Corporation, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, and numerous other community-based organizations. The Taylors also work with the World Food Prize to support the availability of food worldwide. In addition, they collaborate with student entrepreneurs from Iowa State University and Des Moines Area Community College to support agricultural education efforts. In addition to Dr. Christi Taylor's many roles with the business, she is also the chief medical officer for the McFarland Clinic, Iowa's largest physician-owned, multi-specialty practice. This December, Revelton Distilling Company will celebrate its fourth business anniversary.

Through community events, partnerships, and high-quality products, Revelton Distilling Company has become an integral part of the Clarke County community, creating shared memories that bring people together. I want to recognize the Taylors and the rest of the team at Revelton Distilling Company for their commitment to locally sourced production in southern Iowa. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa and beyond.

Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Salvaged Designs of Oskaloosa, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Jennifer Thomas-Maxwell was deeply involved in small business and entrepreneurship long before she founded Salvaged Designs. In 1950, her grandfather started a waste management business in Beacon, IA. Her parents took over the business in the 1980s and began operating it as a family business. Growing up, Jen worked in every part of the company, from the back of the garbage truck to looking over the books in the front office. In the fourth grade, Jen learned about recycling for the first time, which transformed her perspective on sustainability and waste management.

The first in her family to attend college, Jen studied graphic design and worked in the industry after graduating from college. After she started a family and she was spending time crafting gifts and costumes for her daughter, parents and other children in the neighborhood began wanting her personally designed items. As demand increased, she saw an opportunity to turn her projects into a full-scale business. After years of hard work, Salvaged Designs opened its first storefront in 2016. Before long, Jen realized she needed a larger space. In 2018, Jen imagined her company's logo on a Main Street storefront she had admired. In March of 2020, Jen successfully opened Salvaged Designs on Oskaloosa's Main Street.

Today, Jen manages all repurposing and storefront operations for Salvaged Designs. Initially, the business focused primarily on repurposing old furniture, instruments, and other miscellaneous items brought in by customers and community members. With time, Salvaged Designs expanded to carry a variety of Iowa and Midwest-made products created with sustainability in mind, from recycled crayons to chemical- free detergents. The company also offers art classes for product revitalization, painting, and refinishing, which combines Jen's enthusiasm for design and recycling with her desire to empower others to create.

In addition to running Salvaged Designs, Jen is actively involved in the Oskaloosa community. In 2006, Jen raised money to fund the Beacon Park Playground, and, in 2008, she served as the project chair for the construction of a playground at the Lacey Recreation Complex. Jen previously served on the board of Oskaloosa Main Street, which aims to improve downtown Oskaloosa. Through Salvaged Designs, she continues to support the local high school, collaborating with the band to repurpose old instruments and donating half the proceeds back to the band. Jen is also working to start a program at the high school where students learn the value of repurposing materials. She previously served on the board of Oskaloosa Main Street, an organization that aims to improve downtown Oskaloosa. This November, Salvaged Designs will celebrate its eighth anniversary.

I want to applaud Salvaged Designs' commitment to sustainability and service to the community. Congratulations to their success and devotion to Mahaska County and the Oskaloosa community. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week it is my privilege to recognize Shivvers Manufacturing of Corydon, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Charles Shivvers noticed the limitations and availability of existing grain auger systems which inspired him to create Shivvers Manufacturing in 1968. He patented the tapered sweep auger system, revolutionizing the efficiency of the grain drying process. This breakthrough led to the first commercially successful Continuous Counter-Flow Grain Drying System, and within a year, Charles moved production from a home garage to a facility in Corydon, IA.

Since its founding, Shivvers Manufacturing has been a family business with Charles' wife Anita, and their sons Carl and Steve have helped grow and manage the company. During the agriculture boom of the 1970s, Carl and Steve expanded Shivvers Manufacturing by forming a sister company in Illinois, which later merged at the Corydon facility.

Recognizing the value of diversifying their product line, Charles and Steve explored new manufacturing opportunities, such as coffee and woodburning stoves. In 1984, they shifted their focus and successfully developed a plan for a zero-turn radius lawnmower. Subsequently, they launched the first prototype for the Country Clipper ZTR. Today, this line of lawnmowers continues to dominant their sales. Shivvers Manufacturing has continued to innovate with products like the CompuDry, a computerized dryer control attachment, and many others. Shivvers Manufacturing continues to advance agricultural technology, expanding its presence nationwide.

In June 2023, a fire destroyed part of the Shivvers factory. Despite this setback, the Shivvers Manufacturing team is diligently rebuilding at their current location in Corydon. Manufacturing has continued, with plans to resume operations in the new facility by the end of the year.

Today, Carl serves as the president of Shivvers Manufacturing while his grandson Dustin serves as the vice president of marketing. Shivvers Manufacturing continues to be a staple in the Wayne County community. The business is a member of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce. They also work to support local organizations and initiatives such as the Corydon Fire Department and the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. They are annual supporters of the Wayne County Fair and sponsored an upcoming housing development project in Corydon. Shivvers Manufacturing has 140 community-based employees and will be celebrating their 56th anniversary next year.

Shivvers Manufacturing's commitment to providing farmers with quality and innovative agricultural equipment is clear. I want to congratulate the Shivvers family and the rest of the team for their dedication to the agriculture industry. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.