Floor Statements

Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize a family-owned small business and beloved staple, Baxter's Coffee of Somerset, KY, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 2001, Terri Tuttle opened Baxter's Coffee in Somerset, KY. After running a successful ice cream store, Terri decided to pursue a different business venture. She noticed an opportunity to fill a gap in the Somerset market since there were no coffee shops in town. As Terri brainstormed business names, she was inspired by her family's dog, Baxter. When Baxter's Coffee first opened in 2001, it was an instant hit. Along with delicious coffee, Terri and her team provided family- friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere. To meet growing demand, the original Baxter's Coffee shop soon moved to a new location on Ogden Street and opened a second location in 2005.

In 2021, Baxter's Coffee continues serving some of the best coffee in Pulaski County. As the business grew, so did the Tuttle family's involvement. Today, Terri's children, Jay, Lauren, and Ann, are actively involved in every facet of the business, from coffee roasting, to marketing, and bookkeeping. They continue welcoming customers from all over Kentucky and have expanded to four locations in Somerset, including a kiosk at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. Notably, since 2009, Baxter's Coffee has roasted its own coffee. Their newest location, which opened in 2016, includes a drive-thru, as well as a roasting and warehouse facility. Baxter's Coffee proudly offers its signature blends at all four locations and also sells its coffee wholesale and online. Baxter's Coffee also features baked goods and treats from local small businesses.

Like many small business owners, Terri is actively involved in her community. Baxter's Coffee is a member of the Somerset Pulaski Chamber of Commerce and regularly partners with them to hire local community members. For years, Baxter's Coffee has contributed to a wide range of local philanthropic organizations, including God's Food Pantry, and supported events such as charity golf tournaments, walks, and runs. They regularly support local school district events and organizations, including PTA fundraisers. To demonstrate appreciation for first responders, Baxter's Coffee provides free coffee to all on-duty police officers.

Baxter's Coffee is a remarkable example of the critical role small businesses play in uplifting and building community. Family-owned small businesses like Baxter's Coffee form the heart of towns across Kentucky, regularly stepping up to support their communities. Congratulations to Terri and the entire team at Baxter's Coffee. I wish them the best of luck and look forward to watching their continued growth and success in Kentucky.

Mr. President.

The Treasury has been so thoroughly looted that we are incurring debt at a record-setting and alarming pace. Never in the history of our country have we incurred so much debt so fast.

Our national debt now exceeds $28 trillion. It is now at 128 percent of our GDP. And we are asked by the Democratic Party to add $48 billion without so much as a--could we have a debate in committee?--so much as even a word spoken over this. We are just going to add $48 billion with no discussion. It is a huge mistake.

Now, it has been alleged that, well, the thing is that the restaurants are suffering because of COVID. No. They are suffering because Democrat Governors locked them down. This is a manmade phenomenon. The economic disaster that we are in, that restaurants are in, is completely and entirely caused by Democrat Governors.

In my State, they are suing the Democrat Governor because he won't let them open up. This is a manmade phenomenon. So if you reward a manmade phenomenon, you will get more of it.

You reward Democrat Governors who shut these restaurants down, guess what, they will shut them down longer. The longer you give money to Democrat Governors for their lockdown policies, the more lockdowns you will get.

We need to open up the country. We need to learn to live with this disease. As tragic as it has been, we need to learn to live with it.

But the lockdowns have not worked. Closing the restaurants did not work, did not change the trajectory of this virus one iota. The only thing that is changing the trajectory of this virus now is the vaccine, plus natural immunity. Closing the restaurants did nothing and is doing nothing, except for devastating the bottom line of restaurants.

So with that, I would object to the unanimous consent.

Mr. President, the Senate is considering an infrastructure bill, and I am glad we are. For too long, Americans have been compelled to send their tax dollars overseas to improve the infrastructure of other countries. I have been fighting, for several years, to invest in infrastructure here at home, which is why I find it frustrating that the very people who celebrate this package today actually opposed my efforts in the past.

We have a short memory here in the Senate. Only 2 years ago, I offered my Penny Plan for Infrastructure for a vote. My plan would have invested nearly $40 billion in infrastructure over those 2 years. In those 2 years, nearly 20,000 miles of roads could have been resurfaced. Instead, those investments weren't made and 2 additional years of wear and tear passed by.

The parade of Senators coming to the floor and expounding upon the urgency of this package is nothing less than shocking, particularly when those same Members voted against 20,000 miles of resurfaced roads only a short time ago.

The Penny Plan was not my only effort to invest in infrastructure. Six years ago, I worked on a bipartisan package that would have made $ 130 billion available for infrastructure. Had my plan been enacted into law, Americans would now be driving on 130 thousand miles of new roads.

So, why for more than 5 years have my infrastructure proposals been stifled? For only one reason: each of my proposals were paid for.

And if there is only one thing Congress always agrees on: never pay for any new spending. Ever.

Proponents of this bill claim it is paid for. And by using budgetary gimmicks, they hope they will erect enough smoke and mirrors to obscure this bill's enormous price tag. But this $1.2 trillion bill is not paid for. And, perhaps the most alarming part of the cost, is the authors of this bill know it is not paid for. And we know that because they wrote the bill so as to exempt it from rules that require the bill be paid for.

You see, Congress passed a law back in 2010 mandating that new spending has to be paid for. That law is called statutory pay-go, or pay as you go. And if Congress can't help itself and refuses to offset the cost of new spending, pay-go is enforced by an automatic cut to spending elsewhere.

But Congress rarely adheres to its own rules. Instead, Congress waived pay-go more than 60 times over the past decade and added over $10 trillion to our debt.

This time is no different. This bill, which its proponents say is paid for, also carries a provision that says pay-go won't apply to it.

The only way to ensure Congress adheres to pay-go is through a point of order. If this bill is actually paid for, then you should have no trouble supporting the point of order. But if you vote to waive the point of order, if you vote to exempt Congress from its own rule requiring that we be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, then stop telling people something you know is not true. The truth is, this bill is not paid for.

And every American should ask a simple question: Why won't Congress obey its own rules?

This bill plus the next pork-laden bill will add trillions of dollars of new debt. We are adding debt at an unprecedented pace. There will be repercussions. A day of reckoning awaits.

But today there is a choice to make. A vote for the point of order is a vote not to keep adding debt.

I urge my colleagues to vote with me to stop the bleeding, to stop the red ink that threatens our country's future.

Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Southcentral Veterinary Services, a family-owned small business in Bowling Green, KY, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 2011, Dr. Eddie Grimes and his wife, Nicole Grimes, founded Southcentral Veterinary Services--SVS--in Bowling Green, KY. Growing up in Warren County, Dr. Grimes and Nicole were childhood friends and both attended Western Kentucky University--WKU--where Dr. Grimes majored in animal science and Nicole studied finance. The couple, high school sweethearts, married after graduating from WKU in 2000. Dr. Grimes went on to earn his doctorate of veterinary medicine from Auburn University and worked as a veterinarian for a few years before moving back to Bowling Green. With Nicole, who had experience in the banking industry, by his side, Dr. Grimes established Southcentral Veterinary Services.

Today, Southcentral Veterinary Services provides exceptional mixed animal care in Warren County, KY. Initially, Dr. Grimes worked out of his truck and provided ambulatory veterinary services; however, the business grew quickly and expanded to a physical location that provides grooming and boarding services, in addition to veterinary care. Being very hands on with the daily operations at SVS, in addition to being co-owners, Dr. Grimes is one of the veterinarians, and Nicole is the human resource manager. Together, they lead a team of more than 10 employees, including a second veterinarian, to meet the animal needs of the community. Since opening its doors, Southcentral Veterinary Services has been recognized by local and industry publications for its outstanding, high-quality veterinary care. Furthermore, for the last 3 years, Southcentral Veterinary Services was recognized as Bowling Green's Best Veterinarian, and in 2020, SVS earned the title of Bowling Green's Best Pet Groomer.

Outside of being business owners, Dr. Grimes and Nicole can be found giving back to their community. Southcentral Veterinary Services has sponsored local youth sports teams and regularly hires local high school and college students, providing training and mentoring to students interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. One of these students is the Grimes' son, Garrett, who works part-time as a veterinary assistant and one day aspires to follow in his father's footsteps becoming a veterinarian himself. Dr. Grimes and Nicole's charitable acts don't stop at mentoring students. Notably, the Grimes established 4AnnieGirl, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of Spinal Muscular Atrophy--SMA--after their second child, Annie, who was born with SMA, passed away from the terminal disease that causes weakness and loss of voluntary muscles. After cherishing 9 precious months with their baby girl, the Grimes sought to help other families affected by this disease by promoting early testing, research, and fundraising to combat SMA through 4AnnieGirl. By hosting speaking engagements and fundraisers, 4AnnieGirl has raised over $30,000 for SMA research and awareness. To honor Annie's memory, the Grimes family remains committed to raising awareness for SMA and to advocating for more research.

Southcentral Veterinary Services is a remarkable example of the positive role that family-owned small businesses play in their communities. Local veterinary practices, like Southcentral Veterinary Services, form the heart of towns across Kentucky, regularly stepping up to support their communities. Congratulations to Dr. Grimes, Nicole, and the entire team at Southcentral Veterinary Services. I wish SVS the best of luck, and I look forward to watching this small business' continued growth and success in Kentucky.

Madam President, Dr. Joseph Peter Cangemi lived a life unmatched in experiences. With his wife Amelia by his side, he traveled throughout the world doing what he loved most: consulting with business professionals on how to be better leaders. This was the perfect profession for Dr. Cangemi, as he was a natural leader. When he spoke, you listened because what was about to be said contained something important, something that could be of value either in that moment or down the road. In addition to consulting services, Dr. Cangemi also had a passion for teaching young people at Western Kentucky University, many of whom are now successful in business as a result of the life lessons he shared. He brought textbooks to life by weaving in his own unique experience. This was what made his classes some of the most sought after at WKU. He wasn't offering theory alone, but real-world experience with actual Fortune 500 companies. Few can gracefully navigate the demands of academia for extended periods of time. Joseph saw egoes come and go, but always stood the test of time at WKU. He had a career spanning over five decades where he won countless awards, including the Excellence in Teaching Award from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences three times, Distinguished Public Service Award, and the Excellence in Research and Creativity Award. Along with numerous awards, Dr. Cangemi was also editor of the International Journal of Leadership and Change.

Aside from his professional feats, Dr. Cangemi was also unmatched as a family man. He and his wife Amelia traveled all over the world bringing back stories and mementos to share with the grandkids. Primary to traveling, they prioritized spending time with family. He and Amelia rarely missed a basketball game his grandson played in, or a recital his granddaughters took part in. It wasn't unusual for Joe to bring his grandchildren to his classes where they would actively participate. They were his pride and joy, and he never missed an opportunity to see them. He and his wife Amelia would have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary this year.

Dr. Joseph Cangemi was born on June 26, 1936, in Syracuse, NY, and surrounded by his family, died peacefully on June 13, 2021. While we are sad to lose such a valued member of the community, we look at the success of his students and family members and are reminded of the positive impact he had on our world. May Joe rest in peace.

Mr. President, July 31, 2021, marks the retirement of Rick Shanklin, whose remarkable career with the National Weather Service spans several decades.

Though Rick hails from a small farming community near Hopkinsville in Christian County, most of his career has been spent at the NWS office in Paducah, KY, where he was the warning coordination meteorologist.

He has served at all three National Weather Service operations in Kentucky, has been a forecaster, worked with countless tornado drills and national assessment teams, and pursued his passion for operational readiness and public severe weather preparedness, earning many honors along the way from the Department of Commerce, various Governors throughout the region, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky's Division of Emergency Management.

Rick is also credited with championing the development of Kentucky's ``Mesonet,'' a network of over 70 automated weather monitoring stations, hosted by Western Kentucky University, that is a model for other States.

It turns out that Rick is something of a celebrity among those who share his passion for the science and technology of predicting and preparing for the very dynamic weather conditions of the Commonwealth. His fans, local leaders, and county emergency managers will miss his regular updates and his steady, thorough engagement during critical weather events.

Most importantly, it would be difficult to calculate the lives saved and property losses mitigated by the work that Rick has performed during his career. I am proud to recognize him for his considerable contribution to the safety of Kentuckians and to families throughout the region.

Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Three Boys Farm Distillery in Graefenburg, KY, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 2011, Ross and Heather Caldwell moved their family from Colorado to Kentucky, and quickly pursued their dream of opening a distillery. Before moving to Kentucky, Ross and Heather purchased a 122-acre farm providing them a space to open a distillery, and have remaining land to graze cattle and grow corn for use in their single barrel bourbon and whiskey. Like many small business owners, the journey to open their business was no easy task, as Ross and Heather navigated redtape and burdensome regulations before getting their business off the ground. After many hurdles, Three Boys Farm Distillery opened its doors in 2013, named in tribute to the Caldwells' triplets: Patrick, Andrew, and Ethan. Over the years, family has remained the foundation of this small business with Ross serving as master distiller, but growth has led to hiring nine additional employees, including another master distiller.

Today, Three Boys Farm Distillery is renowned for its bourbon and rye whiskey. Their products are sold throughout the United States and have drawn praise nationwide. The distillery's bourbon and whiskey tastings are a hit among Kentuckians and tour groups alike, drawing visitors from around the United States and abroad. Uniquely, Three Boys Farm Distillery allows guests to sample and bottle their own whiskey and bourbon straight from the barrel. Over the years, Three Boys Farm Distillery has also become a popular event venue for weddings and family reunions. Additionally, the distillery supports other local artisans and small businesses by selling their goods at the distillery's on-site gift shop.

Like many small businesses, Three Boys Farm Distillery was faced with challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic but overcame them by adapting their business model throughout the ever-changing government regulations. The distillery expanded their shipping operations to provide long-time consumers access to their products and relied on the recommendations from their loyal customers to grow their customer base when distillery tours and tastings were prohibited. Furthermore, Three Boys Farm

Distillery expanded its bottling operations to assist outside companies bottle and label their products for sale. While expanding the distillery's operations helped Three Boys Farm Distillery stay afloat during the pandemic, longtime friend of the Caldwells, Walter Zausch, a University of Kentucky alum, provided additional assistance by investing in the business and becoming a majority owner. Rebounding from the pandemic, this summer, Three Boys Farm Distillery began hosting live concerts featuring local artists and continues to provide Kentuckians with a place to relax, build community, and enjoy a glass of bourbon with friends.

Three Boys Farm Distillery is a remarkable example of the resilience and adaptability of locally owned small businesses. Small businesses, like Three Boys Farm Distillery, form the heart of towns across Kentucky and play a critical role in Kentucky's bourbon and whiskey industry. Congratulations to Ross, Heather, Walter, and the entire team at Three Boys Farm Distillery. I wish them the best of luck, and I look forward to watching their continued growth and success in Kentucky.

Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Bird Dogs Coffee, a family-owned small business in Owenton, KY, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Located in the heart of Owenton, Kasey Craigmyle Towles opened Bird Dogs Coffee in 2015. Kasey, who grew up in Owenton and was the founder and operator of ``Kasey's Corner,'' a successful gift shop, decided to pursue a different business venture that would uplift her hometown and foster a sense of community. When Bird Dogs Coffee opened its door, Kasey and her husband, Randy, were seizing the opportunity to fill a gap in the Owenton market since there was not a coffee shop in town. Together, Kasey and Randy created a welcoming cafe with delicious food, friendly service, and a hospitable atmosphere.

Today, Bird Dogs Coffee has become a local favorite and has consistently received high praise and glowing reviews in local and regional publications for its outstanding service and homemade cuisine. Bird Dogs Coffee welcomes customers from all over northern Kentucky by providing a place for both locals and travelers to catch up over a cup of coffee. Kasey and Randy host a number of events at their coffee shop, including live music and wine and beer tastings. Moreover, Bird Dogs Coffee provides a meeting space for local organizations like the Owenton Rotary Club. Entrepreneurs at heart, Kasey and Randy have continued seeking ways to grow their business while serving their community. They have purchased buildings next to Bird Dogs Coffee's original location and plan to open an event space and expanded gift shop to meet the needs of their hometown.

Like many small business owners, Kasey and Randy are actively involved in their community. Bird Dogs Coffee is a member of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and is an enthusiastic supporter of the Owen County Tourism Commission. For several years, Bird Dogs Coffee has sponsored Owen County School District sports teams and contributed to multiple fundraisers for local organizations. Additionally, Kasey and Randy regularly donate to Owen County Project Graduation, which provides an alcohol- and drug-free graduation celebration for local high school seniors. With Owen County High being close to their hearts, Kasey and Randy are also actively involved with the Owen County High School Alumni Association.

Bird Dogs Coffee is a remarkable example of how hard work, ingenuity, and discipline can turn a dream into reality. Small businesses like Bird Dogs Coffee form the heart of towns across Kentucky, regularly stepping up to support their communities. Congratulations to Kasey, Randy, and the entire team at Bird Dogs Coffee. I wish Bird Dogs Coffee the best of luck and look forward to watching this small business's continued growth and success in Kentucky.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that we go ahead with the previously arranged vote.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the following interns in my office be granted floor privileges for the remainder of the Congress: Ty Sharp, Virginia Smith, Graeme Marshall, and Jack Hartman.

Mr. President.

Mr. President, reserving the right to object, we have now crossed $28 trillion in debt. We borrow more than $2 million every minute. The deficit last year was over $3 trillion. The deficit this year will be over $3 trillion. There is a $1 trillion wish list out there for everybody. Everybody wants something.

Somebody says: Oh, there is money in the Treasury. Guess what. There is not. There is a big hole, a big black hole in the Treasury, 28 trillion dollars' worth.

So we do have this one asset, and when we sell it, we should do it to pay down the deficit. We shouldn't do it to expand government further.

So I object to this because we are $28 trillion in debt. We don't have any money, and we should be fiscally conservative as we profess to be.

I object.

Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Glauber's Sports, a family-owned small business in Carrollton, KY, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

In 1863, a young shoemaker, John Glauber, established Glauber's Shoes in Carrollton, KY. Opening up shop on Main Street, the business provided quality footwear to residents of Carroll County and the surrounding area. Over the next 140 years, Glauber's Shoes became the oldest shoe store in Kentucky and over time expanded its offerings to include hunting supplies. Passing through multiple generations, by the early 2000s, John Glauber, a fourth-generation descendant of the original owner, ran the business alongside his son, Randy, who started helping out around the shop when he was in the sixth grade. After graduating from high school, Randy worked in the store full time and learned how to run the family business. He later took over when his father retired in 2005. Since taking over, Randy further expanded the store's hunting inventory and renamed the store to Glauber's Sports to more accurately reflect its inventory.

Today, Glauber's Sports is lauded as a one-stop-shop for hunting and shooting sports enthusiasts in Northern Kentucky. Praised for great customer service, Randy has demonstrated a dynamic approach to managing the store, actively responding to local market demands by expanding its stock and ensuring the needs of the community are met. To accommodate its growing inventory, Glauber's Sports moved locations from Main Street to Fourth Street in 2007. With over 1000 firearms in stock, the store carries a wide range of rifles and shotguns. Additionally, Glauber's Sports sells other supplies like muzzle loaders, crossbows, outdoor wear, hunting blinds, and scopes. Looking to the future, Randy is committed to continuing the family tradition of serving Carrollton and is training his son, John, to take over the 158-year-old business for decades to come.

A pillar of the community, Glauber's Sports is actively involved with various local organizations. Over the decades, Glauber's has supported area schools' sports teams and events like the Carroll County Fair. Furthermore, Randy regularly volunteers with local shooting sports organizations by coaching the Carroll County High School trap club and 4-H shooting sports clubs and by doing so passes on a lifelong passion for shooting sports, gun safety, and his support for the Second Amendment. Additionally, like many other small businesses, Glauber's Sports is a member of the National Federation of Independent Businesses and the Chamber of Commerce.

Glauber's Sports is a remarkable example of the resilience and adaptability of family-owned small businesses. Small businesses, like Glauber's Sports, form the heart of towns across Kentucky by regularly stepping up to support the needs of their communities. Congratulations to Randy, the Glauber family, and the entire team at Glauber's Sports. I wish Glauber's Sports the best of luck and look forward to watching this family-business' continued growth and success in Kentucky.

Mr. President, on July 2, 2021, a quick succession of events that lasted only 30 minutes shocked a Louisville neighborhood and showcased the extraordinary professionalism of the Louisville Metro Police Department. Together, with the support of MetroSafe Dispatch and information provided by a vigilant civilian, the stranger abduction of a 6-year-old girl was witnessed and reported, the suspect's vehicle was identified and stopped, and the victim was rescued--unharmed--and returned to her family.

People around the Nation have now seen the emotional bodycam video of the moment when Officer Burba picked up this young girl and whisked her to safety. It is a scene that brings a tear to the eye of every loving parent. Stranger abduction is rare, thankfully, but it is even rarer that such quick action leads to a conclusion such as this.

While one officer's actions were immortalized on film, today I want to recognize all of the members of LMPD's Third Division, First Platoon, Squad One. Each officer was willing to risk personal injury to rescue this child and capture the suspect. They include Sergeant Joe Keeling, Officers Stephen Barone, Jason Burns, Travis Elder, Charles Ennis, Aaron Flannery, Malliccaaii Green, Nicholas Green, Clint Greene, Jake Harris, Mark Manning, Aimee Mills, Michael Rach, Bradley Russell, Tom Stettenbenz and Lucero Aguilera Vasquez.

Key members of MetroSafe Dispatch who handled the response were Dispatchers Emily David and Hannah Hurley, and Jim Intermaggio, who took the inbound call.

Finally, although several citizens made 911 calls regarding the incident, Prentiss Weathrford, who witnessed the abduction, pursued the vehicle and took down critical license plate information.

This LMPD squad, a capable dispatch team, and an alert citizen worked in concert to redeem what could have been a most tragic scenario. I am grateful to them, and the community is grateful. And I believe that the family of this 6-year-old girl would agree that all those who responded are deserving of this special distinction.

Mr. President, reserving the right to object, in the first two decades after the Revolutionary War, America was under siege and our Capitol was ransacked, but I don't recall in reading history that any of our Founding Fathers said that they would flee the country or leave and give up on the quest for liberty.

The quest for liberty requires fighting by the people who have been given their liberty, the people whom we have helped to get their liberty. You can say the people in Afghanistan helped us or you can also say we helped liberate them as well.

They have been free for 20 years. It seems like it might precipitate the overcoming of the Taliban if you take 18,000 of the most westernized, those who speak English, and you say: Flee, flee, flee. The end is coming. Well, guess what. The end comes quicker if they all leave. So I would encourage them, rather, to stay and fight. I think it would be good to have many English speakers in Afghanistan. The future of Afghanistan could be a bright future, but they are going to have to fight for it. And, ultimately, it is their fight. And if we offer easy escape and easy plans to leave the country, we are assuring the defeat of the people who are our friends in Afghanistan. So I object to this piece of legislation.

Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I will recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize a woman-owned small business, Rustic Roots on Second of Pikeville, KY, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Located in downtown Pikeville, Rustic Roots on Second opened its doors in 2015. After graduating from the University of Kentucky, founder and owner, Maura Minix, wanted to provide a place for Kentucky artisans to showcase and sell their work. Maura, who grew up in Prestonsburg, KY, saw an opportunity to set up a shop in neighboring Pikeville. She established Rustic Roots on Second, providing a retail outlet for Kentuckian and Appalachian artisans.

Today, Rustic Roots on Second continues supporting and promoting small businesses and artisans in eastern Kentucky. Over 30 local vendors sell their goods at the store, ranging from food and textile goods to artwork and furniture made from used bourbon barrels. Maura's mother, Brenda Minix, is a key part of the operation, working as store manager and serving as the ``face'' of the business around town. Customers are regularly greeted by name and treated according to the golden rule. Rustic Roots on Second also serves as an event venue, renting out its shop for celebrations, fundraisers, and business events. The store works with local artisans to host classes and workshops, rotating offerings to meet community interest. From painting to dulcimer playing, teaching and celebrating the arts is a priority.

Notably, Rustic Roots on Second is a leader in downtown Pikesville's business community. They regularly participate in local and regional events, including the Appalachian Vintage Street Market, Wine-Tasting & Retailgating, and Pikesville's famous Hillbilly Days festival. Rustic Roots on Second is a member of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and is involved with Shaping Our Appalachian Region--SOAR-- Kentucky, which fosters entrepreneurship and innovation in the region. They are committed to revitalizing and promoting downtown Pikeville through their support of the Pikeville Main Street Program, Inc.

Like many small businesses, Rustic Roots on Second actively supports charitable and civic organizations. For several years, Maura and Brenda have teamed up with local businesses to host picnics and decorate their storefronts to thank police officers, firefighters, and first responders for their service. They regularly support fundraisers for clubs, churches, and sports teams and have sponsored silent auctions to benefit local schools. Rustic Roots on Second's advocacy and community leadership has been recognized in local and regional publications.

When the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, Pikeville rallied together to support Rustic Roots on Second. As a nonessential business, Rustic Roots on Second was impacted by the lockdowns. Maura and Brenda adapted, overhauling and expanding their online store to continue serving customers nationwide. As Kentucky reopened, Maura and Brenda worked with local small businesses to ensure downtown Pikeville reopened safely, welcoming locals and visitors alike to their vibrant community.

Rustic Roots on Second is an outstanding example of the critical role small businesses play in uplifting and advocating for their communities. Congratulations to Maura, Brenda, and the entire team at Rustic Roots on Second. I wish them the best of luck and look forward to watching their continued growth and success in Kentucky.