Floor SpeechNeutral2026-05-12

RECOGNIZING INTERPOWER CORPORATION

HealthcareEconomyEnvironment

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On 2026-05-12, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING INTERPOWER CORPORATION" in the Senate.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING INTERPOWER CORPORATION

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S2233-S2234] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING INTERPOWER CORPORATION Ms. ERNST. Mr. 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 honor Interpower Corporation of Mahaska County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In 1975, Bob Wersen founded Panel Components Corporation in Berkley, CA, that specialized in supplying power systems. During a recession in the electronics industry, Bob strategically shifted the business to a mid-size customer base and relocated to Oskaloosa, IA, in 1993. Over the next 10 years, the business steadily grew and opened additional offices in Ames, Lamoni, and the United Kingdom. In 2004, Bob renamed Panel Components Corporation to Interpower Corporation. Today, more than 50 years later, Interpower Corporation remains dedicated to simplifying how customers design, build, and maintain products across global markets. The company strives to meet all power sourcing needs, supplying country specific plugs to hospital-grade products. Their mission is to be the premier supplier of power system components for worldwide markets. Bob Wersen continues to serve as president, overseeing 50 employees who [[Page S2234]] have gained a reputation of consistently meeting customer needs, regardless of how complicated a request may be. They take extra care in testing each product, seeing it as part of their responsibility to prioritize safety. As a businessowner, Bob has been involved with several professional organizations. He previously served as chair for the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, ABI. The business is also a member of the Mahaska Chamber and Development Group. Bob takes immense pride in manufacturing in America because of the dedication to his staff and his community. He has been recognized for his commitment to fostering Iowa's business environment and has been presented with the ABI Advocacy in Action Award and Legends in Iowa Manufacturing Award. Outside of serving their clients, Interpower Corporation lends a helping hand in the Oskaloosa community. They host blood drives and provide students with internships through partnerships with Oskaloosa High School and William Penn University. They also participate in charities throughout the county showing their dedication to their community. It is my honor to recognize Bob Wersen and the entire Interpower Corporation team for their outstanding contributions and presence in their community. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years to come. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING INTERPOWER CORPORATION Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S2233-S2234] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING INTERPOWER CORPORATION Ms. ERNST. Mr. 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 honor Interpower Corporation of Mahaska County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In 1975, Bob Wersen founded Panel Components Corporation in Berkley, CA, that specialized in supplying power systems. During a recession in the electronics industry, Bob strategically shifted the business to a mid-size customer base and relocated to Oskaloosa, IA, in 1993. Over the next 10 years, the business steadily grew and opened additional offices in Ames, Lamoni, and the United Kingdom. In 2004, Bob renamed Panel Components Corporation to Interpower Corporation. Today, more than 50 years later, Interpower Corporation remains dedicated to simplifying how customers design, build, and maintain products across global markets. The company strives to meet all power sourcing needs, supplying country specific plugs to hospital-grade products. Their mission is to be the premier supplier of power system components for worldwide markets. Bob Wersen continues to serve as president, overseeing 50 employees who [[Page S2234]] have gained a reputation of consistently meeting customer needs, regardless of how complicated a request may be. They take extra care in testing each product, seeing it as part of their responsibility to prioritize safety. As a businessowner, Bob has been involved with several professional organizations. He previously served as chair for the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, ABI. The business is also a member of the Mahaska Chamber and Development Group. Bob takes immense pride in manufacturing in America because of the dedication to his staff and his community. He has been recognized for his commitment to fostering Iowa's business environment and has been presented with the ABI Advocacy in Action Award and Legends in Iowa Manufacturing Award. Outside of serving their clients, Interpower Corporation lends a helping hand in the Oskaloosa community. They host blood drives and provide students with internships through partnerships with Oskaloosa High School and William Penn University. They also participate in charities throughout the county showing their dedication to their community. It is my honor to recognize Bob Wersen and the entire Interpower Corporation team for their outstanding contributions and presence in their community. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years to come. ____________________