Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-06-09

RECOGNIZING THE CANDY JAR

Context

On 2026-06-09, Senator James E. Risch (R-ID) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE CANDY JAR" in the Senate.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S2689] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE CANDY JAR Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, Idaho's small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ our friends and neighbors but also provide invaluable goods and services that showcase Idaho's ingenuity and shared values. They are an intrinsic element of the Gem State and deserve to be celebrated. I am proud to launch my seventh annual Support Local Gems, a successful statewide initiative, on June 12, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make our State thrive. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor The Candy Jar in Blackfoot during Support Local Gems as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2026. Judy and Paul Loomis purchased a historic building in Blackfoot in early 2019 and quickly began renovations. On top of launching a successful candy shop, the couple's goal was to restore the city's downtown and prove that a small business can make a big impact. After 10 months of hard work and dedication, the Loomises opened The Candy Jar. Located across the street from The Idaho Potato Museum, The Candy Jar immediately became popular with museum visitors. Judy and Paul put the Gem State at the forefront of their business, highlighting Idaho's and the building's rich history. In addition to the store's handmade fudge, The Candy Jar sells Idaho products like heart-shaped suckers from a local candy-maker who still uses her grandmother's recipe, hand-dipped chocolates from Weiser, and many more confections from Post Falls, Pocatello, Caldwell, and everywhere in between. Their offerings have become a fan favorite and helped to inspire economic development throughout the city. In the 7 years since The Candy Jar opened, Blackfoot has seen new small businesses start, grow, and renovate other historic buildings. While Judy and Paul have enjoyed watching more opportunities come to the city, their favorite part of running the store is interacting with customers. From locals who have become extended family to travelers passing through town looking for a treat, Judy and Paul find joy in helping customers find the right sweet to satisfy any craving. Congratulations to Judy and Paul Loomis and the entire Candy Jar team for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2026. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING THE CANDY JAR Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S2689] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE CANDY JAR Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, Idaho's small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ our friends and neighbors but also provide invaluable goods and services that showcase Idaho's ingenuity and shared values. They are an intrinsic element of the Gem State and deserve to be celebrated. I am proud to launch my seventh annual Support Local Gems, a successful statewide initiative, on June 12, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make our State thrive. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor The Candy Jar in Blackfoot during Support Local Gems as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2026. Judy and Paul Loomis purchased a historic building in Blackfoot in early 2019 and quickly began renovations. On top of launching a successful candy shop, the couple's goal was to restore the city's downtown and prove that a small business can make a big impact. After 10 months of hard work and dedication, the Loomises opened The Candy Jar. Located across the street from The Idaho Potato Museum, The Candy Jar immediately became popular with museum visitors. Judy and Paul put the Gem State at the forefront of their business, highlighting Idaho's and the building's rich history. In addition to the store's handmade fudge, The Candy Jar sells Idaho products like heart-shaped suckers from a local candy-maker who still uses her grandmother's recipe, hand-dipped chocolates from Weiser, and many more confections from Post Falls, Pocatello, Caldwell, and everywhere in between. Their offerings have become a fan favorite and helped to inspire economic development throughout the city. In the 7 years since The Candy Jar opened, Blackfoot has seen new small businesses start, grow, and renovate other historic buildings. While Judy and Paul have enjoyed watching more opportunities come to the city, their favorite part of running the store is interacting with customers. From locals who have become extended family to travelers passing through town looking for a treat, Judy and Paul find joy in helping customers find the right sweet to satisfy any craving. Congratulations to Judy and Paul Loomis and the entire Candy Jar team for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2026. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success. ____________________