Floor SpeechNeutral2026-07-14

RECOGNIZING MID-STATES COMPANIES

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On 2026-07-14, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING MID-STATES COMPANIES" in the Senate.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING MID-STATES COMPANIES

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S3932] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING MID-STATES COMPANIES 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 Mid- States Companies of Story County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded in 2001 by Kevin and Shelley Vier, Mid-States Companies is a group of businesses that provides premier grain handling, engineering, fabrication, crane, and trucking services. The Viers seized the opportunity to serve the agricultural market in the heart of the Grain Belt and have embodied their firm motto: ``Delivering Results. Together.'' The Vier family has been involved in the grain-handling industry in Nevada, IA, for three generations and has over 48 notable years in the agri-business industry. What started in a 7,000-square-foot millwright fabrication ``mom-and-pop'' shop, with only five employees, now operates in several States, with a more than 100,000-square-foot facility, and over 100 employees. Kevin believes this success would not have been possible without the help of his brother Randy and two sons Austin and Riley. Now, Mid- States' Material Handling and Fabrication Company has become the first ranked brock grain bin dealer in Iowa and third ranked worldwide. Mid-States has continued to embrace innovation. By investing in robotic welding systems, the company is equipping its workforce--not replacing employees--so they can focus on the skilled craftsmanship and complex problem-solving that machines cannot replicate. Kevin and Shelley have built a business rooted in excellence, earning the trust of their customers while demonstrating an unwavering commitment to strengthening their community. The business has made large donations to the Nevada area, supporting charitable organizations such as The Salt Company college ministry, Nevada Iowa Foundation, and the Boys and Girls Club of Story County. The company also provides resources for local vocational training programs. The business is proud to be members of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, the American Institute of Steel Construction, the Nevada Economic Development Council, the Grain Elevator and Processing Society, and the Associated General Contractors of America. Through their local engagement and contributions, Mid-States is a remarkable example for small businesses across the country. It is with great enthusiasm that I recognize Kevin, Shelley, Randy, Austin, Riley, and the team at Mid-States Companies for their continuous dedication to Story County. I am excited to see everything they will accomplish and wish them success in the years ahead. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING MID-STATES COMPANIES Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S3932] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING MID-STATES COMPANIES 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 Mid- States Companies of Story County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded in 2001 by Kevin and Shelley Vier, Mid-States Companies is a group of businesses that provides premier grain handling, engineering, fabrication, crane, and trucking services. The Viers seized the opportunity to serve the agricultural market in the heart of the Grain Belt and have embodied their firm motto: ``Delivering Results. Together.'' The Vier family has been involved in the grain-handling industry in Nevada, IA, for three generations and has over 48 notable years in the agri-business industry. What started in a 7,000-square-foot millwright fabrication ``mom-and-pop'' shop, with only five employees, now operates in several States, with a more than 100,000-square-foot facility, and over 100 employees. Kevin believes this success would not have been possible without the help of his brother Randy and two sons Austin and Riley. Now, Mid- States' Material Handling and Fabrication Company has become the first ranked brock grain bin dealer in Iowa and third ranked worldwide. Mid-States has continued to embrace innovation. By investing in robotic welding systems, the company is equipping its workforce--not replacing employees--so they can focus on the skilled craftsmanship and complex problem-solving that machines cannot replicate. Kevin and Shelley have built a business rooted in excellence, earning the trust of their customers while demonstrating an unwavering commitment to strengthening their community. The business has made large donations to the Nevada area, supporting charitable organizations such as The Salt Company college ministry, Nevada Iowa Foundation, and the Boys and Girls Club of Story County. The company also provides resources for local vocational training programs. The business is proud to be members of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, the American Institute of Steel Construction, the Nevada Economic Development Council, the Grain Elevator and Processing Society, and the Associated General Contractors of America. Through their local engagement and contributions, Mid-States is a remarkable example for small businesses across the country. It is with great enthusiasm that I recognize Kevin, Shelley, Randy, Austin, Riley, and the team at Mid-States Companies for their continuous dedication to Story County. I am excited to see everything they will accomplish and wish them success in the years ahead. ____________________