RECOGNIZING TOPLOFT CLOTHING

On 2026-06-01, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING TOPLOFT CLOTHING" in the Senate.

RECOGNIZING TOPLOFT CLOTHING

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 92 (Monday, June 1, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 92 (Monday, June 1, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S2470] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ RECOGNIZING TOPLOFT CLOTHING 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 Toploft Clothing of Carroll County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded in 2014 by Stephanie Hackfort, Toploft Clothing began as an online women's clothing boutique built on Stephanie's passion for fashion and her desire to create a flexible business model balancing entrepreneurship with family life. What started as a small online retail operation has grown into a thriving business serving customers throughout Iowa and beyond. Toploft opened its first physical location in 2015 before moving to the current downtown Carroll location in 2019. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the business pivoted from boutique apparel to custom clothing, branded merchandise, and webstore services tailored to serve businesses, schools, sports teams, and community organizations. Today, the company works with more than 300 organizations nationwide and ships to customers in 48 States. Toploft Clothing has established itself as a trusted provider of custom apparel and branded merchandise solutions while maintaining the personalized customer service and entrepreneurial spirit that helped launch the business over a decade ago. Their specialty ``always open'' services help organizations strengthen their branding and community presence through customized products and merchandise solutions. Supported by a dedicated team of six employees and the occasional family member that jumps in when an extra hand is needed, Toploft contributes to local economic activity while upholding the innovation and flexibility required to remain competitive in an evolving retail marketplace. Beyond its business operations, Toploft Clothing is actively engaged in the local community. All the folks on the management team are current or former members of the Carroll Chamber of Commerce. Stephanie currently serves as the chamber retail committee leader, her husband Matt is the chamber agriculture representative, and the business' chief operating officer is chamber president. Through participation in chamber initiatives, community events, and merchandise collaborations, Toploft demonstrates an ongoing commitment to promoting local businesses and fostering community pride. Additionally, the business is committed to supporting charitable endeavors. In 2025, the team helped raise $28,000 for nonprofit organizations, medical needs, local sports activities, and school events. In recognition of its growth and impact, Toploft Clothing was honored with the 2025 Carroll Chamber of Commerce New Business Award. I am pleased to recognize Stephanie and Matt Hackfort, along with the entire team at Toploft Clothing, for their dedication to Carroll County and customers across the United States. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead. ____________________