Floor SpeechNeutral2026-05-19

RECOGNIZING MAPLETON HOMETOWN VARIETY

Context

On 2026-05-19, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING MAPLETON HOMETOWN VARIETY" in the Senate.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S2368] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING MAPLETON HOMETOWN VARIETY 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 Mapleton Hometown Variety of Monona County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. After being honorably discharged from the Air National Guard, Jerry Koenigs returned to his hometown of Mapleton. In 1987, he acquired what was then a Ben Franklin Store from his aunt and uncle after working there for over 10 years. Just a few years later, Jerry married his wife Carol, and the couple took on the business together. In the early 2000s, the store was renamed to Mapleton Hometown Variety. The shop was established to serve the everyday needs of the Mapleton community through a welcoming, locally owned retail experience. Over the years, it has become a trusted destination for residents seeking a wide variety of products, including fabric, toys, gifts, home decor, craft supplies, greeting cards, and floral arrangements. Hometown Variety has earned a strong reputation for quality products, personalized customer service, and a shopping experience rooted in the values of small-town Iowa. For nearly four decades, Hometown Variety has consistently provided customers with both everyday essentials and thoughtful items for special occasions. After Jerry passed away in 2020, Carol continued his legacy by cultivating a loyal customer base and welcoming atmosphere that keeps families returning year after year. Supported by a dedicated team of under 10 employees, the business reflects the reliability and strong workplace culture often found in Iowa's most enduring small businesses. Beyond its retail offerings, Mapleton Hometown Variety reflects the strong entrepreneurial spirit that defines Iowa small businesses. Throughout its decades of operation, the business has supported community growth and local engagement through involvement in organizations such as the Mapleton Community Club, Rotary Club, and Maple Valley Development. The business was also recognized for their continued service and support at a local 4-H event. Carol remains actively engaged in the community through donations to local events, schools, churches, and charitable causes, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to supporting families and neighbors in Mapleton. Her appreciation for the loyal customers and strong local support that have sustained Hometown Variety reflects the enduring connection between Iowa small businesses and the communities they serve. I am pleased to recognize Carol Koenigs, along with the entire team at Mapleton Hometown Variety, for their dedication to Mapleton and Monona County. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead. ____________________

View original source →

RECOGNIZING MAPLETON HOMETOWN VARIETY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S2368] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING MAPLETON HOMETOWN VARIETY 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 Mapleton Hometown Variety of Monona County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. After being honorably discharged from the Air National Guard, Jerry Koenigs returned to his hometown of Mapleton. In 1987, he acquired what was then a Ben Franklin Store from his aunt and uncle after working there for over 10 years. Just a few years later, Jerry married his wife Carol, and the couple took on the business together. In the early 2000s, the store was renamed to Mapleton Hometown Variety. The shop was established to serve the everyday needs of the Mapleton community through a welcoming, locally owned retail experience. Over the years, it has become a trusted destination for residents seeking a wide variety of products, including fabric, toys, gifts, home decor, craft supplies, greeting cards, and floral arrangements. Hometown Variety has earned a strong reputation for quality products, personalized customer service, and a shopping experience rooted in the values of small-town Iowa. For nearly four decades, Hometown Variety has consistently provided customers with both everyday essentials and thoughtful items for special occasions. After Jerry passed away in 2020, Carol continued his legacy by cultivating a loyal customer base and welcoming atmosphere that keeps families returning year after year. Supported by a dedicated team of under 10 employees, the business reflects the reliability and strong workplace culture often found in Iowa's most enduring small businesses. Beyond its retail offerings, Mapleton Hometown Variety reflects the strong entrepreneurial spirit that defines Iowa small businesses. Throughout its decades of operation, the business has supported community growth and local engagement through involvement in organizations such as the Mapleton Community Club, Rotary Club, and Maple Valley Development. The business was also recognized for their continued service and support at a local 4-H event. Carol remains actively engaged in the community through donations to local events, schools, churches, and charitable causes, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to supporting families and neighbors in Mapleton. Her appreciation for the loyal customers and strong local support that have sustained Hometown Variety reflects the enduring connection between Iowa small businesses and the communities they serve. I am pleased to recognize Carol Koenigs, along with the entire team at Mapleton Hometown Variety, for their dedication to Mapleton and Monona County. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead. ____________________