RECOGNIZING LONE ARRANGER

On 2026-09-28, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING LONE ARRANGER" in the Senate.

RECOGNIZING LONE ARRANGER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 153 (Monday, September 28, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 153 (Monday, September 28, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S5069] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING LONE ARRANGER 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 Lone Arranger of Adams County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. For over 28 years, Lone Arranger has served the community as a florist and gift shop, offering products for every occasion and providing customized decorating services. The business began as ``Flower and Garden Center'' in the home of Dale and Caroline Jackson. It was later sold to Larry and Sherry Archer and then Ros and Darlene Peterson, who renamed it Peterson Floral Gifts & Antiques. In 1999, Jessica Wilson purchased the business after working for the Peterson couple in high school and completing two internships at the shop while earning her degree in floriculture from Kirkwood Community College. Jessica passed all required testing and became an Iowa Master Florist, IMF, in November 2009. As part of the celebration marking Jessica Wilson's 10-year anniversary as the shop's owner, she rebranded to Lone Arranger in 2009. Today, Lone Arranger has built a stellar reputation and contributes to many high-profile floral projects in Iowa. These include inaugural flowers for Governors Culver and Branstad and holiday decorations for the Iowa Governor's Mansion. Furthermore, Jessica Wilson contributed to the award-winning Rain Bird float for the 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade. Lone Arranger has also been a recurring vendor at the Adams County Fair. As the sole employee of Lone Arranger, Jessica has demonstrated her unceasing commitment to the Adams County community. In 2003, Jessica received the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for Dedication & Commitment to the community at the Adams Community Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. Jessica was the coordinator for the Adams County 4-H/ FFA & Youth Fair Queen from 2004-2009. Jessica has further demonstrated her community involvement through her service as president of the Adams Community Chamber of Commerce, to which she was elected in 2008, serving two 3-year terms, and her role as an Adams County Chamber of Commerce ambassador beginning in 2009. To this day, Jessica makes sure the chamber windows are pristinely decorated. Jessica was also elected to the Iowa Florist Association, IFA, Board in 2007. Jessica currently serves as the president for Feed the Pack, a local backpack program ensuring children do not go hungry, coordinating food orders and menus for students. Jessica contributes to the annual 4th of July flight breakfast, banquet decorations, roadside cleanup, and children's treasure hunt at Lake Icaria. These accolades and involvement are a testament to how Jessica has touched the lives of many Iowans. It is with profound gratitude that I recognize Jessica Wilson of Lone Arranger for her longstanding dedication to Adams County. I look forward to all she will achieve and wish her success and happiness in her future ventures. ____________________