Floor SpeechNeutral2026-07-13

RECOGNIZING CORNER MARKET & GREENHOUSE

HealthcareAgriculture

Context

On 2026-07-13, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING CORNER MARKET & GREENHOUSE" in the Senate.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING CORNER MARKET & GREENHOUSE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S3736-S3737] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ RECOGNIZING CORNER MARKET & GREENHOUSE 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 Corner Market & Greenhouse of Fayette County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded in 1994 by Paul and Linda Manske, Corner Market & Greenhouse was established to provide families in Oelwein with a community-focused store to meet every gardening need. Carrying seasonal flowers, plants, and decor, Paul and Linda aspire to bring life to every Iowan's backyard. The Manske family relocated to Oelwein in 1989 when Paul's job transferred him there. The family began the venture by waking up early in the morning and selling goods at farmers' markets. After countless early mornings bringing their products to people across the State, the Manske family decided to open their own storefront, drawing people to them. The family grew the business from a modest farm stand into the beloved local institution it is today. For over 32 years, Paul and Linda have shown up, demonstrating the entrepreneurial drive rooted in Iowa values. Corner Market & Greenhouse is one of Paul and Linda's greatest passions, prompting the family to joke, it [[Page S3737]] is like one of their children. Since its establishment, the whole Manske family has contributed to the business, including their sons Byron and Travis, and now their grandchildren. The couple hopes their business will be passed down through their family for generations to come. The family has demonstrated true grit and resilience during their time as small business owners, exemplified by their family motto ``work smarter, not harder.'' A devastating fire in April of 2004 destroyed Corner Market & Greenhouse, but the family persevered. They rebuilt the business from the ground up and continue modernizing greenhouses by staying ahead of agricultural technology, allowing 55,000 plants to be transplanted daily. Unlike most establishments, Corner Market & Greenhouse's modernized facility is fully open to the public. Paul and Linda have grown their business through a successful collaboration with other Iowa businesses, while continuing to think of ways to expand their own. Corner Market & Greenhouse is renowned for ``small town hospitality and big city variety,'' with many customers praising the establishment for its fair prices, agricultural expertise, and welcoming customer service. The business strives to curate unique items for customers and has emerged as a must-visit destination, drawing in travelers from across the Midwest. The Manskes have built a business that generously serves the community by hosting student groups for greenhouse tours. Moreover, the establishment donated flowers for storefronts in downtown Oelwein when the local municipality discontinued supplying decorative plants for the town. The establishment is also a longstanding member of the Oelwein Chamber and Area Development, OCAD. Over the past three decades, the Manske family has continued to better Oelwein and Iowa through their innovative approach to their business. It is my pleasure to recognize Paul, Linda, Byron, and Travis Manske at Corner Market & Greenhouse for their enduring commitment to Fayette County. I look forward to their ongoing success and wish them the very best in the years ahead. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING CORNER MARKET & GREENHOUSE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S3736-S3737] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ RECOGNIZING CORNER MARKET & GREENHOUSE 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 Corner Market & Greenhouse of Fayette County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded in 1994 by Paul and Linda Manske, Corner Market & Greenhouse was established to provide families in Oelwein with a community-focused store to meet every gardening need. Carrying seasonal flowers, plants, and decor, Paul and Linda aspire to bring life to every Iowan's backyard. The Manske family relocated to Oelwein in 1989 when Paul's job transferred him there. The family began the venture by waking up early in the morning and selling goods at farmers' markets. After countless early mornings bringing their products to people across the State, the Manske family decided to open their own storefront, drawing people to them. The family grew the business from a modest farm stand into the beloved local institution it is today. For over 32 years, Paul and Linda have shown up, demonstrating the entrepreneurial drive rooted in Iowa values. Corner Market & Greenhouse is one of Paul and Linda's greatest passions, prompting the family to joke, it [[Page S3737]] is like one of their children. Since its establishment, the whole Manske family has contributed to the business, including their sons Byron and Travis, and now their grandchildren. The couple hopes their business will be passed down through their family for generations to come. The family has demonstrated true grit and resilience during their time as small business owners, exemplified by their family motto ``work smarter, not harder.'' A devastating fire in April of 2004 destroyed Corner Market & Greenhouse, but the family persevered. They rebuilt the business from the ground up and continue modernizing greenhouses by staying ahead of agricultural technology, allowing 55,000 plants to be transplanted daily. Unlike most establishments, Corner Market & Greenhouse's modernized facility is fully open to the public. Paul and Linda have grown their business through a successful collaboration with other Iowa businesses, while continuing to think of ways to expand their own. Corner Market & Greenhouse is renowned for ``small town hospitality and big city variety,'' with many customers praising the establishment for its fair prices, agricultural expertise, and welcoming customer service. The business strives to curate unique items for customers and has emerged as a must-visit destination, drawing in travelers from across the Midwest. The Manskes have built a business that generously serves the community by hosting student groups for greenhouse tours. Moreover, the establishment donated flowers for storefronts in downtown Oelwein when the local municipality discontinued supplying decorative plants for the town. The establishment is also a longstanding member of the Oelwein Chamber and Area Development, OCAD. Over the past three decades, the Manske family has continued to better Oelwein and Iowa through their innovative approach to their business. It is my pleasure to recognize Paul, Linda, Byron, and Travis Manske at Corner Market & Greenhouse for their enduring commitment to Fayette County. I look forward to their ongoing success and wish them the very best in the years ahead. ____________________