Floor SpeechNeutral2026-04-13

RECOGNIZING MILL CREEK CAFE

HealthcareEconomy

Context

On 2026-04-13, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING MILL CREEK CAFE" in the Senate. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered the economy. It referenced legislation: S1710.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING MILL CREEK CAFE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 64 (Monday, April 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 64 (Monday, April 13, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S1710] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING MILL CREEK CAFE 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 Mill Creek Cafe of Cedar County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded in 2010 by Jamie Wilhau and Marcia Syring, Mill Creek Cafe is a welcoming, locally owned spot where the Clarence community gathers over quality, home-cooked meals. Over the years, this woman-owned small business has grown into a hub for families, friends, and neighbors, known for its consistency, hospitality, and made-from-scratch dishes. The cafe offers a wide variety of dining options on a rotating 6-week menu, including sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts with daily specials displayed on a restored schoolhouse chalkboard. Out of the many delicious choices, in typical Iowa fashion, the tenderloin is easily the crowd favorite. In addition to their work at Mill Creek Cafe, Jamie and Marcia also run an event management business together at their Highpoint Event Center venue that includes catering services and on-site overnight accommodation. They are actively engaged members of Clarence Main Street and the Cedar County Economic Development Group, where they support local economic growth and strengthen the small business community by hosting fundraising meals that benefit local businesses and schools. Through this involvement, they continue to invest in the long-term vitality of Main Street while preserving the character of their community by hosting fundraising meals that benefit local businesses and schools. Mill Creek Cafe has earned statewide recognition, representing Cedar County on a list of 99 Must Try Iowa Restaurants, as well as the Warren Coleman Honorary Award from the Stanwood Lions Club for their exceptional catering services. Beyond accolades for their dining service, Jamie and Marcia also received the Friends of Iowa Renovation Award for their event venue. Run solely by Jamie and Marica from the beginning, their business supports the home-style dining needs of Iowans while contributing to the vibrancy of Clarence and the broader Cedar County area. Mill Creek Cafe exemplifies the spirit of American entrepreneurship through its commitment to service and community. I am pleased to recognize Jamie Wilhau and Marcia Syring from Mill Street Cafe for their dedication to Cedar County. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING MILL CREEK CAFE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 64 (Monday, April 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 64 (Monday, April 13, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S1710] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING MILL CREEK CAFE 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 Mill Creek Cafe of Cedar County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded in 2010 by Jamie Wilhau and Marcia Syring, Mill Creek Cafe is a welcoming, locally owned spot where the Clarence community gathers over quality, home-cooked meals. Over the years, this woman-owned small business has grown into a hub for families, friends, and neighbors, known for its consistency, hospitality, and made-from-scratch dishes. The cafe offers a wide variety of dining options on a rotating 6-week menu, including sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts with daily specials displayed on a restored schoolhouse chalkboard. Out of the many delicious choices, in typical Iowa fashion, the tenderloin is easily the crowd favorite. In addition to their work at Mill Creek Cafe, Jamie and Marcia also run an event management business together at their Highpoint Event Center venue that includes catering services and on-site overnight accommodation. They are actively engaged members of Clarence Main Street and the Cedar County Economic Development Group, where they support local economic growth and strengthen the small business community by hosting fundraising meals that benefit local businesses and schools. Through this involvement, they continue to invest in the long-term vitality of Main Street while preserving the character of their community by hosting fundraising meals that benefit local businesses and schools. Mill Creek Cafe has earned statewide recognition, representing Cedar County on a list of 99 Must Try Iowa Restaurants, as well as the Warren Coleman Honorary Award from the Stanwood Lions Club for their exceptional catering services. Beyond accolades for their dining service, Jamie and Marcia also received the Friends of Iowa Renovation Award for their event venue. Run solely by Jamie and Marica from the beginning, their business supports the home-style dining needs of Iowans while contributing to the vibrancy of Clarence and the broader Cedar County area. Mill Creek Cafe exemplifies the spirit of American entrepreneurship through its commitment to service and community. I am pleased to recognize Jamie Wilhau and Marcia Syring from Mill Street Cafe for their dedication to Cedar County. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead. ____________________