Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-04-15

RECOGNIZING THE GATHERING PLACE

Context

On 2026-04-15, Senator James E. Risch (R-ID) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE GATHERING PLACE" in the Senate. It referenced legislation including S1781, S1782.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 66 (Wednesday, April 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 66 (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S1781-S1782] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE GATHERING PLACE Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am proud to honor The Gathering Place in Rupert as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for March 2026. The Gathering Place quilt shop has been in business since 1998, after owners Ron and Joyce Jensen purchased the 100-year-old building in the historic Rupert town square. The couple undertook a significant remodel to meet the needs of their quilting store and transform the space into a vibrant, beloved destination. Ron and Joyce started the store to boost tourism to their small town and offer resources to local quilters. Since then, The Gathering Place has proven to be a successful tourist spot, gaining national recognition, and Joyce continues to serve new customers almost [[Page S1782]] daily. With seemingly endless fabric, books, patterns, and samples, the store is a great destination for crafters and a staple within the Rupert community. Joyce, her three children, and 11 grandchildren, all of whom reside in Rupert, have carried on the store's success since Ron passed away. Together, the Jensen family hopes to keep running the store for years to come and weave The Gathering Place into Rupert history. Congratulations to Joyce, the Jensen family, and all employees at The Gathering Place on being recognized as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for March 2026. Your dedication to excellence makes Idaho proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING THE GATHERING PLACE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 66 (Wednesday, April 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 66 (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S1781-S1782] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE GATHERING PLACE Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am proud to honor The Gathering Place in Rupert as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for March 2026. The Gathering Place quilt shop has been in business since 1998, after owners Ron and Joyce Jensen purchased the 100-year-old building in the historic Rupert town square. The couple undertook a significant remodel to meet the needs of their quilting store and transform the space into a vibrant, beloved destination. Ron and Joyce started the store to boost tourism to their small town and offer resources to local quilters. Since then, The Gathering Place has proven to be a successful tourist spot, gaining national recognition, and Joyce continues to serve new customers almost [[Page S1782]] daily. With seemingly endless fabric, books, patterns, and samples, the store is a great destination for crafters and a staple within the Rupert community. Joyce, her three children, and 11 grandchildren, all of whom reside in Rupert, have carried on the store's success since Ron passed away. Together, the Jensen family hopes to keep running the store for years to come and weave The Gathering Place into Rupert history. Congratulations to Joyce, the Jensen family, and all employees at The Gathering Place on being recognized as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for March 2026. Your dedication to excellence makes Idaho proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success. ____________________