ADDITIONAL STATMENTS

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

ADDITIONAL STATMENTS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 153 (Monday, September 28, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 153 (Monday, September 28, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S5067-S5068] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATMENTS ______ RECOGNIZING THE BREAD BOARD 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 recognize the Bread Board of Marion County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Heidi Rozenboom grew up baking fresh bread with her grandmother, always using the same bread board that would eventually inspire her business' name. Years later, Heidi turned her passion for baking into a business, selling fresh bread to local coffee shops and cafes. Demand quickly grew beyond what Heidi could handle on her own, leading her to hire additional help. In 2021, she took the next step and opened her own storefront in downtown Pella. Heidi named the business the Bread Board in honor of the cherished memories she made baking with her grandmother and set out to create a welcoming space where customers could experience that same sense of warmth and comfort. Today, the bakery serves fresh sourdough bread, pastries, homemade meals, and other baked goods. Heidi now leads a team of about 15 employees serving customers throughout Marion County. While the Bread [[Page S5068]] Board operates from its Pella location, Heidi continues to find new ways to extend the bakery's reach throughout the community. The business is a member of the Pella Area Community and Economic Alliance and regularly brings residents together through events such as its recent sourdough baking competition. Even after opening her own storefront, Heidi has continued collaborating with other local businesses and organizations. Bread Board products can be found at local cafes and the nearby produce stand, and Heidi also supplies products to the local school and band. For 4 consecutive years, the Bread Board has been named Best Lunch in Marion County, in the Marion County Development Commission's Best of Red Rock competition, reflecting the business' continued commitment to quality and service. For Heidi, the Bread Board remains deeply rooted in family. Growing up next door to her grandparents, some of her fondest childhood memories came from baking alongside her grandmother. The original bread board Heidi used with her grandmother remains in the shop today. Heidi's own family has also become an important part of Bread Board. Her mother is always willing to lend a hand, her husband has been by her side since the bakery's earliest days, and now her son and daughter are pitching in too, making the Bread Board a true family affair. The entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community demonstrated by the Bread Board embody the very best of Iowa small businesses. I want to congratulate Heidi Rozenboom, her family, and her entire team for their hard work, dedication, and exceptional service to Marion County. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success. ____________________