Floor SpeechNeutral2026-02-10

RECOGNIZING MESCHER FAMILY BUSINESSES

TradeInfrastructureAgriculture

Context

On 2026-02-10, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING MESCHER FAMILY BUSINESSES" in the Senate. The speech addressed trade policy and also covered infrastructure, agriculture. It referenced legislation: S550.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING MESCHER FAMILY BUSINESSES

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 28 (Tuesday, February 10, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 10, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S550] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ RECOGNIZING MESCHER FAMILY BUSINESSES 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 the Mescher family's collection of retail clothing businesses in Plymouth County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. This successful group of clothing shops got its start in 2013 when Jill Mescher founded Sugar N Spice in downtown Le Mars. As a mother of three with a passion for fashion, she set out to create a children's boutique that reflected the individual styles of her own children. What began as a trunk show turned into a small retail shop before transforming into a trusted destination for families in search of clothes to mark life's important moments. As the business grew, Jill encountered a challenge unique to children's stores: Her customers were growing up. Rather than letting those relationships fade, she expanded to continue growing alongside her clients. In 2021, Jill launched Lily Zita as a teen boutique designed to serve young customers transitioning out of Sugar N Spice. Then, in 2024, Jill and her husband Chad added menswear to their portfolio when they reopened the former Claussen's store as Mescher's Clothing. The newest addition to the business provides services including men's apparel, tuxedo rentals, and dry cleaning, all of which are often difficult to find in rural areas. Today, the Mescher family retail businesses collectively serve children, teens, and adults, operating as a family-owned small business ecosystem. Thanks to a team of dedicated employees, the storefronts are active contributors to downtown Le Mars. The Meschers represent a unique example of how small businesses can grow while maintaining personalized service and strong community ties. Beyond their retail success, the Meschers are deeply engaged in the Plymouth County community. They are active members of the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce, where Jill serves on the board. Their businesses regularly participate in community events, including collaborative fashion shows organized with other downtown small businesses and the Le Mars Bridal Show, where Mescher's Clothing showcases formalwear and tuxedo options for men. The Meschers' leadership and service have earned them well-deserved recognition. In 2024, Jill was named the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce's Boss of the Quarter. In the same year, Jill and Chad were also honored as KLEM Radio's Citizens of the Day. From a single children's boutique to a family of downtown storefronts serving multiple generations, the Meschers exemplify the ingenuity and dedication to community that define Iowa's small businesses. It is my honor to recognize Jill and Chad Mescher and the entire team behind Sugar N Spice, Lily Zita, and Mescher's Clothing for their dedication to their community and continued contributions to Main Street Iowa. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING MESCHER FAMILY BUSINESSES Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 28 (Tuesday, February 10, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 10, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S550] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ RECOGNIZING MESCHER FAMILY BUSINESSES 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 the Mescher family's collection of retail clothing businesses in Plymouth County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. This successful group of clothing shops got its start in 2013 when Jill Mescher founded Sugar N Spice in downtown Le Mars. As a mother of three with a passion for fashion, she set out to create a children's boutique that reflected the individual styles of her own children. What began as a trunk show turned into a small retail shop before transforming into a trusted destination for families in search of clothes to mark life's important moments. As the business grew, Jill encountered a challenge unique to children's stores: Her customers were growing up. Rather than letting those relationships fade, she expanded to continue growing alongside her clients. In 2021, Jill launched Lily Zita as a teen boutique designed to serve young customers transitioning out of Sugar N Spice. Then, in 2024, Jill and her husband Chad added menswear to their portfolio when they reopened the former Claussen's store as Mescher's Clothing. The newest addition to the business provides services including men's apparel, tuxedo rentals, and dry cleaning, all of which are often difficult to find in rural areas. Today, the Mescher family retail businesses collectively serve children, teens, and adults, operating as a family-owned small business ecosystem. Thanks to a team of dedicated employees, the storefronts are active contributors to downtown Le Mars. The Meschers represent a unique example of how small businesses can grow while maintaining personalized service and strong community ties. Beyond their retail success, the Meschers are deeply engaged in the Plymouth County community. They are active members of the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce, where Jill serves on the board. Their businesses regularly participate in community events, including collaborative fashion shows organized with other downtown small businesses and the Le Mars Bridal Show, where Mescher's Clothing showcases formalwear and tuxedo options for men. The Meschers' leadership and service have earned them well-deserved recognition. In 2024, Jill was named the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce's Boss of the Quarter. In the same year, Jill and Chad were also honored as KLEM Radio's Citizens of the Day. From a single children's boutique to a family of downtown storefronts serving multiple generations, the Meschers exemplify the ingenuity and dedication to community that define Iowa's small businesses. It is my honor to recognize Jill and Chad Mescher and the entire team behind Sugar N Spice, Lily Zita, and Mescher's Clothing for their dedication to their community and continued contributions to Main Street Iowa. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead. ____________________