RECOGNIZING THE BRICK KITCHEN

On 2025-03-12, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE BRICK KITCHEN" in the Senate. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment. It referenced legislation including S1702, S1703.

RECOGNIZING THE BRICK KITCHEN

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 47 (Wednesday, March 12, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 12, 2025)] [Senate] [Pages S1702-S1703] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE BRICK KITCHEN Ms. ERNST. Madam 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 Brick Kitchen of Independence, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In 2021, husband and wife Nate and Shelly Whited founded The Brick Kitchen in Independence, IA. Inspired by their love for cooking and spending time in the kitchen with their children Tia and Will, the couple envisioned a space where culinary enthusiasts could find high- quality kitchen tools and gadgets. Before opening, the couple purchased the historic King's Hall--the all-brick opera house originally built in 1876--and renamed part of it The Brick Kitchen. Through the help of friends and family and hard work, Nate and Shelly updated and refurbished the building, trying their best to keep its historic charm. In May 2021, The Brick Kitchen was officially open for business. Today, The Brick Kitchen remains in its 20,000-square-foot building, offering a wide array of kitchen products and services, including cutlery, cookware, food preparation supplies, in-house knife sharpening, and more. The company also receives batches of flavor- infused olive oils and balsamic vinegar from a Montanta-based small business, which the team securely bottles, labels, and sells in-store. Most recently, in April 2023, The Brick Kitchen expanded its operation by opening an instructional kitchen for demonstrations and hands-on cooking classes. With a team of 12 community employees, The Brick Kitchen is committed to quality, durability, and ease of use products, making the store a beloved retail destination for residents and visitors alike. The Brick Kitchen is a member of the Independence Chamber of Commerce, and in 2021, the chamber awarded the Entrepreneurs of the Year as well as the Business of the Year to both Shelly and Nate. The Brick Kitchen is also a member of the HTI Buying Group, supporting local initiatives and industry partnerships. In addition, Shelly served on the Independence School Board for 7 years, including a term as president. Nate serves on the city board of adjustments and contributes his time to coaching varsity soccer. He also serves on the Independence Aquatic Center Improvement Board. The Brick Kitchen actively supports local schools, events, and organizations through funding and gifts. Additionally, in 2000, Nate was a founding member of the Independence Fourth of July board, helping grow the event from hundreds of people to 30,000 attendees each year. In 2023, Shelly and Nate made NCAA history by signing 18 members of the University of Iowa Mellophone section of the marching band to a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal, making The Brick Kitchen the first to provide this type of deal to student musicians. This May, The Brick Kitchen will celebrate its fourth anniversary in Iowa. The Brick Kitchen's active community involvement as well as their commitment to excellence are clear. I want to congratulate Shelly and Nate Whited, their children, and their team for providing high-quality kitchen products and services to families across [[Page S1703]] Iowa. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success. ____________________