Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-02-02

RECOGNIZING COBBLESTONE BALLROOM & EVENT CENTER

Trade

Context

On 2026-02-02, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING COBBLESTONE BALLROOM & EVENT CENTER" in the Senate. The speech addressed trade policy. It referenced legislation: S440.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING COBBLESTONE BALLROOM & EVENT CENTER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S440] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ RECOGNIZING COBBLESTONE BALLROOM & EVENT CENTER 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 Cobblestone Ballroom & Event Center of Buena Vista County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Originally built in 1929 as part of the historic Cobblestone Inn overlooking Storm Lake, Cobblestone Ballroom & Event Center has long served as a gathering place for celebrations and community events in northwest Iowa. Despite a fire in 1945 that destroyed much of the original building, the ballroom endured and continued to host performances and gatherings for decades. The space remained preserved with original furnishing and memorabilia even after they closed their doors in November 1986. In 2022, Cobblestone entered a new chapter when Natalie and Nathan Schumann, along with Jennifer and Chad Hustedt, purchased the building and began an extensive renovation. After restoring the property, they opened the restaurant in early 2023. That fall, they were able to reopen the ballroom itself, returning a longstanding community landmark to active use. Today, the business is operated by a team of 30 employees, with staffing levels adjusted seasonally to meet demand. Cobblestone serves as a full-service event venue offering live music, trivia nights, themed events, weddings, and private gatherings. In addition to the main ballroom, the property includes the Mermaid Room, a renovated space frequently rented for business meetings, birthday parties, wedding ceremonies, and receptions. The venue continues to open in stages as renovations progress, with the owners focused on expanding their ability to serve the community. Alongside the ballroom, the owners operate the on-site Cobb Tavern, which serves as the venue's food and beverage space. The tavern's menu features pizza as its primary offering, along with nachos, wings, subs, salads, and a full bar with beer, wine, and liquor. The tavern provides a place for patrons to gather and serves as an integral part of the Cobblestone experience. Beyond hosting events, Cobblestone is actively engaged in the Storm Lake community. The business is a member of Storm Lake United, the area's chamber of commerce, where Natalie serves on the board of directors. In 2025, Cobblestone proudly hosted Storm Lake United's annual meeting and awards ceremony, where they received both the Storm Lake United Community Attraction and Tourism and New Business Recognition awards. Through the Schumanns and Hustedts' strong leadership and continued investment, Cobblestone has returned an important gathering place to Buena Vista County. It is my honor to recognize the Schumanns and Hustedts, along with the entire Cobblestone team, for their commitment to restoring and operating this historic venue. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the best of luck in the years to come. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING COBBLESTONE BALLROOM & EVENT CENTER Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S440] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ RECOGNIZING COBBLESTONE BALLROOM & EVENT CENTER 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 Cobblestone Ballroom & Event Center of Buena Vista County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Originally built in 1929 as part of the historic Cobblestone Inn overlooking Storm Lake, Cobblestone Ballroom & Event Center has long served as a gathering place for celebrations and community events in northwest Iowa. Despite a fire in 1945 that destroyed much of the original building, the ballroom endured and continued to host performances and gatherings for decades. The space remained preserved with original furnishing and memorabilia even after they closed their doors in November 1986. In 2022, Cobblestone entered a new chapter when Natalie and Nathan Schumann, along with Jennifer and Chad Hustedt, purchased the building and began an extensive renovation. After restoring the property, they opened the restaurant in early 2023. That fall, they were able to reopen the ballroom itself, returning a longstanding community landmark to active use. Today, the business is operated by a team of 30 employees, with staffing levels adjusted seasonally to meet demand. Cobblestone serves as a full-service event venue offering live music, trivia nights, themed events, weddings, and private gatherings. In addition to the main ballroom, the property includes the Mermaid Room, a renovated space frequently rented for business meetings, birthday parties, wedding ceremonies, and receptions. The venue continues to open in stages as renovations progress, with the owners focused on expanding their ability to serve the community. Alongside the ballroom, the owners operate the on-site Cobb Tavern, which serves as the venue's food and beverage space. The tavern's menu features pizza as its primary offering, along with nachos, wings, subs, salads, and a full bar with beer, wine, and liquor. The tavern provides a place for patrons to gather and serves as an integral part of the Cobblestone experience. Beyond hosting events, Cobblestone is actively engaged in the Storm Lake community. The business is a member of Storm Lake United, the area's chamber of commerce, where Natalie serves on the board of directors. In 2025, Cobblestone proudly hosted Storm Lake United's annual meeting and awards ceremony, where they received both the Storm Lake United Community Attraction and Tourism and New Business Recognition awards. Through the Schumanns and Hustedts' strong leadership and continued investment, Cobblestone has returned an important gathering place to Buena Vista County. It is my honor to recognize the Schumanns and Hustedts, along with the entire Cobblestone team, for their commitment to restoring and operating this historic venue. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the best of luck in the years to come. ____________________