[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 87 (Thursday, June 13, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S6219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  LABELCRAFTERS OF SOUTH DAKOTA, INC.

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I want to share a story of how one South 
Dakota family turned their vision and entrepreneurial drive into a 
thriving business. ``We had one press, one employee, and zero 
customers.'' That statement tells the story of the beginning of 
Labelcrafters of South Dakota, Inc., the Sioux Falls-based company 
honored by the Small Business Administration. Del and Janice Buttolph 
started Labelcrafters in 1987 and 9 years later are being named the 
South Dakota Small Business Persons of the Year. They manufacture 
pressure-sensitive labels for a variety of manufacturers in the four-
State region.
  The Buttolphs met with me here in Washington, DC, during Small 
Business Week. That statement about their beginning is indicative of 
the risk-taking, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication small business 
owners like Del and Janice Buttolph bring to a business startup. I know 
from my discussions with them that they brought great talent and 
experience to this venture.
  The Labelcrafter motto is ``Quality and Service--Our Priority.'' 
Acting on this motto has resulted in growth to 27 employees and three 
state-of-the-art presses with a fourth on the way. In fact, they plan 
on expanding into a larger building next year.
  We all strive to learn the ingredients of a successful business 
startup. Besides their commitment to quality and service, I was most 
impressed by their commitment to treating their employees well. They 
provide employees with health, life, and disability insurance, a 401(k) 
plan matched by the company, and well-paying jobs. I hope their 
experience is an inspiration not only to budding entrepreneurs, but to 
established companies as well.
  The Buttolphs were helped in this venture by the Small Business 
Administration, which provided timely and technical advice and cost-
sensitive capital through the local bank. This public-private 
collaboration worked exactly as it was designed by Congress. As a 
result of their initiative and dedication, the Buttolphs produce a 
quality product, provide excellent service, and run a profitable 
business that benefits their 27 employees and the Sioux Falls 
community.

                          ____________________