[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 6, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E686]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING 2014 ST. CLOUD CHAMBER AWARD WINNERS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHELE BACHMANN

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 2014

  Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the recipients 
of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year, 
the Family Owned Business of the Year, and the Business Central Mark of 
Excellence-Emerging Entrepreneurs. These individuals stand out to the 
Chamber as ``those who have the courage to aspire to a higher level'' 
as business owners and community members.
  Jim Kruze and Melissa Kelley of J. F. Kruze Jewelers were awarded the 
2014 St. Cloud Area Chamber Small Business of the Year. Though he never 
intended to own a jewelry store, Jim learned early on that he had a 
knack for sales and found himself eager to learn more about the jewelry 
industry. Fourteen years after returning to the business, Jim and his 
daughter, gemologist and co-owner Melissa Kelley, have doubled the size 
of their original store and specialize in custom jewelry.
  The St. Cloud Area Chamber Family Owned Business of the Year is 
awarded to Pat and Paul Duininck of Royal Tire. Founded in 1948, Roger 
Duininck acquired the store in 1987 and raised his sons, Pat and Paul, 
with the family business, which provides retail and commercial tire 
sales, service, and repair and operates two retreading plants in 
Minnesota. Since Pat and Paul joined the family business, (1979 and 
1984 respectively) it has tripled in size from 100 employees and 12 
stores in Central Minnesota to 300 employees and 26 stores, covering an 
area from Rochester, MN to Williston, ND to Virginia, MN. With the 2013 
purchase of their 3rd manufacturing plant in Rochester, MN, Royal Tire 
is ready to provide quality service to another community far into the 
future.
  The Business Central Mark of Excellence-Emerging Entrepreneurs's 
inaugural recipients are the six second-generation co-owners of Midwest 
Machinery, Co.: Ben and Andrew Swenson; Brian, Corey and Adam Weber; 
and Paul Seipel. Originally a merger of eight separate John Deere 
locations into one company, Midwest Machinery's focus on strong and 
skillful management has paid off. With four new stores last year, the 
business now boasts an impressive 13 locations. Not bad for a team of 
owners all under the age of 40!
  The St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce made a great decision in 
highlighting the owners and managers of J. F. Kruze Jewelers, Royal 
Tire and Midwest Machinery, Co. as this year's winners. They not only 
provide a quality service to their customers and boost the local 
economy, they also serve as a notable example to their communities of 
the importance of family-owned and small businesses--they are lifeblood 
to our beloved state.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask this body join with me in honoring J. F. Kruze 
Jewelers, Royal Tire and Midwest Machinery, Co. for their 
accomplishments and their invaluable contributions to the state of 
Minnesota.

                          ____________________