[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 84 (Thursday, May 26, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S3285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING KIMMIE CANDY

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Joe 
Dutra and all of those contributing at Kimmie Candy for receiving the 
President's ``E'' Award for Exports. This award is truly prestigious 
and given to only the most ambitious companies making a significant 
contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.
  As founder, CEO, and president of Kimmie Candy, Joe first established 
the company on a farm in his hometown of Sacramento, CA. By 2003, the 
company had made great strides and won ``product of the year'' at the 
annual Candy Grammys held in Long Beach, CA. In 2005, Joe relocated to 
Reno, NV, with the goal of creating more American jobs. Just 2 years 
later, Joe purchased the building that is now Kimmie Candy's production 
facility, and by 2008, the candy company was fully operational. Within 
the next year, Joe took the company international and increased sales 
in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, South America, 
and the Middle East. Since its opening, the company has grown to 36 
employees and continues to expand. I have toured the facility on 
multiple occasions and am always impressed by this successful business. 
Joe's work in creating job opportunities in Nevada has not gone 
unnoticed, and I am thankful to have Kimmie Candy operating in our 
great State.
  In 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order to 
revive the World War II ``E'' symbol of excellence. The President's 
``E'' Award aims to honor companies across the country that have 
contributed to America's exports by demonstrating export growth for 
over 4 years. Kimmie Candy is one of only 123 companies that was 
honored with this award. Without a doubt, Joe's work at Kimmie Candy 
warrants this significant accolade.
  Today, I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in 
congratulating my friend Joe and the entire Kimmie Candy family for 
receiving this national award. I am thankful for everything Joe has 
contributed to the city of Reno and our State, and I wish him well as 
he continues his endeavors at Kimmie Candy.

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