[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 56 (Monday, April 1, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S2116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING SUNSHINE PEANUT COMPANY

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, as chairman of the Committee on 
Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small 
business that exemplifies the unique American entrepreneurial spirit. 
It is my privilege to honor a Florida small business that has worked so 
diligently to expand opportunity within their community, proving that 
small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the heartbeat of 
Main Street. This week it is my privilege to honor Sunshine Peanut 
Company of Jacksonville, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
  Founded in 2005, Sunshine Peanut Company is Florida's only peanut 
butter producer and processes more than 10 million pounds of peanut 
butter each year. Sunshine Peanut Company, owned by CEO Jeff Turbeville 
and his brother David, completes every phase of production, from 
roasting to packaging, entirely in house.
  Focusing on competitive cost, high quality, and timely delivery and 
with the help of the Jacksonville Small Business Development Center, 
Sunshine Peanut Company has become a leader in the peanut processing 
industry. Through the utilization of their Small Business 
Administration HUBZone certification, Sunshine Peanut Company has been 
awarded contracts to sell their high-quality peanut butter to 
hospitals, schools, universities, and correctional facilities.
  Sunshine Peanut Company's work with the Florida Department of 
Corrections goes far beyond just supplying peanut butter. Jeff employs 
a number of rehabilitated offenders, and David, a former police 
officer, understands firsthand the criminal justice system and the 
support that parolees need. Jeff takes his role as an employer and 
community sponsor seriously, and his dedication to provide dignified 
work to the members of his community that need it the most is an 
outstanding example of community support. Sunshine Peanut Company's 
efforts have resulted in reduced recidivism and increased opportunity 
within his community.
  Jeff's efforts and Sunshine Peanut Company's success has not gone 
unnoticed. He was recently honored as the 2019 Florida Small business 
Person of the Year by the Small Business Administration. This 
distinction is awarded to an entrepreneur who represents diversity, 
hard work, and perseverance. Jeff's commitment to both his company and 
his community have made him a clear choice for this award. He will be 
honored this year in Washington, DC, at the beginning of National Small 
Business Week.
  Sunshine Peanut Company is a great example of how dignified work can 
lead to community engagement and business expansion, while changing 
lives for the better. I commend Jeff and the Sunshine Peanut Company on 
their dedication to their community and am honored to name them as the 
Senate Small Business of the Week. I wish them good luck and look 
forward to watching their continued growth and success.

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