[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 92 (Monday, June 3, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S3159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING PARTNER STEEL CO.

 Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, this month I celebrate the power of 
the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a 
small business in my home State of Idaho. Hard work, innovation, and 
perseverance are some of the characteristics that have helped so many 
of our Nation's citizens achieve the American Dream. As a member and 
former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and 
Entrepreneurship, it is my distinct privilege to recognize Partner 
Steel Co. as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2019.
  Partner Steel Co. first opened its doors in Pocatello, ID, in 1947 as 
a custom steel fabricator and wholesaler. Since then, Partner Steel has 
expanded to provide Idaho-made products not only to Idahoans, but to 
consumers all over the world. Partner Steel uses high-quality raw 
materials to produce custom creations, meeting the unique needs of each 
individual customer. As a commercial steel supplier, Partner Steel Co. 
provides steel to large and small clients across the United States.
  Spanning beyond the realm of commercial steel supply and custom steel 
fabrication, Partner Steel Co. has an outdoor camping equipment line. 
They create products such as camping stoves, Dutch ovens, griddles, 
coffee pots and water purifiers for outdoor sanitation. These camping 
supplies have generated an international customer base, from the United 
States to Canada, Europe, and Australia.
  After operating Partner Steel for more than five decades, the Partner 
family decided to sell the business in 2005. Having worked at Partner 
Steel for more than 30 years, Rick Eskelson had a deep understanding of 
the operations of the company, and he and his wife Debbie made the 
decision to buy the business. Now owners for 15 years, the Eskelsons 
have continued supplying steel products to Pocatello residents and 
consumers around the globe.
  In addition to operating their small business, the Eskelsons have 
prioritized reinvesting into the Pocatello community. Rick and Debbie 
are avid supporters of the local 4H club, local sports teams and high 
schools, and are involved in the Pocatello business community.
  It is my honor to recognize Rick and Debbie Eskelson and the 
employees of Partner Steel Co. for their outstanding contributions to 
the Pocatello community. You make our State proud, and I look forward 
to your continued success.

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