[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 162 (Tuesday, October 15, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5787-S5788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING HANSON GARAGE

 Mr. RISCH. Madam President, today I wish to highlight the hard 
work and determination of a small business in my home State of Idaho. 
The small business that I am honoring today goes above and beyond when 
it comes to embodying the American entrepreneurial spirit. As a member 
and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and 
Entrepreneurship, it is my pleasure to recognize Hanson Garage, Inc., 
as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for October 2019.
  Hanson Garage in Orofino was founded in 1917 by Hans ``Pete'' Hanson 
and began selling Dodge vehicles in 1919. Pete's son, Ket Hanson, later 
took over the garage and passed it on to his sons Keith and Larry when 
he retired in the early 1980s. Keith and Larry grew up sweeping floors 
and washing cars at the garage, and upon graduating from the University 
of Idaho, they became partners in the family business. More than 100 
years and three generations later, Hanson Garage remains a smalltown, 
family-owned business renowned for its passion, friendliness, and 
dedication to providing exceptional service.
  The garage sells new and used Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram 
vehicles, Suzuki ATVs and motorcycles, and KTM motorcycles. It also 
offers services such as financial assistance, vehicle repair, and a 
variety of parts for purchase. Over the years, the business has 
received several awards from Chrysler and Suzuki for exceptional sales 
and service, and the Hanson family attributes the business's success to 
their consistent fair prices and superior customer service.
  Thirteen families in the Orofino area are employed at Hanson Garage, 
comprising a significant share of the workforce for a community of 
about 3,000 people. Keith and Larry Hanson are active members of the 
Orofino Chamber of Commerce and supporters of local youth sporting 
events and of the Orofino Lumber Jack Days and the County Fair. I would 
like to extend a well-deserved congratulations to Keith and Larry 
Hanson and all of the employees of Hanson Garage for being selected as 
the October 2019 Idaho Small Business of the Month. You make our great 
State proud, and I look forward to watching your continued growth and 
success.

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