[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 102 (Tuesday, June 2, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2647-S2648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                RECOGNIZING IDEAL ALUMINUM PRODUCTS, LLC

 Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, as chairman of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
a small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit 
at the heart of our country. It is my privilege to recognize a small 
business that is known for excellence in its industry, outstanding 
craftsmanship, and creating dignified work in their community. This 
week, it is my pleasure to recognize Ideal Aluminum Products, LLC of 
St. Augustine, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
  In 2010, Michael Siegel and Doug Brady purchased Ideal Aluminum 
Products. Based in DeLand, FL, this fence, gate, and railing 
manufacturing company had recently gone out of business. Doug, an 
alumnus of the University of South Florida, had also worked with 
Michael at Ideal Gas, LLC. Together, the two planned to turn this new 
company around.
  Over the next decade, Michael and Doug grew Ideal Aluminum into an 
industry leader. A favorable business environment and proximity to I-95 
spurred Ideal Aluminum's relocation to St. Augustine in 2015. Their 
success as a local manufacturer and commitment to job creation was 
honored by then-Governor Rick Scott, who issued a monthly job report at 
their facility in 2016.
  Ideal Aluminum has been an ardent supporter of community development. 
In 2011, Ideal Aluminum manufactured, donated, and installed railings 
for ABC's ``Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.'' They were recognized in 
2015 by

[[Page S2648]]

GrowFL, which spotlights businesses that create quality jobs, enrich 
their communities, and broaden new industries throughout Florida. Ideal 
Aluminum was nominated for the Florida Sterling Manufacturing Business 
Award in 2017 for business excellence in Florida's manufacturing 
community. Michael and Doug were finalists for the Ernst & Young 
Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2017 and 2018. Ideal Aluminum has 
also been featured in the St. Augustine Record and industry 
publications.
  Like many other small businesses, Ideal Aluminum stepped up to help 
their community during the coronavirus pandemic. When Michael and Doug 
heard about the shortage of blood donations, they organized a blood 
drive at Ideal Aluminum and collected donations for Feeding Northeast 
Florida. The company matched every dollar collected, resulting in a 
$3,000 donation to feed the hungry in the St. Augustine area.
  When the U.S. Small Business Administration--SBA--launched the 
Paycheck Protection Program--PPP--Michael and Doug applied immediately. 
The PPP provides forgivable loans to impacted small businesses and 
nonprofits who maintain their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 
late April, Ideal Aluminum received a PPP loan and an Economic Injury 
Disaster Loan from the SBA. As a result, they were able to keep all of 
their employees paid.
  Ideal Aluminum Products exemplifies how crucial small businesses are 
in creating jobs and building the local community. I commend their 
efforts to create jobs in the critical manufacturing sector.
  Congratulations to Michael, Doug, and the entire team at Ideal 
Aluminum. I look forward to watching your continued growth and 
success.

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