[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 181 (Thursday, October 22, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6400-S6401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING SCOTLYNN USA DIVISION, INC.

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. 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 
with award-winning innovation that provides high-quality service and is 
active in its community. This week, it is my pleasure to honor Scotlynn 
USA Division, Inc., of Fort Myers, FL, as the Senate Small Business of 
the Week.
  Ryan Carter founded Scotlynn USA Division, Inc., in 2010, the year 
after the Great Recession ended. Ryan worked for a Cincinnati freight 
brokerage firm and identified a market demand for reliable, customer-
focused delivery of time-sensitive perishable goods. Together, Ryan and 
his younger brother, Brad, established Scotlynn USA in Fort Myers as a 
transportation and logistics provider in southwest Florida. The 
business grew quickly, moving in 2012 from their original 900-square-
foot office into their current 12,000-square-foot building.
  Today, Scotlynn USA has grown into an award-winning logistics firm 
operating a truck fleet and freight brokerage that distributes 
perishable foods nationwide. Ryan serves as the executive vice 
president, and Brad is in a managerial role. They foster a sense of 
community among their employees, resulting in high employee retention 
rates, and they prioritize hiring veterans. Ryan serves on a number of 
nonprofit boards and volunteers with several organizations, including 
Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, and St. Matthews House. 
Uniquely, Scotlynn USA provides its employees 16 hours of annual leave 
to volunteer with local organizations.
  Scotlynn USA has received industry recognition for its 
entrepreneurship and innovation. Notably, it received early help from 
the Florida Small Business Development Center--SBDC--located at Florida 
Gulf Coast University, FGCU. They provided Scotlynn resources, 
including mentorship, business planning, and access to capital advice 
to help them establish their business. In 2019, the Florida SBDC at 
FGCU awarded Ryan the Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year title. 
This year, Ryan was named as the 2020 U.S. Small Business 
Administration--SBA--Florida Small Business Person of the Year and was 
named first runner-up for

[[Page S6401]]

the SBA 2020 Small Business Person of the Year.
  Like many Floridian small businesses, Scotlynn USA rose to the 
occasion and supported their community during the coronavirus pandemic. 
Working with Feeding America, they raised funds for charity and 
distributed more than 3,500 free meals. Partnering with Community 
Cooperative and Midwest Food Bank, Scotlynn USA donated logistical 
support and truck space, enabling these two food banks to distribute 
approximately 2 million pounds of food to Floridians in need.
  As an essential business, Scotlynn USA managed to stay open, keep 
their employees safe, and play a key role in keeping our Nation's 
supply chains running smoothly. In April 2020, the SBA launched the 
Paycheck Protection Program--PPP--a small business relief program I was 
proud to author. The PPP provides forgivable loans to impacted small 
businesses and nonprofits who maintain their payroll during the 
coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to their PPP loan, Scotlynn USA was able 
to retain 214 jobs and continued serving their customers and community.
  Scotlynn USA exemplifies the critical role that small businesses play 
in investing in community development. Their leadership and commitment 
to their customers and employees is commendable, especially during 
these unprecedented times.
  Congratulations to Ryan, Brad and the entire team at Scotlynn USA 
Division, Inc. I look forward to your continued success in Florida and 
throughout the United States.

                          ____________________