[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 87 (Wednesday, May 19, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2777-S2778]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING GREAT HARVEST

 Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, the challenges of the COVID-19 
pandemic have not been easy for small business owners and their 
employees to overcome. Throughout the pandemic, many were forced to 
temporarily close their doors.

[[Page S2778]]

Those that reopened had to innovate their business models to comply 
with local guidelines and public health mandates. As we turn the corner 
on the COVID-19 pandemic, I am proud to relaunch Support Local Gems, a 
statewide initiative, on May 21 to encourage Idahoans to support local 
small businesses in their communities. This month, as a senior member 
and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and 
Entrepreneurship, I will honor six small businesses located throughout 
the State of Idaho. I am pleased to honor Great Harvest in Idaho Falls 
as one of the Idaho Small Businesses of the Month for May 2021.
  The Great Harvest Bread Company in Idaho Falls is owned and operated 
by Tiffani and John Van Orman. With two locations in Eastern Idaho, the 
bakeries are known for their vast selection of artisan breads, sweets, 
and treats. They pride themselves on using the freshest ingredients and 
making their products completely from scratch.
  Since its establishment over 20 years ago, the business has been 
actively involved in the Idaho Falls community, donating money and 
baked goods to school fundraisers, church gatherings, and local 
charitable causes. While the pandemic has impacted their business, it 
has not deterred their charitable efforts. During the March 2020 
shutdown, Great Harvest kept all of their employees on the payroll and 
increased their production. The Van Ormans donated the extra food items 
to their local food pantry, YMCA, local school districts, hospitals, 
and emergency responders. They also placed Generosity Tables stocked 
with free baked goods outside of their bakeries and encouraged 
customers to take them to people in need. Their spirit of generosity is 
what defines Idaho's small businesses, and Great Harvest Bread Company 
has stepped up for its community during these hard times.
  Congratulations to Great Harvest in Idaho Falls on being selected as 
an Idaho Gem for the month of May. You serve as an example in your 
community and are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of 
Idaho's Local Gems.

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