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




                   RECOGNIZING MOUNTAIN MADNESS SOAP

 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. 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 Mountain Madness Soap in Coeur d'Alene as one of the 
Idaho Small Businesses of the Month for May 2021.
  Mountain Madness Soap is a specialty handmade soap and bath products 
company founded by Jennifer and Andy Morsell. The business began with 
Jennifer's hobby of making organic soaps in her kitchen and giving them 
as gifts to friends and family. The enthusiastic reception she received 
inspired Jennifer and her husband to start their own business selling 
the soaps at local farmers markets and craft fairs. The pair eventually 
moved to Coeur d'Alene, where they opened their first shop. The 
business quickly found success as demand soared for their locally 
sourced soap and bath products. Finding themselves unable to keep pace 
with demand, the business expanded into a larger facility in 2016, 
enabling them to increase the size of their retail space and expand 
their production and fulfillment facilities.
  To overcome the challenges and retrictions of the pandemic, Mountain 
Madness adapted its operations to continue serving the community 
safely. Jennifer and Andy kept the store open by implementing face mask 
requirements for employees, rigorous sanitation of facilities, and by 
adding curbside pickup and at-home deliveries. Jennifer and Andy made 
the safety of their customers and employees the top priority. They 
adapted quickly to new challenges and developed ways to bring their 
products to their customers. And through that quick and innovative 
response, they managed to grow their business despite the hardship. 
Mountain Madness continues to support its fellow Idaho small businesses 
by purchasing locally sourced product materials from other small 
businesses.
  Congratulations to Mountain Madness Soap 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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