[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 87 (Wednesday, May 19, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2778-S2779]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING THE SANDPIPER

 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 the Sandpiper in Pocatello as one of the Idaho Small 
Businesses of the Month for May 2021.

[[Page S2779]]

  The Pocatello Sandpiper was founded by Bob Angell in 1975 and is 
currently owned by Rod Russell. With two locations in Eastern Idaho, 
the restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere and steak and seafood 
offerings. It has become a staple of the local community, garnering 
awards for Best Restaurant, Best Steak and Seafood, Best Fine Dining, 
and Best Place To Take A Date awards in the Idaho State Journal's 
Readers' Choice Awards.
  Rod and his wife, Kathleen, have served as leaders in the local 
community during the pandemic. The restaurant avoided layoffs, raised 
wages, and provided special meals to employees and their families even 
though they operated at a loss. In addition to the measures taken by 
the restaurant, upon receiving their $1,200 stimulus check, the 
Russells began thinking of ways to give back to their community. As the 
brother of a truckdriver, Rod heard firsthand some of the challenges 
facing truckers amid supply chain shortages. To show thanks to an 
underappreciated group of essential workers, the Pocatello Sandpiper 
partnered with Idaho State Police and other small businesses to provide 
more than 600 free meals to truckdrivers in acknowledgment of their 
critical work. Rod's commitment to service allowed this small business 
to prioritize the needs of both its employees and the community.
  Congratulations to the Sandpiper in Pocatello 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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