[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 HAPPY DAY CORPORATION

 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 Happy Day Corporation in Lewiston as one of the Idaho 
Small Businesses of the Month for May 2021.
  Happy Day is a four-generation family business founded by Bruce and 
Joy Finch in 1969. After opening their first franchise restaurant in 
the Lewiston area, the couple went into business with Bruce's father, 
Charles, and began to expand their venture. With 10 years of business 
under their belts, Bruce and Joy reorganized their budding company, 
officially naming it ``Happy Day'' to commemorate Joy's delight that 
their company was flourishing. Today, the business comprises 13 
franchise and independent restaurants and a catering and events 
division. This has enabled the company to provide jobs for more than 
450 employees in the Inland Northwest.
  Above all else, Happy Day is known for its commitment to service. 
Each year, thousands of wildland firefighters battle wildfires 
throughout the West. In an effort to keep them fed, Happy Day provides 
hundreds of meals to these firefighters at their fire camps. In 
addition, the company has long supported veterans. Happy Day 
restaurants have served more than 100,000 meals to local veterans 
through its monthly Tuesday Vets Meal initiative where veterans can eat 
for free. Their enduring dedication to community service has garnered 
them local and national awards, including being inducted into the Idaho 
Hall of Fame in 2016. Happy Day's efforts to serve their community make 
them an exceptional example of service-oriented small business 
leadership.
  Congratulations to Happy Day 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.

                          ____________________