[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 191 (Monday, November 1, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7536-S7537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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              RECOGNIZING FLORENCE'S EXQUISITE CHOCOLATES

 Mr. RISCH. Madam President, as a member and former chairman of 
the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month 
I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by 
highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. 
Today, I am pleased to honor Florence's Exquisite Chocolates in Rexburg 
as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for November 2021.
  As the namesake and founder of the business, Florence Manwaring had a 
long-standing passion for making chocolate. To pay her way through 
college, Florence began working in a chocolate factory where she 
learned the art of chocolatiering. Florence combined her work 
experience, passion, and giving spirit to make candies for her friends 
and family. Her chocolates became popular with her friends, and with 
their encouragement, Florence and her husband Var considered launching 
a business so she could pursue her passion. As the economy hit a 
downturn in the 70s, Var switched his focus from construction to 
helping his wife open a small business, and in 1981, Florence's dream 
became a reality.
  Despite initial struggles, the shop quickly gained the attention of 
the Rexburg community and grew so rapidly that Florence's family became 
involved as well. A true family-owned business, the Manwarings have the 
distinction of employing every single family member, each of whom has 
been critical to the company's success.
  Some of Florence's iconic chocolates include turtles, haystacks, 
toffees, caramels, and mints. The business has received widespread 
recognition, garnering positive reception from leaders of The Church of 
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and then-President Ronald Reagan. 
Florence's shop has not only found success selling locally, but has 
also distributed its candies throughout the region.

[[Page S7537]]

  Today, Florence's Exquisite Chocolates remains a family-owned staple 
in Rexburg. Florence's son Brian and his wife Michelle keep the 
tradition of quality-crafted sweets thriving by making their products 
available in other stores and maintaining an online presence to connect 
with their loyal customers nationwide. They look forward to continuing 
to serve their community.
  Congratulations to the Manwaring family and all of the employees of 
Florence's Exquisite Chocolates on being the Idaho Small Business of 
the Month for November 2021. You make our great State proud, and I look 
forward to your continued growth and success.

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