[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 137 (Friday, August 19, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E863]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NEBRASKA FURNITURE MART TIME CAPSULE

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                             HON. DON BACON

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 19, 2022

  Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an Omaha 
landmark, a fixture in Omaha's history and in the furniture retail 
world--Nebraska Furniture Mart--on the occasion of their 85th 
anniversary. In 1937, Rose Blumkin started the Mart--as it is known to 
those in the community--with $500 in the basement of her husband's 
shop. Since then, four generations of the Blumkin family have worked at 
the retail giant which is now also located in Iowa, Kansas City and 
Texas.
  The largest retailer of home furnishings in North America, their 
flagship store hosts more than two million visitors a year, making it 
one of Nebraska's top tourists' attractions. Employing over 5000 
workers, including 2000 in Omaha, the Mart contributed over $104 
million in local payroll for the year 2020. In addition, it generates 
an average of $4.3 million in Omaha taxes and $24.4 million in state 
taxes.
  As we gather on this 85th anniversary, we look forward to celebrating 
100 years and the growth that the Mart will continue to have in Omaha 
and across the nation. Despite its large growth, the Mart is connected 
to the community, where it has a large footprint. I believe Rose 
Blumkin would be proud to see what her $500 has grown into and the 
impact it has made in the lives of those who work or shop here and 
would be excited to see what the future has to bear.
  Congratulations to Nebraska Furniture Mart and the Blumkin family and 
I look forward to seeing their progress and growth 15 years from now.

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