[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 176 (Tuesday, November 15, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S6689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING DRAGON FLY TARPS

 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 Dragon Fly Tarps as the Idaho Small 
Business of the Month for November 2022.
  Matt and Stephanie Nelson started Dragon Fly Tarps from the comfort 
of their basement in 2003 when Matt was unable to find an affordable 
tarp that fit his needs. As a former river guide and avid outdoorsman, 
Matt's personal experience played an important role in the design of 
bigger, lighter, and quality tarps.
  Dragon Fly Tarps' first customers were friends and family, and 
requests began to increase as happy customers made word-of-mouth 
referrals. As the business began to grow, the Nelsons moved their 
operation to a small space within Arco's Business Incubation Center in 
Butte, ID. Production needs quickly outgrew this space, so in 2018, the 
Nelsons moved operations to their current location on Arco's Grand 
Avenue, where they have been able to expand their product line to 
include tarps for Jeeps, campers, vans, and custom projects.
  Dragon Fly Tarps no longer relies on word-of-mouth referrals as it 
has become well-known throughout the outdoor recreation community. The 
Nelsons and their staff of eight continue to work diligently to keep up 
with the demand for custom tarp orders from across the country and 
internationally.
  Congratulations to the Nelsons and all the employees at Dragon Fly 
Tarps for being selected as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for 
November 2022. Thank you for serving Idaho as small business owners and 
entrepreneurs. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to 
your continued growth and success.

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