[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 99 (Wednesday, June 7, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2001-S2002]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING LOVE AT FIRST BITE MERCANTILE

 Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, Idaho small businesses are the 
backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not 
only employ friends and neighbors, but they showcase Idaho's creativity 
and values. Idaho small businesses provide invaluable goods and 
services and are an intrinsic element of the Gem State. These small 
businesses deserve to be celebrated for the integral role they play in 
our communities. I am proud to relaunch Support Local Gems, a statewide 
initiative, on June 9, to encourage Idahoans to support the small 
businesses that make the Gem State special. As a member and former 
chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and 
Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Love at First Bite Mercantile 
as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2023.
  Love at First Bite opened its doors in Idaho Falls in 2009. Despite 
the recession, Juli and Mike Richards took the opportunity to make 
their dream a reality. By 2012, they had doubled in size and, in 2019, 
were able to expand again. Love at First Bite began when Juli and her 
daughter combined their chocolate and cupcake businesses but has since 
grown to offer a wide variety of products. In addition to gourmet food 
items, Love at First Bite is known for their line of specialty oils and 
vinegars, specialty drinks, home decor, beauty products, and jewelry.
  The Richards are active members of the community and regularly 
contribute their sweet treats to community fundraisers and school 
events. Each summer, Love at First Bite donates products to local 
libraries as a tasty incentive for youth reading programs.
  Congratulations to Juli and Mike Richards and all of the employees at 
Love at First Bite Mercantile for being selected as an Idaho Small 
Business of the Month for June 2023. You are an outstanding example of 
what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State 
proud, and I look

[[Page S2002]]

forward to your continued growth and success.

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