[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 102 (Monday, June 12, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S2048]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                  RECOGNIZING PRECISION OPTICAL GROUP

 Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize 
Precision Optical Group of Creston, IA, as the Senate Small Business of 
the Week.
  Following a fishing trip, friends Mike Tamerius and Matt Somers 
started Precision Optical Group in 1992. Mike had his start in the 
optical industry working as an optician during his time at Grinnell 
College in Grinnell, IA, and is a member of the Opticians Association 
of Iowa and is a certified optician from Metro Tech Community College. 
Initially starting as a two-person shop, with 100 square feet, the shop 
expanded operations after only 1 year to a larger building. Over the 
years, Precision Optical Group has expanded to three locations while 
maintaining their Creston headquarters. The company acquired the 
Chicago lab location in 2014. Seeing a need for additional expansion, 
they acquired the Precise Optical lab in San Angelo, TX, in 2018.
  Precision Optical Group is a family enterprise; Mike's son Alex is a 
sales and marketing specialist with the team. He has a degree in 
business management from Central College in Pella, IA, in 2018 and has 
been working there since high school where he started helping in the 
lab. He also spent time early in his career helping his aunt Deb, who 
serves as the purchasing manager.
  Between the three labs, they have a team of 140 employees and make 
1,700 lenses per day. As the country's largest independently owned 
wholesale optical lab, they have customers across 48 States and export 
globally. Additionally, Precision Optical Group is a member of the 
Creston Chamber of Commerce.
  In 2022, Precision Optical Group celebrated their 30th anniversary. 
Precision Optical Group's commitment to providing quality lenses 
throughout the globe while maintaining their Iowa roots is clear. I 
want to congratulate Mike Tamerius and the entire team at Precision 
Optical Group for their continued dedication to the optical industry. I 
look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in 
Iowa.

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