[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 117 (Monday, July 10, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S2283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING HY-CAPACITY

 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 Hy-
Capacity of Humboldt, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
  Hy-Capacity was founded by James ``Scratch'' Olson in 1978 in 
Pocahontas, IA, as a remanufacturer of agricultural farming equipment. 
In 1980, the business was relocated to Humboldt and focused on 
clutches, water pumps, and torque amplifier modifications. The 
company's name refers to Scratch's ability to take existing tractor 
parts and modify them for ``higher capacity'' uses for farmers. Hy-
Capacity has evolved over the years and expanded to offer a wide range 
of agricultural equipment, including cab kits, radiators, and engine 
overhaul kits. They have grown their products globally and currently 
export their parts to Canada and Mexico.
  Hy-Capacity is an exemplary family business. Scratch's sons Jeff and 
Steve work at Hy-Capacity. Steve became the president in the 1990s 
after working there since the company's inception. Steve currently 
serves as CEO, and his daughter Molly Varangkounh served as president 
from 2001 until 2022. Steve's son David now runs the day-to-day 
business operations. A fourth generation of the Olson family, Molly's 
daughter Claire, joined the family business as an intern from 2017 
until 2021. Scratch Olson's legacy includes a multigenerational 
workforce and a thriving business committed to hard work, community 
involvement, and dedication to farmers. In 2023, Hy-Capacity celebrated 
its 45th business anniversary.
  The Hy-Capacity team does not only work hard, but they also give 
back. In 2009, they won the Iowa Governor's Environmental Excellence 
Award and the Recycling Project/Facility of the Year by the Iowa 
Recycling Association. Hy-Capacity is involved with the Iowa Future 
Farmers of America, where they became the official sponsor for tractor 
seats at events in 2014. Another important partnership for Hy-Capacity 
is the Humboldt County Memorial Hospital. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 
Hy-Capacity shifted gears and started manufacturing masks and gowns for 
the hospital. In addition to the masks and gowns Hy-Capacity provided, 
they were able to assemble a group of volunteers that helped produce 
almost 200 additional masks.
  Hy-Capacity's commitment to providing high-quality tractor parts to 
farmers throughout North America while maintaining their Humboldt roots 
is clear. I want to congratulate the Olson family and the entire team 
at Hy-Capacity for their continued dedication to providing affordable 
and high-quality parts to Iowans. I look forward to seeing their 
continued growth and success in Iowa.

                          ____________________