[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 5, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3892-S3893]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING PIVO BREWERY AND BLEPTA STUDIOS

 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 PIVO 
Brewery and Blepta Studios of Calmar, IA, as the Senate Small Business 
of the Week.
  PIVO Brewery and Blepta Studios was founded by husband and wife Craig 
and Sara Neuzil in 2017. The couple grew up as childhood friends near 
Spillville and married following their graduation from Iowa State 
University. Craig's first career was in the U.S. Air Force as a 
communications officer, which allowed them to live across the United 
States and Europe. During his time serving our country, he began 
brewing beer at home as a hobby. With Sara being interested in art, 
they began outlining a business plan that would create an incredible 
community space that combines a brewery and an art studio. Following 
Craig's retirement after 21 years in the Air Force, they turned their 
hobbies into a small business in northeastern Iowa.
  To honor Craig's family heritage, they chose the Czech word for beer, 
``pivo,'' as the name of the brewery. The logo of the brewery is a star 
in a pentagon, which represents Craig's time in the Armed Services. 
PIVO Brewery and Blepta Studios currently operate in a building that 
has used repurposed items from the community in the design and 
decoration of the space. Over the past 6 years, the brewery has made 
over 70 beverages that circulate in their taproom, with the beers and 
ciders sharing the namesakes of Iowa towns. They also offer 
nonalcoholic drinks, wine, and a dining menu for customers.
  The other side of their business is Blepta Studios. Sara, also having 
Czech roots, used the name ``blepta,'' which is slang for 
``chatterbox,'' a fond nickname bestowed on her by her grandmother. 
Blepta Studios has hand-crafted paint-pour jewelry, decorative eggs, 
ceramics, and pottery for sale while

[[Page S3893]]

also offering art classes and private group classes. PIVO Brewery and 
Blepta Studios also host events in their wedding reception hall and 
event center.
  The Neuzils are also actively involved in the Calmar community and 
have been recognized for their contributions to the craft brewery 
industry. In October 2022, PIVO Brewery was one of the hosts of the 
Iowa Brewery Series ``5k Beer Run.'' The race started and ended in the 
brewery's taproom, and portions of the race's proceeds went to local 
nonprofits. Their beer has also been recognized by the Great American 
Beer Festival. In 2020, their Decorah Nordic Gruit won a gold medal in 
the historic beer category, and their Old Balltown Bulleit Bourbon 
Barrel Aged Salted Carmel Dark Chocolate Milk Stout earned silver in 
the chocolate beer category. In 2019, after 2 years of being open, they 
took home the gold medal for the chocolate beer category with their Old 
Balltown Dark Chocolate Milk Stout at the 2019 Great American Beer 
Festival. Additionally, they were awarded the Excellence in Concrete 
Award by the Iowa Ready Mixed Concrete Association and the Iowa Chapter 
of the American Concrete Institute for their building's design.
  PIVO Brewery and Blepta Studios' commitment to providing quality 
beers, ciders, and arts in Calmar is clear. I want to congratulate the 
Neuzil family and the entire team at PIVO Brewery and Blepta Studios 
for their continued dedication to the Calmar community. I look forward 
to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

                          ____________________