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




                      RECOGNIZING DELZELL BROTHERS

 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 
Delzell Brothers of Wapello, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the 
Week.
  Founded in 1931 by Lawrence ``Tut'' Delzell, Delzell Brothers is a 
family-owned car dealership and auto service-repair shop in operation 
for more than 90 years, spanning four generations. Tut ran the business 
until 1965 when his sons Craig and Phil took over the family business. 
In 1970, Craig went on to establish Delzell Motor in Burlington, while 
his brother Phil continued to run Delzell Brothers. By the 1980s, 
Phil's sons Kent and Kirk took over the operations, with Kent serving 
as president and Kirk as vice president. On Christmas Eve 2004, the 
Morning Sun location was destroyed by a fire, forcing the company to 
use a rental house to continue operating. Through resiliency and hard 
work, the family was able to move the shop into a new building in 2005. 
The business now employs the fourth generation of the Delzell family, 
with Jessica Stickling and Joe Delzell working at the dealership. 
Delzell Brothers is a licensed dealer for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and 
Ram vehicles, and they offer both new and used cars. Delzell Brothers 
sell parts and operate a car service center for customers from the 
broader Southeastern Iowa region.
  Delzell Brothers prides itself on its commitment to Iowa's farm 
economy, which has been integral to its success as a car dealership in 
a rural community. By focusing on developing personal relationships and 
maintaining a laid-back environment with customers, Delzell Brothers 
has been able to establish its success in Wapello and employ more than 
20 Iowans. In 2009, the local Morning Sun newspaper recognized Kirk 
Delzell as the Citizen of the Year. The Delzell Brothers team is active 
in the Louisa County community, a proud supporter of local Little 
League teams, and a sponsor for the Morning Sun Fourth of July 
celebration. Delzell Brothers is also a member of the National 
Automobile Dealers Association and the Iowa Automobile Dealers 
Association.
  Delzell Brothers' commitment to providing customers with quality cars 
and auto repair services in Wapello is clear. I want to congratulate 
the Delzell family and the entire team at Delzell Brothers for their 
continued dedication to the community. I look forward to seeing their 
continued growth and success in Iowa.

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