[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 162 (Tuesday, October 3, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S4914]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                     RECOGNIZING LISLE CORPORATION

 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 Lisle 
Corporation of Clarinda, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week 
during National Women's Small Business Month.
  Lisle Corporation was founded by C.A. Lisle in Clarinda, IA, in 1903 
as a manufacturer of horse-powered water well drilling machines. During 
the 1920s, Lisle Corporation began producing tools, with their first 
tool being a valve refacer. They also began producing a master ignition 
vibrator for the Ford Model T during this time period. Prior to World 
War II, they made magnetic drain plugs which were used in military 
equipment during the war. In the decades after, Lisle Corporation's 
manufacturing has grown to include additional automotive tools and is 
now known for its mechanic's creepers, lubrication, and tire products, 
among their 700 specialty automotive products. Lisle Corporation also 
grew when it acquired EZ Way, Inc., a patient handling products company 
based in Clarinda.
  Lisle Corporation is currently run by Lisle family member Mary 
Landhuis, who became president in 2018. She is also president of EZ 
Way, Inc. in addition to her duties at Lisle Corporation. While in this 
position, she has served on the Iowa State Workforce Development Board 
and the Statewide Career and Technical Education Advisory Council.
  Lisle Corporation is an exemplary family business. They have had six 
generations of the Lisle family work at the company and have been 
awarded for their contributions to the tool industry. In 2019, former 
president Fred Lisle was posthumously awarded the Iowa Association of 
Business and Industry Manufacturing Legend award for his contributions 
to the industry and the Clarinda community. Fred was a board member of 
several organizations in the community to help grow Clarinda and 
encourage young residents to stay in the area, leaving a legacy of 
generosity and leadership. For their work during World War II, Lisle 
Corporation was awarded the Army-Navy ``E'' Award for their outstanding 
war effort productions. In 2023, Lisle Corporation celebrated its 120th 
business anniversary.
  Lisle Corporation's commitment to providing high-quality automotive 
tools to customers throughout the United States while maintaining their 
Clarinda roots is clear. I want to congratulate the Lisle family and 
the entire team at Lisle Corporation for their continued dedication to 
providing affordable and high-quality tools to Iowans. I look forward 
to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

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