[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 185 (Wednesday, November 8, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING RIVER ROCK OUTFITTER

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ABIGAIL DAVIS SPANBERGER

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 8, 2023

  Ms. SPANBERGER Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate April and Keith 
Peterson and the River Rock Outfitter team on their hard-earned 
nomination for the United States Chamber of Commerce's 2023 Top Small 
Business award.
  Located in Downtown Fredericksburg, River Rock Outfitter provides 
apparel, gear, and guided outdoor experiences to customers while 
bringing awareness to local recreational opportunities in the region. 
River Rock Outfitters is committed to supporting access to recreation 
and conservation efforts in the community and is widely known for its 
friendly and knowledgeable staff. Notably, over 70 percent of its staff 
are women--actively challenging gender biases in the outdoor sector and 
creating an inviting environment for women to explore the outdoors 
through their programming, like their GirlsGO! initiative.
  In response to supply chain backlogs and an increased interest in the 
outdoors during the pandemic, April and her team implemented the ``Re-
Boot with River Rock consignment program.'' This initiative expanded 
River Rock Outfitter's reach to a national level, encouraged people 
across the country to explore the outdoors, and promoted 
sustainability.
  April's contributions as an owner extend past River Rock Outfitter's 
storefront--she has become a prominent fixture in the community as an 
active member of the Fredericksburg Virginia Main Street, serving as 
its president from 2020 to 2021. She has also earned multiple accolades 
from organizations such as the Rotary Foundation, Chesapeake 
Conservancy, and Blue Ridge Outdoors, for her contributions to the 
community and philanthropy.
  River Rock Outfitter has embraced community, inclusivity and 
representation, and sustainability throughout their journey. These 
attributes distinguish them as an outstanding small business, and 
Fredericksburg is lucky to have them in our community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating River Rock 
Outfitter, a finalist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's 2023 Top Small 
Business award.

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