[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 195 (Tuesday, November 28, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING VICKERS WESTERN STORE

 Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, Idaho small businesses are the 
backbone of our economy and the lifeblood of our communities, but 
rising costs and inflation have brought increased challenges to Main 
Street establishments across our state. This holiday season, I am proud 
to relaunch Support Local Gems All Season Long, a holiday revival of 
the statewide Support Local Gems initiative, to encourage Idahoans to 
do their holiday shopping at the small businesses that make the Gem 
State special. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee 
on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Vickers 
Western Store as one of Idaho's Local Gems.
  Vickers Western Store has outfitted southeast Idaho cowboys and 
cowgirls since 1976. Bill Vickers, an Idaho State University alum, 
opened the western wear store in Pocatello, which offers a vast 
inventory of apparel, accessories, home decor, a pawn shop, and boot 
repair operation. Vickers' 22 employees offer the highest quality 
customer service, enticing customers to come back time and time again. 
In 2001, Vickers' booming success encouraged Bill to expand and open a 
second store in Idaho Falls.
  Bill Vickers operated Vickers Western Store until he passed away in 
2013. Bill enjoyed rodeo, winning All-Around Champion at the Idaho 
State High School Rodeo Finals, and announcing rodeos throughout the 
West. Bill was later inducted into the Idaho Cowboy Hall of Fame. In 
memory of Bill, the Vickers family founded the Billy D. Vickers 
Memorial Endowment for Idaho State University students passionate about 
rodeo. Even after Bill's passing, Vickers continues to provide the 
high-quality, phenomenal customer service he championed and founded the 
store on. Bill's memory lives on through his family and his store. The 
Vickers family continues to operate the store in southeast Idaho.
  Congratulations to the Vickers family and all of the employees at 
Vickers Western Store. You are an outstanding example of what it means 
to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great state proud, and I 
look forward to your continued growth and success.

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