[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 199 (Monday, December 4, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5709-S5710]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       RECOGNIZING THOMPSON SHOES

 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 
Thompson Shoes of Manchester, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the 
Week.
  Thompson Shoes in Manchester was founded by Gary and Keith Thompson 
in 1958 as the first of nine shoe stores owned by the Thompson 
brothers. Keith ran the Manchester location until 1990 when the 
location was purchased by Tracy Bessey. The current owners, husband and 
wife duo Todd and Shelly Schrader, purchased the Manchester Thompson 
Shoes location from Tracy Bessey on January 1, 2011. Under the 
Schrader's ownership, Shelly serves as president, with Todd serving as 
vice president. The store offers a variety of athletic shoes, dress 
shoes, and boots. In addition to shoes, they also carry socks and offer 
shoe sizing services to customers at the store. The Shraders have also 
built a special bond with Keith Thompson and Tracy Bessey over the 
years. Both former owners have paid regular visits to the store's 
events since 2011.
  Small businesses are often successful because of the hard work and 
dedication of their team. Dianne

[[Page S5710]]

Oberbroeckling has spent 38 years at the Thompson Shoes Manchester 
location, working for all three owners and serving three decades of 
customers. Gary and Keith Thompson passed away in 1993 and 2023 
respectively, leaving behind a legacy of community service, hard work, 
and dedication to customer service.
  Thompson Shoes in Manchester is actively involved in both the 
Manchester and Delaware County communities and has been recognized for 
its hard work. They are involved in the Maquoketa Valley, West 
Delaware, and Edgewood-Colesburg school districts by supporting both 
students and athletics programs. Since 2018, they have hosted the Move 
for Mimosas races. The races are free of charge and allow participants 
to try out new shoes from various vendors while enjoying a mimosa. They 
also sponsor the Hero Hustle, an annual triathlon and duathlon 
supporting the police, fire, and ambulance departments of Delaware 
County. In 2022, they won the Manchester Chamber of Commerce's Business 
of the Year award for their continued dedication to the community. 
Thompson Shoes in Manchester celebrated its 65th business anniversary 
in 2023.
  Thompson Shoes' commitment to providing quality shoes at a great 
price in Manchester, IA, is clear. I want to congratulate Shelly and 
Todd Schrader, and the entire team at Thompson Shoes for their 
continued dedication to Iowans. I look forward to seeing their 
continued growth and success.

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