[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 3 (Monday, January 8, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S14-S15]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING FAMILY FOODS

 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 
Family Foods of Tipton, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
  Family Foods was founded by Don Goetz in 1964 under the name Don's 
Big Value after purchasing the building location from his then-
employer, the Benner Tea Company grocery store. Don started working at 
Benner Tea Company at the age of 14 and became the store's manager at 
the age of 18. From 1952 until 1954, Don served in the U.S. Marine 
Corps during the Korean war. In its early history, the store's name was 
changed from Don's Big Value to Giant Foods until 1976, when the 
business adopted the Family Foods name. In 1985, Family Foods moved 
from its original location to 610 Cedar Street in Tipton. The store has 
seen two major renovation projects over the years, one in 1990 and the 
other in 2015.
  Family Foods is an exemplary family business. In 2010, Don's son Mike 
Goetz purchased the store. Three generations of the Goetz family have 
worked at the Family Foods in Tipton, with Mike's son Brad now serving 
as co-owner. Many associates at the store have been part of the team 
for decades. Don Goetz passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of 
service, hard work, and dedication to his community.
  The Family Foods team is actively involved in the Tipton community 
and have been recognized for their service. Brad previously served on 
the Tipton Community School District Board, and Mike served as the 
Tipton Chamber of Commerce president. Brad currently serves on the 
Tipton School Foundation Board.
  In 2017, Brad was nationally recognized for his community service as 
the Eastern Iowa representative at the Jefferson Awards in Washington, 
DC. The Jefferson Awards are a national awards ceremony held annually 
celebrating community service and the people

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helping their communities. While they were in Washington, Senator 
Grassley and I had the opportunity to meet Brad and the Goetz family. 
Family Foods is also actively involved in the Tipton Rotary Club and 
has supported both the fine arts and athletics programs in Tipton. 
Family Foods celebrated its 59th business anniversary in 2023.
  Family Foods' commitment to providing quality groceries is clear. I 
want to congratulate Mike Goetz, Brad Goetz, and the entire team at 
Family Foods for their dedication to providing groceries and serving 
the Tipton community. I look forward to seeing their continued growth 
and success in Iowa.

                          ____________________