[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 27, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1008-S1009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   RECOGNIZING MERRILL MANUFACTURING

 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 
Merrill Manufacturing of Storm Lake, IA as the Senate Small Business of 
the Week.
  In 1949, Noel Merrill Anderson invented the Any Flow Yard Hydrant out 
of his garage in Clive, IA. The Any Flow Yard Hydrant is a freeze 
resistant water tap, which serves the agriculture needs of farms in 
colder weather climates. With a revolutionary product in hand, Merrill 
Manufacturing was established. In 1957, the company moved to Storm Lake 
and expanded by offering the Merrill Pitless Units and Merrill Tank 
Floats in the following years. In 1975, Noel's son Stephen joined the 
company and shortly after became president in 1981, while Noel served 
as chairman of the board. In 2005, Noel Merrill Anderson passed away, 
leaving behind a legacy of hard work, service, and dedication to 
entrepreneurial and manufacturing excellence. The third generation of 
the Anderson family continued this legacy when Stephen's sons Joel and 
Matt joined Merrill Manufacturing in 2011 and 2016, respectively.
  Today, Merrill Manufacturing sells their yard pumps for rural, farm, 
and livestock properties all over the world. Since their humble 
beginnings in a garage outside of Des Moines, they have grown to employ 
65 individuals. Merrill Manufacturing's core values include inspiring 
messages and mission commitment that transcend to all of their 
employees including: ``Do the right thing,'' ``we before me,'' and ``be 
part of the solution.'' Merrill Manufacturing is also dedicated to 
providing wells to communities that need clean drinking water. Stephen 
Anderson previously served as president and currently serves on the 
board of the Water Well Trust, a nonprofit that aims to provide water 
to Americans without water access.
  Merrill Manufacturing and the Anderson family have also been 
recognized for their hard work. Both Stephen and Noel Merrill Anderson 
are members of the Iowa Inventors Hall of Fame. In 2009, the Iowa 
Economic Development Authority awarded Merrill Manufacturing the Global 
Iowa Export Award. In 2024, Merrill Manufacturing was awarded the 
Excellence Award by the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation. 
Due to their team's hard

[[Page S1009]]

work, Merrill Manufacturing celebrated its 75th business anniversary in 
2024.
  I want to commend the Anderson family for their dedication and 
incredible commitment to the Storm Lake community and to achieving the 
American dream. Congratulations to the Anderson family and the entire 
team at Merrill Manufacturing. I look forward to seeing your continued 
growth and success in Iowa.

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