[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 19, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S2437]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING BROWNS CENTURY THEATER

 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 
Browns Century Theater of Le Mars, IA, as the Senate Small Business of 
the Week.
  In 2000, siblings Adam, Michaela, and Andrew partnered with their 
mother Shelly to start a music group called The Browns. The Brown 
family is originally from Le Mars but took their music talents around 
the United States, Canada, and Europe. In 2015, after touring for 15 
years, the Browns returned home to Iowa and purchased the historic 
German-American Savings Bank building in downtown Le Mars. The theater 
seats 150 people and now includes the Central Event Center for dining, 
the Inn on Central for visiting guests, and the Gift Shoppe. The Browns 
Century Theater seasonally employs between 9 to 12 employees and has 
hosted 100 shows every year since its opening, featuring the family's 
music and other artists from across the country.
  In addition to owning a small business, The Browns host a reality TV 
show called ``Hometown with The Browns'' on their YouTube channel. The 
first episode of their show details the renovations they did to the 
German-American Savings Bank to convert it into the Browns Century 
Theater. Their daughter Michaela creates cooking videos for the family 
channel and is also the author of three cookbooks. The Browns have 
recorded 2 dozen albums and often perform special shows in addition to 
their hits, including songs like ``Oh, My Iowa!''
  The Brown family has deep roots in Le Mars and proudly owns a more 
than a century-old farm. Michaela Brown served as the Le Mars Chamber 
of Commerce president in 2022, and Adam Brown served on the Plymouth 
County Fair board in 2023. The Browns have performed at the Christmas 
in Hometown event since its inception in 2020, the Plymouth County 
Fair, and Ice Cream Days. In addition to performing for and supporting 
their community, Adam Brown played as a linebacker and defensive end 
for the Sioux Empire Crusaders of the Southern Plains Football League.
  The Browns are well recognized for their hard work. Shelly Brown was 
awarded the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year 
Award in 2019. The Browns Century Theater was awarded the Community 
Impact Award in 2023 and the Business of the Year Award in 2017 by the 
Le Mars Chamber of Commerce. Their music has earned them Dove Award 
nominations and a place in the Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame. Due 
to their incredible efforts, The Browns celebrated their 24th 
anniversary of performing together and their ninth anniversary of 
owning the Browns Century Theater in 2024.
  The Brown family's commitment to Le Mars, the gospel music industry, 
and their family business is clear. I want to congratulate the Brown 
family and the entire team at Browns Century Theater for their 
continued dedication to the Le Mars community. I look forward to seeing 
their continued growth and success in Iowa.

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