[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 87 (Monday, May 20, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3777-S3778]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING RUTHVEN MEAT PROCESSING

 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 
Ruthven Meat Processing of Ruthven, IA, as the Senate Small Business of 
the Week.
  In 2002, Terry and Beth Kraft founded Ruthven Meat Processing in 
Ruthven in the former Farmers' Creamery building. Ruthven Meat 
Processing offers customers a wide range of meats, custom meat 
processing, meat storage, and seasoning rubs. In 2018, Ruthven Meat 
Processing opened a location in Spirit Lake, IA, and the ``Locker at 
the Park'' in Arnolds Park Amusement Park. In 2022, Ruthven Meat 
Processing

[[Page S3778]]

continued to expand with a location in Spencer, IA, named ``The 
Butchery on Grand.'' Ruthven Meat Processing also has a retail shop 
that offers beverages, smoked meats, and cheeses. In addition to their 
meat and grocery selections, the team at Ruthven Meat Processing 
provides informational classes on cooking and food preparation.
  Ruthven Meat Processing is an exemplary family business. In 2014, 
Terry and Beth's son Chris and his wife Suzie moved from Los Angeles to 
Iowa and began working at Ruthven Meat Processing. In 2019, Terry and 
Beth Kraft sold Ruthven Meat Processing to their son Chris. Today, 
Chris serves as the president and CEO. Suzie serves as the vice 
president of marketing. In addition to handling the marketing for 
Ruthven Meat Processing, Suzie writes ``The Butcher's Wife'' blog. The 
blog started in 2018 and gives readers a glimpse into life as a 
butcher, tasty recipes, and insider information on talking to your 
local butcher about different cuts of meat.
  The Ruthven Meat Processing team is well-recognized for their hard 
work. They have won numerous awards from the Iowa Meat Processors 
Association, notably the 2017 Grand Champion Innovative Beef and 2016 
Reserve Grand Champion Summer Sausage awards. They have also garnered 
national recognition for their contributions to the meat processing 
industry. The American Association of Meat Processors awarded Ruthven 
Meat Processing the 2016 Best of the Midwest Reserve Grand Champion 
Flavored Bacon award for their pepper bacon. In 2020, the Iowa Great 
Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce named Ruthven Meat Processing the 
Business of the Year.
  The Ruthven Meat Processing team is actively involved in the 
northwest Iowa community. They are proud supporters of the Special 
Olympics and sponsored the 2024 Okoboji Winter Games Chili Cook-Off. In 
2024, Chris and Suzie participated in Spencer Main Street's Celebrity 
Waiter fundraiser to support grants for community development in 
Spencer. Chris and Suzie Kraft are passionate about their employees and 
have been designated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority as one 
of ``Iowa's Best Places for Working Parents.'' In 2024, Ruthven Meat 
Processing celebrated its 22nd business anniversary under the Kraft 
family's leadership.
  Ruthven Meat Processing's commitment and passion is clear. I want to 
congratulate the Kraft family and the entire team at Ruthven Meat 
Processing for their dedication to providing quality meat, cheese, and 
butcher services to the northwest Iowa community. I look forward to 
seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

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