[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 96 (Wednesday, June 5, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S3986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          RECOGNIZING THE EDDY

 Mr. RISCH. Madam President, Idaho small businesses are the 
backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not 
only employ friends and neighbors, but they showcase Idaho's creativity 
and values. Idaho small businesses provide invaluable goods and 
services and are an intrinsic element of the Gem State. These small 
businesses deserve to be celebrated for the integral role they play in 
our communities. I am proud to relaunch Support Local Gems, a statewide 
initiative, on June 7, to encourage Idahoans to support the small 
businesses that make the Gem State special. As a member and former 
chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and 
Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor The Eddy as one of Idaho's 
Small Businesses of the Month for June 2024.
  Ed Lodge opened The Eddy in July 2023. As a lifelong Idahoan and avid 
river-sport enthusiast, Ed aspired to create a place of rest and 
rejuvenation for the Marsing community. The Eddy, named after the calm 
waters after a rapid, offers locals or visitors pastries, beer, wine, 
and locally sourced coffee. Hundreds of cars pass by The Eddy along 
Highway 55 every day; whether it is the first or last stop for people 
visiting Idaho or traveling from neighboring States, Ed created a place 
that no one will forget.
  Ed's goal for The Eddy is to give back to the community and use his 
small business to support the small businesses around him. In addition 
to the local products they sell, all of the furniture, stools, and 
tables in the building were sourced and made by a local welder. Nearing 
the 1-year anniversary of The Eddy, Ed has big plans to create an 
outdoor concert space, covered patio with outdoor seating, and food 
truck hookups for local vendors to continue supporting an already 
thriving and growing community.
  Congratulations to Ed Lodge and all of the employees at The Eddy for 
being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2024. 
You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's 
Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your 
continued growth and success.

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