[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 102 (Monday, June 17, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S4112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                  RECOGNIZING RAYMON ENTERPRISES, INC.

 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 
Raymon Enterprises of Albion, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the 
Week.
  In 1973, Don Martin founded Donco Industries in Waterloo. The company 
started by manufacturing passive sound absorption materials for 
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning--HVAC--systems with just 
four employees and two motorized machines. In 1979, after moving to a 
new location above a bowling alley in Eldora, Larry and Joynell Raymon 
took an interest in the business. The Raymons took a leap of faith and 
acquired the company in 1985, after moving operations to their current 
location in Albion.
  In 2006, the Raymon family renamed the business to Raymon 
Enterprises. Today, the family company is a major manufacturer of 
commercial-grade grilles, registers, and diffusers used in HVAC systems 
across the United States and Canada. In 2022, Larry's son Chad was 
named president of the company that now employs more than 80 people and 
operates out of a 65,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility in 
Albion. In 2023, Raymon Enterprises celebrated its 50th anniversary, 
marking over five decades of high-quality products and incredible 
customer service.
  Over the years, Raymon Enterprises has not only focused on company 
growth but also on giving back to the community. In 1988, Larry 
received the Small Business Administration's Des Moines District Small 
Business Person of the Year award. In 1992, the company was named the 
Marshalltown Chamber Member of the Year. Today, Raymon Enterprises 
holds membership with the American Legion, American Veterans, the Farm 
Bureau, and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-
Conditioning Engineers.
  As a member of the Army National Guard, Larry has a special 
appreciation for those who serve. Using their own funds, the Raymon 
family opened the Raymon Veterans Park in Albion. The park features a 
fully restored M110A2 Howitzer from Operation Desert Storm and, most 
importantly, a beautiful dedication plaza to honor America's veterans. 
In 2023, the park hosted its first Memorial Day service, attracting 
over 300 people who came to show their support and gratitude. The 
family hopes to continue the tradition each year on Memorial Day.
  After years of leading the company, Larry passed away in February 
2024. His leadership extended beyond business through his work to make 
a significant impact in Iowa and the Albion community. Larry served in 
the Army National Guard and founded the Marshalltown Economic 
Development Impact Committee, a community-based economic development 
organization that created over 100 new jobs in Marshall County.
  The entire Raymon family exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and 
dedication to your community. I want to congratulate the Raymon family 
and everyone at Raymon Enterprises for their continued commitment to 
Albion and the entire State of Iowa. As they continue forward, their 
legacy of excellence and community service is sure to inspire future 
generations. I look forward to witnessing their continued growth and 
success in Iowa.

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