[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 115 (Thursday, July 11, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4547-S4548]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         RECOGNIZING BARN WIRED

 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 Barn 
Wired of Sigourney, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
  The owner of Barn Wired, Amanda Snakenberg embodies the essence of 
American entrepreneurship. Amanda sold personally designed barn boards 
and barbed-wired signs at craft fairs and farmers markets across Iowa 
as a side hustle that eventually led to the opening of Barn Wired in 
2015. After 2 years of renting, Amanda's passion and dedication led her 
family to purchase a brick-and-mortar storefront on the historic 
downtown square in Sigourney that is located next to the town mural, 
offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all her customers. Barn 
Wired evolved from a specialty home decor business to a multifunctional 
community hub where not only can you buy one-of-a-kind crafts and home 
decorations, it also houses the only full-service coffee shop in the 
town. Barn Wired is no stranger to hosting community gatherings, 
wedding rehearsal dinners, class reunions, and special holidays.
  Today, Barn Wired employs 12 people throughout the community and will 
soon celebrate its 10th anniversary. Barn Wired offers a great 
selection of home-cooked meals, smoked meats,

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fresh salads, and more with Amanda and her team always ready to host 
live performers, providing entertainment and supporting local 
entrepreneurs.
  Barn Wired prioritizes community involvement. Amanda introduced 
initiatives such as Ladies' Night Around the Square and a community 
farmers market to showcase Sigourney's amazing businesses. She also 
collaborated with welding students, an autobody shop, and a local 
family to design planters for the town. Amanda herself sits on the July 
4th planning committee, is a former board member for the Keokuk County 
Expo Fair, and was selected to be a representative on the Empower Rural 
Iowa Taskforce.
  Barn Wired is also a member of the Keokuk County Economic Development 
Coalition, which helps businesses across the county not only survive 
but thrive.
  Amanda's journey with Barn Wired is a testament to the power of hard 
work, passion, and community engagement. I applaud her entrepreneurial 
spirit and unwavering dedication to the Keokuk County community. 
Congratulations to the Snakenberg family and the entire team at Barn 
Wired. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in 
Iowa.

                          ____________________