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




                    RECOGNIZING L&J INDUSTRIES, 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 L&J 
Industries of Charles City, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the 
Week.
  L&J Welding was founded in 1965 by James Garden as a welding and 
repair shop in Charles City. In 1986, James's son Chris started his 
career at L&J Welding after graduating with a degree in business from 
North Iowa Area Community College. In 1989, L&J Welding changed its 
name to L&J Industries, and James continued to grow the business with 
the support of his wife Lillian. They passed the torch to their son and 
daughter-in-law Chris and Lisa Garden in 2003.
  L&J Industries renovated their space in 2018 and converted it into an 
employee breakroom while simultaneously expanding their manufacturing 
plant. Today, they are known for manufacturing ``Free-Flow Floor 
Supports'' for grain bins both domestically and abroad.
  L&J Industries is a three-generation, family-owned-and-operated 
business with Chris and Lisa's children Jacie and Brady joining the 
team in 2022. The Garden family has been instrumental in connecting L&J 
Industries to the Charles City community and ensuring they remain in 
the same location on Cleveland Avenue.
  In 2002, it had been 37 years since James Garden founded L&J 
Industries when he sadly passed away. Prior to founding L&J Industries, 
James served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was an active 
member of VFW Post 4335. James Garden is succeeded by his wonderful 
family who continue his legacy of leadership, hard work, and service to 
his country and community.
  The Garden family is actively involved in the Charles City and Floyd 
County communities. For example, Chris is a member of the Charles City 
Rotary Club that leads the planning of the Santa's Shining Lights Show 
to provide the community with holiday festivities, and Lisa served on 
the board of The Learning Center, as well as a spokesperson for their 
fundraising. The city recognized their efforts, and in September 2010, 
L&J Industries received the Renew Rural Iowa Entrepreneur Award from 
the Iowa Farm Bureau.
  Three generations of the Garden family exemplify the American dream. 
I want to congratulate the family and the entire team at L&J Industries 
for their continued commitment to the Charles City community. As they 
move forward and continue to provide quality manufacturing services for 
the agriculture industry, the next generation of the Gardens will be 
inspired to uphold the values of the family business and take it to new 
heights.

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