[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 BLACK SHEEP COFFEE BAA

 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 
Black Sheep Coffee Baa of Greene, IA, as the Senate Small Business of 
the Week.
  After spending 30 years in the law and tax industries, Connie Debner 
founded Black Sheep Coffee Baa in 2015. The coffee shop offers a space 
for customers to gather and relax while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea 
and roasts coffee beans locally. They offer a wide selection of 
products including lattes, frappes, coffee flights, tea, and smoothies.
  In 2018, Black Sheep Coffee Baa partnered with Clayton's Bakery to 
add food to their menu including cinnamon rolls, scones, pies, pizza, 
and even options for Taco Tuesday. Always prioritizing the customer 
experience, Black Sheep Coffee Baa also developed a mobile app for 
folks to conveniently place orders online. The business has grown into 
a community hub that provides catering services and rental spaces for 
folks in Butler County.
  Black Sheep Coffee Baa has been featured in numerous food blogs 
across the State and is an active member of the Iowa food scene thanks 
to their great customer service, welcoming storefront, and top-notch 
food. Connie is also actively involved in the Iowa Restaurant 
Association, National Federation of Independent Business, and the 
Butler-Grundy Development Alliance. This year, the team at Black Sheep 
Coffee Baa is celebrating their ninth business anniversary.
  Black Sheep Coffee Baa's commitment to providing not only high-
quality coffee, teas, and food but creating a community hub in Greene, 
IA, is clear. I want to congratulate Connie Debner and the entire team 
at Black Sheep Coffee Baa, and I look forward to watching their 
business continue to thrive.

                          ____________________