[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 140 (Tuesday, September 10, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S5933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING BROWN'S SHOE FIT CO.

 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 
Brown's Shoe Fit Co. of Mt. Pleasant, IA, as the Senate Small Business 
of the Week.
  In 1952, Brown's Shoe Fit Co. opened its doors right off the Mt. 
Pleasant town square before Kurt Moon, a loyal employee since 1986, 
became a managing partner in 2000 and purchased a storefront in the 
heart of Main Street. Kurt renovated the building and expanded the shop 
to offer an extensive selection of shoe sizes and styles for everyone 
from farmers to runners. Brown's Shoe Store Co. offers complete sit-
and-fit shoe services, specifically training its staff to cater to 
every client's lifestyle and has become a staple in the Mt. Pleasant 
community.
  After managing Brown's Shoe Fit for over 30 years, Kurt looked to his 
daughter Tara Mullin to take over the Mt. Pleasant store. Tara trained 
under her father and other members of the company, and in 2020, she 
became a managing partner. In addition to running the shop's daily 
operations, Tara is a member of both the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber and 
the chamber board. She has also volunteered on the Mt. Pleasant July 4 
planning committee.
  Throughout the company's history, Mt. Pleasant has consistently voted 
Brown's Shoe Fit Co. as their favorite shoe store. In 2018 and 2023, 
Brown's Shoe Fit Co. was named a Mt. Pleasant Small Business of the 
Year finalist. Similar to the previous storefront owner, Adventure Land 
Video, Brown's Shoe Fit Co. sells community event tickets to 
commemorate the storefront's history and foster community engagement. 
Tara and the team have dubbed the shop the ``Ticket Master of Mt. 
Pleasant.'' This has helped unite the community and honor the history 
of the place they have called home for nearly 25 years. This year, 
Brown's Shoe Fit is celebrating its 72nd business anniversary.
  Brown's Shoe Fit Co.'s commitment to providing the Mt. Pleasant 
community with high-quality shoes is apparent. I want to thank Kurt, 
Tara, and the entire team at Brown's Shoe Fit Co. for their continued 
dedication to Henry County, and I look forward to witnessing their 
continued development and success in Iowa.

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