[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 140 (Tuesday, September 10, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S5934]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         RECOGNIZING PODIUM INK

 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 
Podium Ink of Mount Ayr, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
  After attending Mount Ayr High School, hometown friends Brad Elliott 
and Burton Murphy graduated from Iowa State University and Northwest 
Missouri State respectively. They both returned to Mount Ayr doing 
freelance graphic design. What began as a fun hobby for both soon 
turned into a serious endeavor when a former Mount Ayr High School alum 
asked them to create marketing and signage materials for NASCAR star 
Kevin Harvick. In 2006, after completing the project, Brad and Burton 
transformed their shared dream into Podium Ink, a business that centers 
around creativity and imagination.
  Today, Podium Ink specializes in designing a wide variety of products 
and services, including vehicle wraps, signs, banners, and marketing 
materials. The company has work featured across the globe from local 
college bus fleets to projects in Australia. In 2012, their work was 
featured on the hit television show ``Duck Dynasty.'' Brad and Burton 
bought a limousine in Kansas City, gave it a camo wrap, added horns, 
and before they knew it, NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer was driving the car 
on national TV. The project generated significant attention for both 
Podium Ink and the Mount Ayr community. In addition, Podium Ink worked 
on a zebra print cargo van for Blake Shelton's rescue ranch, which he 
once drove while wearing a chicken suit. Podium Ink employs seven full-
time and four part-time community residents.
  Podium Ink is deeply involved in Mount Ayr and Ringgold County. Brad 
and Burton actively support sports teams at schools in Mount Ayr and 
Diagonal. Beyond being a dad and small business owner, Brad is in his 
17th year as Mount Ayr's track coach; he served on city council for two 
4-year terms and currently serves on the Iowa Workforce Development 
Board. In 2014, Northwest Missouri State recognized Brad with the Young 
Alumni Award for his contributions beyond the college. The team at 
Podium Ink has completed projects for small businesses, community 
groups, and many local initiatives. Podium Ink received the Iowa Farm 
Bureau's Renew Rural Iowa Entrepreneur Award in 2020, honoring their 
global business presence and unwavering commitment to positively impact 
the Mount Ayr community.
  Podium Ink's resolve to delivering high-quality graphic design 
products and services in Iowa is evident. I want to congratulate Brad, 
Burton, their families, and the entire team at Podium Ink for their 
continued devotion to the Mount Ayr community. I am eager to watch 
their continued progress and achievements in Iowa.

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