[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 140 (Tuesday, September 10, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5934-S5935]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING TOOTSIE'S ICE CREAM & MORE

 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 
Tootsie's Ice Cream & More of Vinton, IA, as the Senate Small Business 
of the Week.
  After more than 50 years of serving the Vinton community, Leon's Malt 
Shop was seeking a new owner. In 2012, Iowa native Corey Seibert and 
his family took a leap of faith and bought the ice cream shop and 
changed the name to Tootsie's Ice Cream & More in honor of Corey's 
mother.
  As a building engineer for more than 20 years, Corey understood the 
value of location. He continued to purchase shops in prime locations 
such as Center Point and La Porte City, expanding his business.
  Today, Tootsie's Ice Cream & More offers a wide variety of food 
options in addition to their signature ice cream flavors. The shop also 
serves fish, tenderloin sandwiches, and broasted chicken. At its core, 
Tootsie's Ice Cream is a family business. Corey oversees business 
operations, while his wife Teresa and daughter Michelle manage and 
operate the shop. Their son Michael is also a manager. The family 
strives to provide a memorable experience for every guest, giving out a 
Tootsie Roll with every purchase. Whether you are in the mood for 
something sweet or savory, Tootsie's Ice Cream & More has you covered. 
They have over 20 employees and operate year-round in Vinton and La 
Porte City.
  The shop collaborates with the Vinton Library to reward any child 
participating in the Summer Reading Program with a free ice cream cone 
or small fry. In addition, Tootsie's ran a

[[Page S5935]]

Support Our Local Heroes promotion, which raised donations to purchase 
needed equipment for first responders across Vinton and La Porte City. 
After losing a friend to cancer, Corey organized the ``Volkswagen 
Beetle Cruise'' to honor his friend, an avid car enthusiast, while also 
raising money for the American Cancer Society. Tootsie's also sponsors 
Eastern Iowa Pink Heals, which raises money for cancer research. The 
shop is also a member of the Vinton Unlimited Chamber of Commerce, 
which supports economic development. The team will celebrate their 13th 
business anniversary early next year.
  Tootsie's Ice Cream & More has curated a menu with high-quality food, 
ice cream, and more and become an important community gathering place. 
I want to congratulate Corey, his family, and the entire team at 
Tootsie's Ice Cream & More for their dedication to providing 
unforgettable experiences to families and patrons in the Vinton and La 
Porte City communities. I look forward to seeing their continued growth 
and success in Iowa.

                          ____________________