[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 141 (Wednesday, September 11, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S5976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    RECOGNIZING VAN DENOVER JEWELRY

 Ms. ERNST. Madam 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 Van 
Denover Jewelry of Oelwein, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the 
Week.
  In 1962, Jim Van Denover bought the watch and jewelry business known 
as Davis Jewelry. In order to purchase the store, Jim was required by 
the local bank to attend specific certifications to qualify for a loan. 
He took the opportunity to move his family to Quincy, IL, where he 
completed watch, clock, and jewelry repair courses at Gem City College.
  Upon completing his courses in 1962, Jim secured and founded what is 
now known as Van Denover Jewelry. For over 25 years, Jim established 
Van Denover Jewelry as a household name in Oelwein and throughout Iowa, 
known for reasonable prices. He collaborated with 14 local jewelry 
store owners to create the Regional Jewelry Organization, a central hub 
for fair-priced jewelry. The organization went on to become the largest 
retail jewelry organization in Iowa, which serves more than 1,000 
members under its new name, Retail Jewelers Organization.
  As a family-owned and operated business, Jim's daughter Linda 
purchased the company from her dad in 1988. She grew the business 
further until her son, Chad Benter, assumed full ownership of the 
company in 2019. As a certified master bench jeweler, Chad brought his 
expertise in diamond and gemstone grading to the business which ensured 
the highest standard towards craftsmanship. He improved the store's 
packaging and oversaw a significant renovation, the first 
transformation since 1968 when a tornado hit the city. This resulted in 
Chad being recognized by the Oelwein Chamber of Commerce in 2021 with 
the Expansion/Most Improved Business of the Year award. Today, Chad 
serves on the board of directors for Oelwein Chamber & Area 
Development, Inc., and is an active member of the city's chamber of 
commerce.
  Today, Van Denover Jewelry is a full-service jewelry store that 
offers a diverse range of products, from diamond rings to custom 
timepieces--all high-quality crafted jewelry with the option to 
customize each piece.
  Van Denover Jewelry remains active in the Oelwein community through 
their support of donation events such as Hazelton's Haze Day, Oelwein 
Plentiful Pantry, and the Fine Arts Guild. Van Denover Jewelry will 
celebrate its 62nd business anniversary this year.
  I want to congratulate the Van Denover family for their persistence 
in providing the Oelwein community with high-quality jewelry and 
exceptional services. I look forward to seeing their continued growth 
and success in Iowa.

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