    [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 33 (Wednesday, February 19, 2025)]
    [Senate]
    [Pages S1039-S1040]
    From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                             ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                 RECOGNIZING SWEETHEART BAKERY AND HOMER'S DELI

     Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as chair 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
    Sweetheart Bakery and Homer's Deli of Clinton, IA, as the Senate Small
    Business of the Week.
      In 1950, Sweetheart Bakery began as a small family-owned operation
    when real-life sweethearts Charlie and Florence Thornton opened their
    first storefront on Main Avenue. Their son Charles J. Thornton joined
    the business, learned the beloved recipes, and eventually took the
    reins when his father passed away. In 1978, Charles, along with his
    wife Joanne moved Sweetheart Bakery one block west, expanding the
    business into its current storefront in the Lyons business district.
    After decades of success, the third generation of the Thornton family
    officially took over in 1998 when Charles' son Chuck and his wife
    Brenda purchased the Main Avenue shop. Upon taking over, they merged
    the family bakery with Homer's Deli, the next-door restaurant that the
    two also owned and managed.
      With each generation, the bakery has evolved while maintaining its
    family values. Today, Sweetheart Bakery and Homer's Deli remain a
    family-owned and operated small business, and the fourth generation is
    already working alongside the business' 33 community-based employees.
    Chuck and Brenda's children Shauna and Derek help manage daily
    operations and are part owners of the company. The bakery remains
    committed to crafting everything from scratch, including its famous
    cakes, seasonal cookies, pastries, and handmade candy. Their homemade
    breads and buns, crafted from Grandpa Thornton's 75-year-old recipes,
    remain customer favorites, as do their world-famous Blarney Stones.
    Homer's Deli complements the bakery, offering fresh sandwiches and
    soups, making the establishment a go-to spot for the Clinton community,
    as well as local organizations looking to cater.
      Beyond their commitment to quality food and baked goods, the Thornton

    [[Page S1040]]

    family actively supports the Clinton community. Chuck and Brenda play
    leading roles in the North River Drive project, working to revitalize
    the Lyons Business District and bring additional success to their
    neighboring small businesses. Brenda led many initiatives across the
    community in her role as president of the Clinton Area Chamber of
    Commerce, which changed its name to Grow Clinton in 2022. Additionally,
    while on the board of Mercy One Hospital, Brenda worked to bring
    essential oncology equipment to Clinton. Chuck previously served as the
    president of the Lyons Business Association and partnered with the
    local middle school to teach Junior Achievement for many years. Today,
    Shauna currently serves as the secretary of the Lyons Business
    Association and leads as cochair of the annual chili cook-off and the
    Clinton Christmas Walk. In March, the Thornton family will celebrate
    the 75th anniversary of Sweetheart Bakery and Homer's Deli in Iowa.
      With a legacy spanning over seven decades, Sweetheart Bakery and
    Homer's Deli's commitment to family values, incredible baking, and
    community service is clear. I want to congratulate the Thornton family
    and their entire team for bringing family baked goods, sandwiches, and
    more to communities across Iowa. I look forward to seeing their
    continued success.

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