[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 75 (Tuesday, May 6, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2772-S2773]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING NIMROD MEATS

 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 National Small Business Week, it is my 
privilege to recognize Nimrod Meats of

[[Page S2773]]

Iowa Falls, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
  After moving to Iowa Falls in 2014, Dominick ``Rocky'' Damiano and 
his wife Karla recognized the need for a full-service meat processor 
and locker that farmers, hunters, and other community members could 
trust to deliver high-quality products. In 2022, the couple officially 
opened Nimrod Meats with the goal of reducing wait times for farmers 
and expanding local processing capacity in central Iowa. The business, 
housed in a state-of-the-art 9,800-square-foot facility, processes and 
packs its products on-site. Originally focused on custom processing for 
cattle, hogs, and game, Nimrod Meats quickly unlocked third-party 
processing capabilities through cooperative interstate shipment (CIS) 
certification. In 2023, the business expanded further with the addition 
of a farm-to-table retail market. The market offers ground and fresh 
cuts of meat, nonhomogenized dairy products, local honey, specialty 
oils, and other health-conscious products rarely found in conventional 
grocery stores.
  Today, Rocky, a Marine Corps veteran, oversees business development 
and meat processing, while Karla, a certified holistic health coach, 
leads much of the daily retail and marketing operations alongside their 
team of 13 dedicated community employees. Karla's background brings a 
unique perspective, allowing Nimrod Meats to offer health-driven, 
natural products--from tallow soap to elderberry syrup--many sourced 
from fellow Iowa small businesses. When not in school, the Damianos' 
four children play an active role in the family business and can often 
be found helping around the store on weekends and in the summer.
  Nimrod Meats participates as members of the Iowa Falls Chamber of 
Commerce, Choose Iowa, and the American Meat Processing Association to 
connect with their community. Nimrod Meats regularly donates surplus 
products to the local food bank, supports nearby FFA chapter programs, 
and sponsors veteran-focused outreach. In 2023, the Small Business 
Administration honored Nimrod Meats with a prestigious Impact Award 
during National Veterans Small Business Week, recognizing Rocky 
Damiano's entrepreneurial leadership and service to the veteran 
business community. In May, Nimrod Meats will celebrate its third 
anniversary in Iowa.
  The entrepreneurial spirit and positive local impact demonstrated by 
Nimrod Meats is clear. I want to congratulate Rocky, Karla, the Damiano 
family, and their hard-working team for their dedication to enriching 
their community and providing meaningful products and services to 
families across Iowa. I look forward to seeing their continued growth 
and success. 

                          ____________________