[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 117 (Tuesday, July 8, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S4256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      RECOGNIZING EDD THE FLORIST

 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 Edd 
the Florist of Ottumwa, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
  After emigrating from Germany, Margaret and Karl Wilz moved from 
Chicago to Ottumwa to purchase Edd the Florist from Edd Buckley in 
1956. Currently owned and operated by their son Hans, Edd the Florist 
remains strong under its second generation of leadership. Hans works 
alongside six employees, including Cathryn, who has been with the 
business since its early days when she was his father's assistant. When 
extended family comes to town during busy holidays to help at the shop, 
the operations of Edd the Florist are a true family affair.
  Hans expanded his parents' business by incorporating other retail 
items and gifts, in addition to contemporary and traditional floral 
arrangements for any occasion. The inclusion of home goods, food, and 
gifts has made the storefront a one-stop-shop in Ottumwa. The business 
also supports the community by featuring other Iowa small businesses' 
products. Additionally, Edd the Florist opens its parking lot and 
partners with local food trucks to bring new dining options to Ottumwa. 
Thanks to strong support from the community, Edd the Florist was voted 
southern Iowa's best florist for 2024 by readers of the Ottumwa 
Courier.
  The Wilz family has made integrating into the community a core 
priority for the business. Karl served as the president of the Ottumwa 
Chamber of Commerce and started the first Oktoberfest in the town. Hans 
also instituted a charity rubber duck race in Ottumwa. The proceeds 
support local organizations such as the Ottumwa YMCA and First 
Resources Corp., which offers a variety of services to children, 
families, and those with disabilities. In addition to owning the 
business for the last 30 years, Hans currently serves in the Iowa 
General Assembly as State representative for house district 25. In 
August, thanks to decades of hard work and community support, Edd the 
Florist will celebrate its 69th anniversary.
  The entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence demonstrated 
by Edd the Florist is clear. I want to congratulate Hans Wilz, his 
family, and the entire team for their hard work and dedication to their 
community and providing exceptional products and services to families 
across Iowa. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and 
success.

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