[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 164 (Monday, October 6, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S6954]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       RECOGNIZING STAATS AWARDS

 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 honor Staats 
Awards of Henry County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
  Founded in 1898 by Mr. E.G. Staats in La Crosse, WI, Staats Awards 
moved to Mount Pleasant, IA, in 1910 and has since grown from its 
modest roots into one of the oldest and most respected leaders in 
creating awards and recognitions. In 1965, it was purchased by James 
Patten and Bernie Webster. Today, it is proudly owned and operated by 
Mr. Patten's three daughters, Janine, Tina, and Jamie, who hold a 
majority stake in the company. The Webster family continues to retain a 
minority ownership share. What began as a business making braid and 
trim for band and fraternal uniforms evolved into a full-service 
recognition company. Staats now offers patterned rosettes, banners, 
plaques, acrylics, promotional products, imprinted apparel, advertising 
specialties, and more. Staats Awards' trophies and ribbons are a 
mainstay at the Iowa State Fair and nationwide at festivals, livestock 
and horse shows, agribusinesses, schools, corporations, and community 
events. Guided by the motto ``Small Town Values, World Class Quality,'' 
Staats and its staff of more than 20 employees combine hard-working 
Midwestern values with products that recognize achievement, inspire 
employees, and promote organizational missions.
  In 1939, Staats relocated from its storefront on the Mount Pleasant 
Square to the former Willowbank School. By 2000, the company had 
outgrown that space and moved to its current facility in the Crossroads 
Industrial Park. This modern location allows Staats to meet customer 
needs with the automated machinery and computer technology necessary to 
remain competitive in the national market. Even so, Staats continues to 
handcraft many of their products, which ensures the highest quality at 
the most affordable price possible. Staats credits its central location 
and the Midwestern values of its staff for fostering a strong, hard-
working, family atmosphere that shines through in their products and 
services provided to thousands of customers nationwide.
  Staats is also deeply involved in their community. They are active 
members of the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, an associate member 
of the Association of Iowa Fairs, and an associate member of the 
International Association of Fairs and Expos. Staats and its employees 
regularly give back through initiatives like Random Act of Kindness Day 
and food donations to the Fellowship Cup, a local nonprofit in Henry 
County. Beyond these contributions, Staats takes pride in supporting 
community traditions, local events, and charitable causes that 
strengthen their community. Their leadership believes that small 
businesses succeed not only through their products, but also by 
investing in the people that support them.
  Today, it is my honor to recognize the Patten sisters, the entire 
Staats team, and the generations who came before them for their 
outstanding work and dedication to their community. I look forward to 
their continued success and wish them the very best in the years 
ahead.

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