[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 173 (Monday, October 20, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7166-S7167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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            RECOGNIZING BY THE HEARTH BOOKSHOP & COFFEEHOUSE

 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 By the 
Hearth Bookshop & Coffeehouse of Davis County, IA, as the Senate Small 
Business of the Week.
  After moving to Iowa from Washington State, husband and wife duo 
Joshua and Kerry Williams founded By the Hearth Bookshop & Coffeehouse 
in Bloomfield, IA, in 2024. They opened the shop as a warm, inviting 
space for sharing stories and creating connections. By the Hearth 
quickly became a place for creativity and conversation. The shop offers 
a thoughtfully curated selection of books, stationery, gifts, toys, 
games, and more alongside a cozy coffeehouse serving drinks, 
sandwiches, and pizzas.
  With over two decades of experience in the coffee industry, Joshua 
envisioned a place where a good book and a great cup of coffee could 
bring people together. Kerry, a homeschool mother of four, uses her 
experience as an educator while serving as the shop's primary buyer and 
curator. Her passion for children's literature and home learning shines 
through the store's extensive selection of books and educational tools 
for readers of all ages. Their son Micah also assists with the business 
by building their website and other behind-the-scenes work. Together, 
this small but mighty team of three has created a welcoming space where 
the Bloomfield community can shop for books, stationery, and gifts 
while enjoying the menu of coffeehouse offerings. In less than a year, 
By the Hearth Bookshop & Coffeehouse has become far more than a retail 
store, it is a gathering place for members of the community. The shop 
offers weekly children's story times, book clubs, and specialized 
tutoring sessions, fostering a love of learning and literacy. Its 
adjoining event center has also become a popular venue for weddings, 
baby showers, corporate trainings, and outreach programs, while the 
coffeehouse serves as a favorite local spot for handcrafted beverages, 
sandwiches, pizzas, and desserts.
  The Williams' commitment to service extends beyond their shop's 
walls. Their space regularly hosts meetings for local organizations 
such as the Rotary Club, the Optimist Club, and hospital training 
seminars. Joshua also serves on the board of the Bloomfield

[[Page S7167]]

Main Street organization where he chairs the design committee. Most 
recently, they received Bloomfield Main Street's ``Spiffy Biz Award,'' 
celebrating businesses that enhance the beauty and vitality of the 
community. Guided by their motto, ``Keep Reading,'' Joshua and Kerry 
aim to cultivate not only a love of books but also a sense of belonging 
and shared purpose. As Joshua describes it, ``We wanted to create a 
space where old friends could meet, and new friends could be 
discovered.'' Through hard work, dedication, and a heart for others, 
Joshua and Kerry have transformed their dream into a thriving community 
cornerstone.
  It is my honor to recognize the Williams family and By the Hearth 
Bookshop 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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