[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3932-S3933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING SHINYTOP BREWING

  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 ShinyTop Brewing of 
Webster County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

[[Page S3933]]

  With a vision of building a local craft brewing scene in north 
central Iowa, brothers Nate and Todd McCubbin founded ShinyTop Brewing 
in 2016 after Nate, a military veteran, discovered a passion for 
homebrewing. The brothers' venture was born from a desire to create 
something their hometown could take pride in. What started with sharing 
their craft beer among friends and family soon revealed a deeper 
purpose: building community through brewing. A simple hobby quickly 
grew into a meaningful opportunity to bring people together, foster 
connections, and create a gathering place centered around great craft 
beer.
  Over the years, ShinyTop experienced significant growth, expanding 
both its physical space and its menu offerings. More than a decade 
later, the brewery has become a fixture in Fort Dodge. The brewery has 
remained a beacon of opportunity for the city. Fostering a welcoming 
environment, the McCubbins have sought to build relationships and 
connect their visitors to the city's vast art, music, and philanthropic 
spheres. Yet for Nate and Todd, the true measure of success is not the 
brewery's growth, but the positive impact it has had on the area and 
the relationships it has helped foster along the way.
  The brothers successfully turned a dilapidated building into what 
ShinyTop is today. Although the business physically resembles a 
brewery, the brothers say that it is representative of much more than 
that, ShinyTop is an instrument to cultivating community growth, while 
sharing family values. As a member of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth 
Alliance and the chamber of commerce, ShinyTop prioritizes economic and 
social development in the city. In addition to ShinyTop's engagement, 
the McCubbin brothers are also heavily involved in the community; Nate 
is on the board of the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association, and Todd is a 
member of the city council. Through individual and group efforts, these 
entrepreneurs are looking to positively impact their community.
  By partnering with local organizations, the brewery has fostered 
meaningful engagement while supporting local initiatives, strengthening 
neighborhood connections, and contributing to the overall growth and 
well-being of Fort Dodge. In the spirit of supporting the area, 
ShinyTop has partnered with the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association, 
Serving our Servants, Fort Dodge Firefighter's Association, and has 
collaborated with other local organizations. More recently, the brewery 
has introduced its Giving Tuesday initiative in which 10 percent of its 
sales are donated to a partnering charity or organization. ShinyTop and 
the McCubbins continue to prove their generosity and enthusiasm to give 
back to the area.
  I am pleased to recognize Nate and Todd McCubbin along with the 
entire team at ShinyTop Brewing for their dedication to the Fort Dodge 
community. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the 
very best in the years ahead.

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