[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 7543]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING WILDER'S JEWELRY

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, this weekend, Americans celebrate 
Mothers Day, a time to pay tribute to the women in our lives and the 
incredible work that they do every day. As is frequently noted, women 
often juggle the dual roles of being a mother and maintaining a 
professional career. This situation is made even more difficult for the 
roughly 10.4 million women who are small business owners. Indeed, 
women-owned small businesses are one of the fastest growing segments of 
our Nation's economy. To highlight the work of one mother in my home 
State who is simultaneously running an historic small business in 
northern Maine, today I recognize the accomplishments of Cathy 
Beaulieu, the owner of Wilder's Jewelry in Presque Isle, for her 
steadfast dedication to small business, to her community, and, of 
course, to her family.
  Cathy grew up in the St. John Valley, a stunning beautiful and scenic 
region at Maine's crest, where she was instilled with the famous work 
ethic of Maine's strong people. After exploring other places, she 
returned to Aroostook County--known to locals as simply ``the County.'' 
She went to work at Wilder's Jewelry store, a fixture in downtown 
Presque Isle which was originally opened by Ike Wilder nearly 80 years 
ago. His son, Harry, continued the family business until 1996, when 
Cathy purchased the business from him, along with the historic building 
where it is located.
  Wilder's sells a wide array of jewelry that will fit any budget, from 
traditional fine diamonds, rings, and watches to more contemporary 
costume jewelry, as well as stunning giftware items. Wilder's also 
offers customers unique, handmade gifts such as ``knobstoppers''--golf 
balls or old door knobs fitted with wine corks--to cap wine bottles. 
Wilder's purchases some of its products from an organization called 
Sarah's Hope, which funds microloans to help budding women 
entrepreneurs hone their craft and grow their businesses. By appealing 
to everyone, Wilder's has thrived through some of the most difficult 
economic times our country has seen in decades.
  Another reason for her success is Cathy's visible and passionate 
concern for her community. She has served as the president of the 
Greater Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as president of 
the Downtown Revitalization Committee, and she remains active in 
promoting the well-being of her city, attending city council meetings 
and speaking out on issues of concern to the community.
  Cathy also donates time, money, and resources to numerous charities 
throughout Aroostook County, from the Wintergreen Arts Center to the 
Presque Isle Rotary Club's annual Radio-TV auction, as well as a number 
of veteran causes. She also frequently sponsors trade shows in the 
area, and seven years ago helped begin a new annual Presque Isle 
tradition called Main Street Mania, a block party-style event where 
Main Street is shut to vehicular traffic while downtown businesses 
offer bargains to the maze of expectant shoppers. Cathy is also 
actively involved in a variety of school activities with her three 
beautiful children.
  I have had the pleasure of meeting Cathy Beaulieu on several 
occasions to hear her views on the difficulties concerning running a 
small business in Maine, and I have always come away impressed by her 
passion, determination, and perseverance. By raising a family and 
running a business at the same time, she is a shining example of 
Maine's motto, ``Dirigo''--or ``I lead.'' Cathy Beaulieu is truly a 
leader, and I thank her for all of her noteworthy efforts in running a 
successful business, supporting her community, and raising her 
family.

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