[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16332]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING THE BANKERY

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, our Nation's entrepreneurs 
understand the rigors and fears of starting a new business from 
scratch. The creativity, adaptability, and courage it takes to open a 
business are immense. However, because of that risk and uncertainty, 
the rewards seem all the greater. The drive and determination required 
of a new business can be seen prevalently in the entrepreneurs of my 
home State of Maine. Many of today's businesses create a meeting ground 
where classic and traditional meets the new and innovative; 
refurbishing nostalgia and revamping tradition. I rise to recognize a 
business steeped in history which embraces the challenges of today with 
youthful vigor.
  The Bankery located in downtown Skowhegan, ME seamlessly blends 
antique charm and history with an innovative repurposing of space. 
Opened in 2008 by owners Michael Hunt, graduate from the University of 
Maine, and Matthew DuBois, alumnus of the Connecticut Culinary 
Institute, The Bankery is more than a classic bakery. The sweets and 
confections of this bakery are kept under lock and key, literally. The 
Bankery is housed in a renovated bank that was built in 1864. The 
owners preserved the history of the architecture by carefully restoring 
the original vaults and displaying many nostalgic mementos from the 
building's original purpose.
  After expanding from a simple menu of classic baked goods to include 
meal items such as soups, sandwiches, and meat pies, The Bankery 
continues on an upward and outward trajectory. In 2010, Michael and 
Matthew acquired their next door neighbor, Skowhegan Fleuriste, a 
florist and formal wear shop. Now they offer a one-stop-shop for many 
events. It is their ambition and continued desire to pursue the next 
challenge and grow in new ways that gives them a competitive edge and 
is so characteristic of Maine's small business owners.
  With an eye to the future and a nod to the past, The Bankery has met 
the challenges of growing a new business with excellence. I know that, 
through their hard work and delicious products, this Skowhegan staple 
will continue to flourish. I offer Matthew and Michael and everyone at 
The Bankery congratulations on their success and best wishes for a 
sweet future.

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