[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 8717]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING PAINTING WITH A TWIST

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President. Louisiana has a rich culture and 
history known for fostering artistic and musical creativity. After the 
devastation of Hurricane Katrina, two Louisiana entrepreneurs opened a 
small business to provide their friends and neighbors with a safe and 
fun distraction during the recovery and rebuilding process. This week's 
``Throwback Thursday'' honorary Small Business of the Week is Painting 
with a Twist of Mandeville, LA.
  In 2007, longtime friends Cathy Deano and Renee Maloney became 
business partners after seeing a need in the greater New Orleans area 
for a distraction and relief after Hurricane Katrina. The pair opened a 
small painting studio, Painting with a Twist, formerly known as Corks N 
Canvas, where folks could learn to paint and enjoy a glass of wine at 
the same time. Today, Painting with a Twist has expanded to over 210 
franchise locations across the country, with Deano and Maloney 
retaining ownership of four locations while also maintaining the 
franchise headquarters in Mandeville. Painting with a Twist owns 
copyrights to over 3,500 pieces of art and is also the country's 
largest employer of aspiring artists.
  When they first started their small business, Deano and Maloney set 
aside one day's salary each week per month to donate to local 
charities, in order to support the recovery and restoration efforts in 
southeast Louisiana. Today, that tradition continues with their 
campaign ``Painting with a Purpose.'' Held monthly at all Painting with 
a Twist locations, this event raises funds for charities and nonprofits 
in each franchise's area.
  Congratulations again to Painting with a Twist for being selected as 
this week's ``Throwback Thursday'' honorary Small Business of the Week. 
Thank you for your commitment to advancing the arts in Louisiana and 
for your continued dedication to giving back to your community.

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