[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Pages 1018-1019]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING PATTON'S WESTERN WEAR

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, oftentimes small businesses grow 
from the humblest of beginnings, providing livelihoods for hard-working 
entrepreneurs and their families. In rare cases, these small businesses 
defy all odds, building successful establishments that integrate into 
their adopted communities, all while supporting local economies and 
traditions. This week I am proud to recognize Patton's Western Wear of 
Ruston, LA, as small business of the week for their perseverance in 
building a solid and successful family-owned and operated retail group 
that has left its mark across the State of Louisiana.
  In 2007, Robert, Patrick, and Thomas Patton used their farming 
background and extensive experience in retail to open their own western 
store in Ruston, LA. Catering to the western and oilfield communities 
of north central Louisiana and southern Arkansas, the Patton brothers 
began building a reputation for providing a diverse selection of 
products and quality customer service. One year later, the brothers 
experienced such success that they expanded their small business and 
opened a second western-style store in Lake Charles, LA. In choosing 
Ruston and Lake Charles, which lie on opposite sides of Louisiana, the 
Patton brothers have since acquired a loyal clientele that includes 
everyone from cowboys to college students.
  Today the Patton brothers manage their small business by remaining 
true to their western roots. They are active in the rodeo community, 
supporting over 100 individual rodeos each year, and have also 
sponsored a bull rider in the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, NV, 
for 4 years in a row. Recognized as a Best of the Delta business, the 
group now operates four locations throughout Louisiana, having most 
recently opened the doors to their newest location in Shreveport in 
June 2015.
  The Patton brothers continue to show entrepreneurs across the country 
that it is possible to turn a passion

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into a business--even from the humblest of means. Through dedicated 
service to their community, exceptional commitment to customer service, 
and an excellent retail strategy, the Patton brothers have made their 
mark across Louisiana and into Arkansas and Texas.
  Congratulations again to Patton's Western Wear for being selected as 
small business of the week, and I look forward to your continued growth 
and success.

                          ____________________