U.S. Senator Joni Ernst announced on May 4 that Interpower Corporation of Mahaska County has been named her Small Business of the Week in celebration of National Small Business Week. Ernst, who serves as Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, said she plans to recognize a small business from each of Iowa’s 99 counties during the 119th Congress.
Ernst said this recognition highlights local entrepreneurship and honors businesses contributing to their communities. She said, “Since 1975, Interpower Corporation has been conducting business as a premium supplier of power systems for customers around the world. Bob and his team have been powering up the Mahaska County community with speed and attention to safety, exceeding customer needs and exemplifying the American entrepreneurial spirit.”
Interpower Corporation was founded by Bob Wersen in 1975 under the name Panel Components Corporation, focusing on supplying power systems. The company relocated to Iowa in 1993 and expanded its operations with locations in Oskaloosa, Lamoni, and Ames. Today it continues to supply American-made power cord systems both locally and internationally.
Ernst’s office also assists Iowans with federal agency matters such as Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, immigration issues, and military affairs according to her official website. She served over two decades in the Iowa Army National Guard where she achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel and commanded troops during Operation Iraqi Freedom according to her official website.
Ernst grew up on a family farm in Montgomery County where her parents emphasized hard work and service according to her official website. She became the first woman from Iowa elected to federal office upon joining Congress according to her official website. Ernst holds degrees from Iowa State University and Columbus State University according to her official website.
The announcement concluded with an invitation for Iowans to follow future recognitions: “Stay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award.”