U.S. Senator Joni Ernst recognized three Iowa small businesses and their owners on April 17, 2026, through her Small Business of the Week award, highlighting their contributions to local communities.
In a post published at 18:23 UTC, Ernst wrote, “It was so exciting to recognize a fellow Iowa State University alum, Mitchell Hora, and his small business, Continuum Ag, with my Small Business of the Week award today. As a seventh-generation farmer, Mitchell has rooted his business in a foundational part of agriculture – https://t.co/UGoRnwJ4lR”.
Later that day at 20:11 UTC, she continued by honoring another recipient: “Today, I was honored to present my Small Business of the Week award to Edd the Florist, a community institution in Wapello County. For 70 years, the Wilz family has provided Ottumwa with beautiful flowers and quality products curated with care. By expanding to provide gifts and https://t.co/ssa1uMmyEq”.
At 21:12 UTC on April 17th, Ernst highlighted The Coffee Grounds for their commitment to sourcing locally: “By sourcing their coffee beans and baked goods from local Iowa producers, The Coffee Grounds is pouring their energy into Main Street and I’m proud to recognize them with my Small Business of the Week award. The Boleys and Aeschlimans have truly brewed up a welcoming space for https://t.co/QtRW9J9uDa”.
Senator Ernst’s office provides assistance to Iowans navigating federal agency matters such as Social Security or veterans benefits (official website). She served over two decades in the Iowa Army National Guard—rising to lieutenant colonel—and became the first woman from Iowa elected to federal office (official website). Raised on a farm in Montgomery County where she learned values of hard work and service (official website), Ernst also holds degrees from Iowa State University and Columbus State University (official website). In addition to her recognition efforts for small businesses like those honored this week, she serves on multiple Senate committees and advocates for fiscal responsibility (official website).
