Recognizing Welter Storage Equipment Co., Inc.

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Ms. ERNST. Madam President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Welter Storage Equipment Co., Inc., of Monticello, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Welter Storage Equipment was founded by Lloyd and Joyce Welter in 1982 on their family farm in Monticello during the farm crisis of the 1980s. The farm crisis affected thousands of farmers and farming communities in Iowa, and many farmers had to find alternate forms of income to support themselves. Before launching Welter Storage Equipment, Lloyd served in the U.S. Army from 1956 until 1958. Following his service, Lloyd saw a need in the Monticello community for shelving, pallet racks, and storage equipment. What began as an idea around the kitchen table grew, and in 1987, Welter Storage Equipment moved off the Welter family farm to its current headquarters location on South Main Street in Monticello.

Welter Storage Equipment sells both new and reconditioned warehouse equipment and office furniture acquired through auctions, liquidations, bankruptcies, closeouts, and more. They also provide storage equipment and forklifts. Over the years, Welter Storage Equipment has become a trusted local resource for office furniture and warehouse racks. The business is not only a community staple, but now sells products to customers across the United States.

Currently, the Welter Storage Equipment team operates in Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, and Monticello, with their Monticello location serving as the company's headquarters. Lloyd and Joyce's sons Ron, Dave, Dean, and Bob serve as the current owners and have seen three generations of the Welter family work at the family business. Lloyd Welter passed away in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, service, and dedication to entrepreneurial excellence.

Welter Storage Equipment is actively involved in the Monticello, Dubuque, and Cedar Rapids communities. In addition to employing more than 60 people, they have sponsored the Great Jones County Fair and have served as a business partner to the Dubuque Senior High School Drama Department. They were named a 2023 Business Hero by Animal Welfare Friends, a nonprofit that aims for the adoption and fostering of dogs and cats in the Monticello area. Due to the team's hard work, Welter Storage Equipment Company celebrated its 41st business anniversary in 2023.

Welter Storage Equipment's commitment to providing quality office, storage equipment, and furniture in Eastern Iowa is clear. I want to congratulate the Welter family and the entire team at Welter Storage Equipment for their dedication to the Monticello, Cedar Rapids, and Dubuque communities. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

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