{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-names-june-small-businesses-of-the-month-during-support-local-gems-initiative-3/", "Risch Names June Small Businesses of the Month During Support Local Gems Initiative", "2026-06-09", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "Senate", "ID", "James E. Risch", "R000584", "www.risch.senate.gov", "risch", "https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Jim Risch, senior member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced today the selection of seven businesses from across the state as Idaho Small Businesses of the Month for June 2026. The recognition is part of Senator Risch\u2019s seventh annual Support Local Gems initiative.\n\n\u201cIdaho is full of small businesses that drive our economy and quality of life,\u201d said Risch. \u201cI am proud to recognize Blue Fox Theatre, The Candy Jar, Junkyard Jeans, Meat and Potato Company, New York Pizza Department, Ram\u2019s Head Caf\u00e9 and Lodge, and Weiser Classic Candy for their dedication to their communities. These local gems are outstanding examples of Idaho\u2019s entrepreneurial spirit and deserve to be celebrated.\u201d\n\nThis week, Senator Risch launched his seventh annual Support Local Gems initiative to encourage Idahoans to support locally owned businesses on Friday, June 12, 2026.\n\nAs part of the effort, Senator Risch selected seven small businesses that reflect Idaho values of hard work, entrepreneurship, and community service. Each business will be recognized for its contributions to the Gem State in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate.\n\nBlue Fox Theatre: Originally built and opened in 1930, the Blue Fox Theatre has been a beloved landmark in Grangeville for nearly a century. Today, owners Cory and Haley Koole carry on the business\u2019 historic legacy to not only entertain the community but to also serve the region.\n\nThe Candy Jar: Located in downtown Blackfoot, Judy and Paul Loomis created a haven of sweets by renovating a historic Main Street building into The Candy Jar. The successful candy shop is a favorite treat of locals and visitors, offering an array Idaho-made products.\n\nJunkyard Jeans: Founded by Eric Schrader in 1991, Junkyard Jeans is known in Boise for its unique selection of American denim. Schrader\u2019s commitment to the art of old-school chainstitching and embroidery techniques have earned Junkyard Jeans national recognition.\n\nMeat and Potato Company: Travis Dixon founded Meat and Potato Company in 2018 to provide Idaho families greater access to purchase high-quality local meats. Applying his experience in grocery retail and food service, Travis has grown the business from a successful direct-to-home model to a nationwide company.\n\nNew York Pizza Department: Michael Kuipers and New York Pizza Department have supplied Post Falls residents with authentic New York-style pizza for years. In addition to serving up tasty slices, New York Pizza Department gives back to North Idaho first responders, local schools, and educators.\n\nRam\u2019s Head Caf\u00e9 and Lodge: In 2017, Chris and Brianna Reece took on the task of renovating the Ram\u2019s Head Caf\u00e9 and Lodge after the building sat vacant for 15 years. The new-and-improved Ram\u2019s Head is a beloved spot for visitors exploring the Salmon-Challis National Forest.\n\nWeiser Classic Candy: Patrick Nauman\u2019s dream of owning a candy store came true in 2007 when he purchased what is now Weiser Classic Candy. Since then, Patrick has taken the business nationwide while supporting local students interested in entrepreneurship.", 1, "2026-06-10T06:36:00Z", "2026-06-10T06:37:32Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.risch.senate.gov/news/press-releases/risch-names-june-small-businesses-of-the-month-during-support-local-gems-initiative-3/"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 2.30636028572917, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}