releases: http://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=8B2204CE-FAED-4887-AA73-6D5912128D78
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| http://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=8B2204CE-FAED-4887-AA73-6D5912128D78 | Thank You, Small Businesses | 2020-11-23 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | WY | Michael Enzi | E000285 | www.enzi.senate.gov | legacy | hen I meet new folks and even visit schools, a question I often get is what's the neatest thing you did while being a senator? One of my answers is visiting small businesses across Wyoming. It may seem unexpected at first, but once I list off all of my favorite stops around the state, they themselves are already planning a road trip around Wyoming. Being a U.S. Senator for the state of Wyoming has been a rewarding experience with many highs but there's something special and nothing quite like getting the opportunity to tour businesses, meet with owners and hear their stories. It is also a great way to keep up with important issues. I want to extend my sincerest thank you to the businesses across the state for making Wyoming proud and a great place to call home. I started my career 50 years ago as a small business owner with my wife. Diana and I owned a shoe store on Gillette Avenue called NZ Shoes. It's a place I raised my family and the reason I call Gillette home. It let me apply my accounting skills and provide a business to a town smaller than 10,000. We were excited. Years later as senator, I traveled many miles around Wyoming for meetings, but always made a point to add walking on main street to the schedule. Diana and I visited businesses ranging from bakeries to welding shops and we were reminded about the joys of being small business owners. I try to visit a business on almost every break I have. Driving by and wandering into a store may seem simple, but folks often don't realize they are walking into a person's life work. One conversation with the owner, who is probably working the counter, will let you know the hours they put in but also the joy it brings them at the end of the day. One business owner reminded me that a family owned business is also a business owned family. That's what makes buying that piece of art, knick-knack or treat all the more special. The community can learn so many values from leaders like you. Dedication. Courage. Working in an unknown territory. You're the silent backbone of the town and role models for future entrepreneurs. Whether I'm walking into a gun repair shop in Cody, a gluten-free oat company in Powell, a private recycler in Cheyenne or a TV sports broadcasting company in Afton, I can instantly see the hard work and how one idea became a functioning business and lifestyle. It's not easy being a small business owner and it's been an honor to listen and stay active in the business community all these years. Your hard work does not go unnoticed and it is probably making people smile more than you realize. Wyoming is one big community. And while the world may change, the heart and passion Wyoming has for small business will not. Keep up the good work. Diana and I thank you for all that you do. See you around town soon. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |