U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, announced on Apr. 13 that Port Neal Welding Company of Woodbury County has been named her Small Business of the Week. Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa’s 99 counties during the 119th Congress.
The recognition highlights local businesses that contribute to their communities and demonstrate entrepreneurial values. This week’s honoree, Port Neal Welding Company, was founded in 1994 by Dan Lee and has grown from a home-based operation into an established community business.
“For over 30 years, Port Neal Welding Company has exemplified the well-fused entrepreneurial values of American small businesses,” said Chair Ernst. “From creating industrial stairs, catwalks, and agricultural products to custom metal art, Dan Lee and his team’s commitment to high quality craftsmanship have welded folks’ trust across Iowa.”
Dan Lee works alongside his four sons producing a range of steel products and custom artwork for industrial and agricultural use. The company is known for helping with repairs or fabricating new items as needed by local residents.
Ernst serves on several Senate committees and became the first woman from Iowa elected to federal office upon joining Congress according to her official website. She also made history as the first female combat veteran elected to the United States Senate after serving more than two decades in the military according to her official website.
Her office assists Iowans with matters involving federal agencies such as Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, immigration issues, and military affairs according to her official website. Raised on a family farm in Montgomery County where she learned values like hard work and service according to her official website, Ernst earned degrees from Iowa State University and Columbus State University according to her official website.
The weekly award will continue throughout this session of Congress as Ernst recognizes additional outstanding small businesses across Iowa.
