Owned by Andy Hejlik and his wife Tami, the document recognized their business as Hamilton County’s Small Business of the Week.

“This is an official document of the United States Senate,” said Ernst, explaining the document was read into the official record of the Senate for this honor.

Ernst, who grew up in Red Oak, complemented the Hejliks, in addition to other businesses in Webster City.

“Small business is the backbone of our communities,” she said. “Thank you for supporting your community.”

Ernst, who serves as the chairman of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship committee for the U.S. Senate, has been recognizing a business in each county during the year.

“I’ve witnessed the American spirit of innovation up close while crisscrossing Iowa from the Mississippi River to the Missouri River over the last decade,” she said in a press release promoting Small Business Week.

Small businesses like theirs are a cornerstone of Iowa’s economy, making up more than 99% of all businesses and employing 82% of workers in Iowa she said. Across the nation over 36 million small businesses create two out of every three new jobs and generate nearly half of the country’s gross domestic product or GDP.

“During National Small Business Week, and always, I’m proud to fight for the dedicated people behind those small businesses that power our nation,” Ernst said.

Ernst traveled to four different counties Friday presenting the small business awards which were announced in March. Other stops included Heart ‘n’ Home in Laurens for Pocahontas County, Sister’s Home Style Entrees in Humboldt for Humboldt County, and Latimer Grocery in Latimer for Franklin County.

Boone River Financial was founded in 2021, with Heljik purchasing the building at 512 Second St. in 2024. He has more than 20 years experience in finance.