[Page S5745]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING WIMMER'S DIAMONDS

<bullet> Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
legacy of Wimmer's Diamonds, which this month is celebrating a century 
of doing business in Fargo.
  Throughout these years, this fourth-generation jewelry store has been 
a mainstay in downtown Fargo. It has grown along with the city, adding 
a second location at West Acres Mall in 1985.
  The business began as the Fargo Jewelry Manufacturing Company, 
founded by Fred Wimmer, a Hungarian immigrant who arrived in New York 
City in 1907. He began working in America at Tiffany & Co. as an 
engraver. He moved West 3 years later, continuing his work in 
Minneapolis and Owatonna, Minnesota, for 6 more years before arriving 
in Fargo in 1919.
  In the years since, the Wimmer family has designed, sold, and 
serviced diamonds to customers throughout the region. The 
responsibility for keeping the business going has been passed on from 
Fred to his son, Art, then to grandson Andy, and on to the current 
generation of owners, Brad Wimmer and his son, Aaron.
  Likewise, Wimmer's Diamonds has been a destination for generations of 
customers, who have looked to it as a trusted partner when occasions 
call for a gift of diamonds and fine jewelry.
  In a time when there are fewer family-owned businesses, Wimmer's has 
been successful by adapting to the changes of retail management and 
customer preferences. It has been long established as a valued member 
of the community, giving back over the years in every way possible.
  I congratulate the entire Wimmer family for a century of business in 
Fargo. Wimmer's Diamonds is testament to the importance of small 
businesses in communities of all sizes across the Nation and the impact 
entrepreneurs have on our American economy.
  You have enhanced the quality of life we treasure in North Dakota and 
have set a very high bar for being a dedicated community partner. Thank 
you for all you have done to enhance the happy occasions in the lives 
of your customers, and I hope you will remain part of our celebrations 
for many years to come.<bullet>

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