[Pages S137-S138]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   RECOGNIZING BOOMERANG CORPORATION

<bullet> Ms. ERNST. Madam President, as chair of the Senate Committee 
on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an 
outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize 
Boomerang Corporation of Anamosa, IA, as the Senate Small Business of 
the Week.
  In 1998, Bryce Ricklefs opened Ricklefs Excavating to support 
construction projects throughout the Anamosa community. After 
graduating from high school, Bryce began focusing on a career in 
grading and excavation. He purchased a used excavator in 1999 and began 
seeking larger projects. In 2002, the company began focusing on public 
municipal construction across eastern Iowa, expanding its services to 
include wastewater management, roadwork, and infrastructure projects. 
In 2017, Bryce rebranded Ricklefs Excavating to Boomerang Corporation 
to show the company's commitment to civil contracting projects that 
start and end with them, as well as a new era of innovation and growth.
  Today, Bryce and his wife Sarah own and operate the business with a 
team of 200 employees. Boomerang Corporation plans, designs, and 
oversees construction projects throughout eastern Iowa. The company 
prides itself on embracing infrastructure challenges while delivering 
high-quality results. From concrete projects to demolition, Boomerang 
Corporation uses the latest

[[Page S138]]

technologies, such as trenchless technology, to install, repair, or 
replace pipes with minimal destruction.
  In 2019, Bryce and Sarah helped found a software company Tractics to 
support contractors with asset tracking, project management, and 
timekeeping for civil construction projects.
  Beyond their contributions to civil construction, the Ricklefs also 
focus on enhancing Anamosa's built infrastructure. In 2020, they 
purchased eight buildings in the downtown area that were in disrepair 
and rehabbed them to a usable condition. They donated one of the 
buildings to the city of Anamosa's police department, and it is still 
used today. Additionally, Bryce, the son of a home builder, recognized 
Anamosa's housing shortage and has personally committed to building 
over 60 houses in the community.
  Boomerang Corporation is passionate about building up young Iowans 
and offers internships to local students. Demonstrating their 
commitment to the next generation, Boomerang Corporation partnered with 
the Anamosa Community School District and Kirkwood Community College to 
create an apprenticeship program. This initiative offers high school 
students the opportunity to graduate with both a high school diploma, 
as well as a certificate in a trade, such as welding. In September, 
Boomerang Corporation looks forward to celebrating its 27th business 
anniversary in Iowa.
  Boomerang Corporation's commitment to designing and overseeing high-
quality construction and infrastructure projects is clear. I want to 
congratulate Bryce and Sarah Ricklefs and the entire team at Boomerang 
Corporation for their immeasurable impact on the Anamosa community. I 
look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in 
Iowa.<bullet>

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