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[Page S585]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING BAILEY'S GENERAL STORE
Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I wish to highlight the hard
work and unique entrepreneurial spirit found in small businesses across
my home State of Florida. Each week I recognize a small business that
exemplifies perseverance and dedication to the local community. Today,
as chairman of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it
is my distinct pleasure to name Bailey's General Store in Sanibel, FL,
as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
Bailey's General Store has a long history of providing essential
goods to the people of Sanibel Island. Founded in 1899 by Frank P.
Bailey, the Sanibel Packing Company provided groceries and other
general supplies to both locals and visitors before there was a bridge
to the island. Three generations of the Bailey family have continued to
expand the business, one of the oldest in Lee County, while still
honoring their roots. In a nod to its heritage, the original 1926
Model-T that was used as a delivery vehicle in Bailey's early days is
still displayed in the store today.
Today Bailey's General Store has two locations on Sanibel Island and
serves as a one-stop shopping solution, providing their customers with
a plethora of supplies, from groceries and hardware to delivery and
catering services. Bailey's is now owned by Richard and Mary Bailey
Johnson, who continue the high standard of service to which Sanibel
Island residents and visitors have grown accustomed. In addition to the
general store, the Bailey Johnsons' team operates Bailey's Coffee Bar.
Located just inside the entrance to the store, the coffee bar serves as
a gathering place for tourists and locals alike to enjoy all types of
drinks, including their unique ``Bailey's Blend,'' in the store's
historic atmosphere. In September 2018, as part of their annual Best of
the Islands banquet, the Island Reporter and Sanibel-Captiva Islander
recognized Bailey's for the best chocolate shop, coffee bar, grocery
store, general store, and wine selection on Sanibel and Captiva
Islands.
Bailey's General Store is not only a great place for those on Sanibel
Island to shop and relax, it is an integral part of the community. In
addition to his role as owner, Richard also works to make Sanibel
Island a better place for both residents and tourists. He currently
serves as the chair of the capital campaign committee for the
renovation of the Bailey-Matthews National Shall Museum. The museum
held a ground-breaking ceremony arlier this month and is on track to
open to the public in early 2020. The family-owned business is
committed to giving back to their community. Bailey's holds an annual
fundraiser for the local FISH food pantry, supports the local Kiwanis
Club, and sponsors a hole at the annual miniature golf event to raise
money for the Community House on Sanibel. Additionally, Bailey's has
been recognized by the Lee County Economic Development Council for
their contributions to the local economy.
Like many Floridian small businesses, Bailey's General Store is an
outstanding example of resiliency. Bailey's has overcome a number of
disasters outside of their control, from multiple hurricanes to the
recent red tide bloom. Regardless of circumstance, the team at Bailey's
has remained steadfast in times of adversity again and again. Their
contributions to the Sanibel Island Community were especially noble in
the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in 2017. Despite damage to the store,
Bailey's reopened the day after the storm to provide island residents
with much needed food and supplies. The store became a lifeline for
residents and helped to reestablish normalcy in the midst of chaos,
while Bailey's employees worked for 10 days to clear debris. Bailey's
General Store's contributions to their community are an outstanding
example of corporate citizenship, and I commend them for continuing to
rise to the occasion when their community is in need of help.
Bailey's General Store serves as a model for any small business
wishing to provide superior service to their customers, while serving
as a gathering place and pillar of the community. The team at Bailey's
routinely goes above and beyond to ensure their customers' needs are
met, while also trying to improve their beachside community. Again, I
would like to congratulate Richard, Mary, and all of the employees at
Bailey's for being named the Senate Small Business of the Week. I wish
you continued success in your future endeavors.
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