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[Page S2116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING SUNSHINE PEANUT COMPANY
Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, as chairman of the Committee on
Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small
business that exemplifies the unique American entrepreneurial spirit.
It is my privilege to honor a Florida small business that has worked so
diligently to expand opportunity within their community, proving that
small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the heartbeat of
Main Street. This week it is my privilege to honor Sunshine Peanut
Company of Jacksonville, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
Founded in 2005, Sunshine Peanut Company is Florida's only peanut
butter producer and processes more than 10 million pounds of peanut
butter each year. Sunshine Peanut Company, owned by CEO Jeff Turbeville
and his brother David, completes every phase of production, from
roasting to packaging, entirely in house.
Focusing on competitive cost, high quality, and timely delivery and
with the help of the Jacksonville Small Business Development Center,
Sunshine Peanut Company has become a leader in the peanut processing
industry. Through the utilization of their Small Business
Administration HUBZone certification, Sunshine Peanut Company has been
awarded contracts to sell their high-quality peanut butter to
hospitals, schools, universities, and correctional facilities.
Sunshine Peanut Company's work with the Florida Department of
Corrections goes far beyond just supplying peanut butter. Jeff employs
a number of rehabilitated offenders, and David, a former police
officer, understands firsthand the criminal justice system and the
support that parolees need. Jeff takes his role as an employer and
community sponsor seriously, and his dedication to provide dignified
work to the members of his community that need it the most is an
outstanding example of community support. Sunshine Peanut Company's
efforts have resulted in reduced recidivism and increased opportunity
within his community.
Jeff's efforts and Sunshine Peanut Company's success has not gone
unnoticed. He was recently honored as the 2019 Florida Small business
Person of the Year by the Small Business Administration. This
distinction is awarded to an entrepreneur who represents diversity,
hard work, and perseverance. Jeff's commitment to both his company and
his community have made him a clear choice for this award. He will be
honored this year in Washington, DC, at the beginning of National Small
Business Week.
Sunshine Peanut Company is a great example of how dignified work can
lead to community engagement and business expansion, while changing
lives for the better. I commend Jeff and the Sunshine Peanut Company on
their dedication to their community and am honored to name them as the
Senate Small Business of the Week. I wish them good luck and look
forward to watching their continued growth and success.
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