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[Page S634]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING HULL'S SEAFOOD
Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, as chairman of the Senate Committee
on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I honor a small
business that demonstrates America's unique entrepreneurial spirit. I
am pleased to recognize a business for its participation in Florida's
integral economy and its involvement in the community. Today, it is my
pleasure to name Hull's Seafood of Ormond Beach, FL, as the Senate
Small Business of the Week.
Jimmy Hull, owner of Hull's Seafood, spent his childhood exploring
and catching fresh fish at Ponce Inlet. At 20 years old, he obtained
his captain's license, began running fishing charters, and selling the
day's catch to local markets. Eventually, Hull's Seafood opened its
doors in 1984. This restaurant and market makes a conscious effort to
support sustainability by only selling fresh-caught, local seafood.
They guarantee each of their customer's seafood is of the highest
quality. Over the years, Jimmy and his team have continued to expand
the business. Led by Jimmy's strategic vision, Hull's Seafood has
evolved from a small take-out kitchen into a full-service restaurant
and market. In 2018, Hull's Seafood received support from the city of
Ormond Beach, which provided a building improvement grant designed to
assist local small businesses. Jimmy was able to more than triple the
size of the restaurant and double the number of employees, adding an
additional forty workers.
Today, Hull's Seafood Market and Restaurant continues to supply
customers and other local restaurants with the freshest seafood
available. After operating in Ormond Beach for nearly 40 years, the
restaurant has become a landmark within the community and a gathering
place for local residents. Located on Ormond Beach's downtown Main
Street, Hull's Seafood is active within its community, participating in
many city events and supporting local artists by hosting concerts and
displaying art in the restaurant dining room. Additionally, Hull's
Seafood makes a point of showcasing other local businesses on their
social media pages. Jimmy stays true to his passion and is a commercial
fisherman who also operates the restaurant's charter boat to take
passengers on fishing trips. In 2018, Jimmy was awarded the Governor's
Business Ambassador Award for the restaurant's continuous effort to
create local jobs. Jimmy and his team was commended for his advocacy
for fisheries and helping to maintain their sustainability in Florida.
Hull's Seafood is an excellent example of a community and family
oriented small business. The entire team's efforts toward
sustainability and providing high quality seafood do not go unnoticed.
I am proud to recognize Jimmy and everyone at Hull's Seafood for their
hard work, and I look forward to seeing their future successes.
Congratulations again on being named the Senate Small Business of the
Week.
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