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[Pages S5603-S5604]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING FRESCO FOODS, INC.
Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, as chairman of the Senate
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize
a small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit
at the heart of our country. Today, I am delighted to recognize a small
business that provides healthy prepackaged meals and fosters community
development. This week, it is my privilege to honor Fresco Foods, Inc.,
of Tampa, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
In 2014, Rob and Tracy Povolny founded Fresco Foods in Tampa, FL.
When Rob was laid off by a corporate food seller, he chose to pursue
his goal of establishing a high-quality packaged food company. Using
their savings, retirement, and some loans from friends and family, they
rented space in an industrial kitchen to create their recipes. That
December, they began selling their ``Eat Fresco'' meals at local mom-
and-pop grocery stores. Their healthy, satisfying meals were an instant
hit.
Six years later, Fresco Foods has grown into a thriving company with
more than 120 employees. In 2017, a U.S. Small Business Administration
7(a) loan enabled Rob and Tracy to establish their own 12,000 square
foot production facility, creating more than 100 jobs. Their
ingredients are sourced from a local distributor, and their product
packaging is eco-friendly. In 2018, Fresco Foods reached a major
milestone when they began selling their products in a handful of Publix
stores. Today, Fresco Foods stock their ``Eat Fresco'' prepared meals
in all 1,252 Publix locations across seven States. Additionally, they
are working to launch a prepackaged breakfast line later this year.
Together, Rob and Tracy have prioritized business mentorship and
ensures Fresco Foods supports the community. Through podcasts and by
conducting workshops, Rob and Tracy have shared their experiences,
teaching entrepreneurship to future small business owners. Fresco Foods
regularly donates to local organizations like Feeding Tampa Bay. They
also work with Metropolitan Ministries to employ graduates of its
culinary technical training program. For its success and innovation,
Fresco Foods has been recognized by local media and business outlets,
including the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
Like many Floridian small business, Fresco Foods jumped in to help
their community during the coronavirus pandemic. As Florida went into
lockdown, philanthropic organizations experienced a drop in donations
as demand for their resources surged. Rob and Tracy donated hundreds of
``Eat Fresco'' meals to homeless shelters and domestic violence
shelters in the Tampa area.
In April 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration launched the
Paycheck Protection Program, a small business relief program that I was
proud to author. The PPP provides forgivable loans to impacted small
businesses and
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nonprofits who maintain their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rob
and Tracy used their PPP loan, which Fresco Foods received in April, to
keep all of their employees on payroll until Florida reopened.
Fresco Foods, Inc., is a notable example of how small businesses can
achieve commercial success, and remain committed to investing in their
communities. Congratulations to Rob, Tracy, and the entire team at
Fresco Foods. I look forward to watching your continued growth in
Florida and beyond.
____________________