LAURENS, IA (Northwestiowanow) — U.S. Senator Joni Ernst presented Heart ‘n Home in Laurens with her Iowa Small Business of the Week Award during a visit to the community Friday.

Ernst, who chairs the U.S. Senate Small Business Committee, stopped at Heart ‘n Home on Friday, May 8th to present owner and florist Julie Wurr with the honor.

During a ceremony inside the shop, Ernst said recognizing businesses like Heart ‘n Home highlights the importance of small businesses to Iowa’s economy and rural towns.

 

 

Ernst said she presents one Small Business of the Week award in each of Iowa’s 99 counties and was glad to recognize the Pocahontas County recipient in person. She also praised Heart ‘n Home for its creativity and its role in the Laurens community.

Wurr shared that the idea for Heart ‘n Home began in 1991 following the loss of her son, when she turned to creating as a way to heal.

 

 

Wurr said the store’s longevity is the result of strong support from Laurens and collaboration among local businesses.

 

 

As part of the ceremony, Ernst presented Wurr with a certificate entered into the Congressional Record, making the recognition a permanent part of U.S. Senate history.

 

Ernst thanked Wurr for her decades of service to the community and for representing the strength of Iowa’s small businesses.