COMMENDING JAMES AND WENDY FALKNER ON THE PURCHASE OF KILWINS IN TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN

COMMENDING JAMES AND WENDY FALKNER ON THE PURCHASE OF KILWINS IN TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 48 (Tuesday, March 17, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 17, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E225] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] COMMENDING JAMES AND WENDY FALKNER ON THE PURCHASE OF KILWINS IN TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN ______ HON. JACK BERGMAN of michigan in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 17, 2026 Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate James and Wendy Falkner for their many years of dedication to Kilwins Chocolates, Fudge, and Ice Cream, and to commend them on their recent purchase of the Kilwins store in Traverse City, Michigan. James and Wendy's story is one that is rooted in hard work, perseverance, and a deep appreciation for their community. James began working for Kilwins in 1994 as a summer employee at the Mackinaw City store while pursuing a degree at Michigan Technological University. A year later, Wendy began working at the Mackinac Island Kilwins store as a summer employee while pursuing her studies at Kuyper College in Grand Rapids. What began as a summer job would later turn into a lifelong calling. After completing their college education, James and Wendy initially went to work in their respective fields of study. However, their passion for selling ice cream, making fudge, and spreading joy throughout their community quickly brought them back to Kilwins in Holland, Michigan, as part time employees. Another opportunity soon followed when they took full-time positions managing the Kilwins of Frankenmuth. Later, they co-operated a Kilwins in Charleston, South Carolina, where they honed their skills in leadership and business. In 2015, James and Wendy took the next step with the Kilwins franchise by purchasing their very own store in Mackinaw City, and a few years later, they proudly restored Kilwins presence on Mackinac Island. Recently, they have expanded their business ventures with the purchase of the Kilwins in Traverse City. Under their leadership, Kilwins stores have become gathering places for celebrations of all kinds, such as wedding anniversaries, family vacations, academic achievements, and victories after a baseball or softball game. In an era defined by technology and automation, James and Wendy have managed to preserve something fleeting: genuine human connection. Mr. Speaker, let us all join in congratulating James and Wendy Falkner for their outstanding service and continued commitment to communities across the great State of Michigan. ____________________