RECOGNIZING BOOMERANG CORPORATION

RECOGNIZING BOOMERANG CORPORATION

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 7 (Tuesday, January 14, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 14, 2025)] [Senate] [Pages S137-S138] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ RECOGNIZING BOOMERANG CORPORATION Ms. ERNST. Madam President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Boomerang Corporation of Anamosa, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In 1998, Bryce Ricklefs opened Ricklefs Excavating to support construction projects throughout the Anamosa community. After graduating from high school, Bryce began focusing on a career in grading and excavation. He purchased a used excavator in 1999 and began seeking larger projects. In 2002, the company began focusing on public municipal construction across eastern Iowa, expanding its services to include wastewater management, roadwork, and infrastructure projects. In 2017, Bryce rebranded Ricklefs Excavating to Boomerang Corporation to show the company's commitment to civil contracting projects that start and end with them, as well as a new era of innovation and growth. Today, Bryce and his wife Sarah own and operate the business with a team of 200 employees. Boomerang Corporation plans, designs, and oversees construction projects throughout eastern Iowa. The company prides itself on embracing infrastructure challenges while delivering high-quality results. From concrete projects to demolition, Boomerang Corporation uses the latest [[Page S138]] technologies, such as trenchless technology, to install, repair, or replace pipes with minimal destruction. In 2019, Bryce and Sarah helped found a software company Tractics to support contractors with asset tracking, project management, and timekeeping for civil construction projects. Beyond their contributions to civil construction, the Ricklefs also focus on enhancing Anamosa's built infrastructure. In 2020, they purchased eight buildings in the downtown area that were in disrepair and rehabbed them to a usable condition. They donated one of the buildings to the city of Anamosa's police department, and it is still used today. Additionally, Bryce, the son of a home builder, recognized Anamosa's housing shortage and has personally committed to building over 60 houses in the community. Boomerang Corporation is passionate about building up young Iowans and offers internships to local students. Demonstrating their commitment to the next generation, Boomerang Corporation partnered with the Anamosa Community School District and Kirkwood Community College to create an apprenticeship program. This initiative offers high school students the opportunity to graduate with both a high school diploma, as well as a certificate in a trade, such as welding. In September, Boomerang Corporation looks forward to celebrating its 27th business anniversary in Iowa. Boomerang Corporation's commitment to designing and overseeing high- quality construction and infrastructure projects is clear. I want to congratulate Bryce and Sarah Ricklefs and the entire team at Boomerang Corporation for their immeasurable impact on the Anamosa community. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa. ____________________