RECOGNIZING HANDS JEWELERS

RECOGNIZING HANDS JEWELERS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 56 (Wednesday, March 25, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 56 (Wednesday, March 25, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S1611] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ RECOGNIZING HANDS JEWELERS Ms. ERNST. Mr. 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 honor Hands Jewelers of Johnson County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Now known as Hands Jewelers, the business was founded in 1853 and bought by John Hands in 1907 after he moved to Iowa City because of the Rock Island Railroad depot. As the family recounts, railroad workers relied on precisely synchronized watches to keep trains on schedule, creating a constant need for skilled repair and craftsmanship. After John's passing, his son Harold Hands took over and married Mary Rupener Nusser. Soon, Hands Jewelers will be owned and operated under its fifth generation of leadership once Bill Nusser, Jr., passes the torch to his son Charlie to continue a legacy built on craftsmanship, trust, and dedication. For more than 170 years, the business has provided high-quality jewelry and personalized service, helping customers celebrate life's most meaningful moments, from engagements and weddings to anniversaries and family milestones. Through a dedication to excellence and attention to detail, Hands Jewelers ensures each piece tells a story and has earned a reputation as a trusted name across eastern Iowa. In recent years, Hands Jewelers has demonstrated its ability to adapt and evolve while honoring its long-standing traditions. Through a thoughtful rebranding effort, the business has modernized its marketing, expanded its e-commerce presence, and embraced new ways to connect with customers, ensuring continued success in an ever-changing marketplace. Beyond its work in fine jewelry, Hands Jewelers is deeply woven into the fabric of the Iowa City community. The Nusser family has remained actively engaged in local leadership and service, including involvement with the Community Foundation of Johnson County, the Englert Theater, and Greater Iowa City, Inc., where they have helped support local economic growth and strengthen the small business community. Their leadership extends beyond the local level through participation in industry organizations such as Charlie's service on the Centurion Retail Advisory Board contributing to the Centurion Jewelry show, further underscoring their commitment to excellence and deep engagement in the fine jewelry business. With a team of 15 employees, the business supports local jobs while contributing to the vibrancy of Iowa City and the broader Johnson County community. Today, with multiple family members still involved in the business, Hands Jewelers continues to reflect the values that have sustained it for generations: hard work, integrity, and a deep commitment to community. I am pleased to recognize Bill and Charlie Nusser, along with the entire team at Hands Jewelers, for their dedication to Iowa City and Johnson County. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead. ____________________