Written Testimony of Mayor Don DeWaard, City of Pella, Iowa — America 250: Main Street USA and the Contributions of Small Businesses

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Written testimony of Mayor Don DeWaard of Pella, Iowa, for a U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing titled America 250: Main Street USA and the Contributions of Small Businesses, dated June 17, 2026 in the archive's record. The mayor describes Pella as a community of approximately 10,600 residents founded in 1847 by Dutch immigrants and home to more than 1,500 registered businesses and corporations. The testimony describes local manufacturers that grew from small businesses, 100 percent occupancy in the historic downtown district, and more than 303,300 visitors in 2025. It also discusses the Tulip Time festival, volunteerism, and cooperation between large employers and small businesses, noting that more than 6,000 people drive into Pella to work each day.

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Written Testimony of Mayor Don DeWaard
Mayor, City of Pella, Iowa

Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
U.S. Senate



Hearing on "America 250: Main Street USA and the Contributions of Small Businesses”



Chair Ernst, Ranking Member, and members of the Committee, thank you for the
opportunity to testify today as we celebrate America's 250th anniversary and recognize
the vital role small businesses have played in building and sustaining communities
across our nation.

My name is Don DeWaard, and I am honored to serve as Mayor of Pella, Iowa, a
community of approximately 10,600 residents located in south central Iowa. As America
approaches its 250th anniversary, there is perhaps no better time to recognize the role
small businesses, entrepreneurs, and local communities have played in building this
nation.

While Pella is known for our Dutch heritage and tulips, our story is ultimately one of
entrepreneurship, hard work, innovation, and cooperation. Those values have shaped
our community for nearly two centuries and continue to drive our success today.

Pella's Heritage and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Pella was founded in 1847 by Dutch immigrants seeking opportunity and the freedom to
build a better future. The entrepreneurial spirit that brought those settlers to Iowa
remains deeply woven into our community today.

Our history is filled with stories of individuals who started with an idea, worked hard,
took risks, and built companies that now serve customers around the world.

In 1925, Pete Kuyper founded Pella Corporation. Today, that company employs more
than 10,000 people and is recognized as one of the leading window and door
manufacturers in North America.
In 1948, Gary Vermeer founded Vermeer Corporation in a small machine shop in Pella.
Today, Vermeer is a global company generating more than $1 billion in annual revenue
and employing over 4,000 people worldwide.

PPI, another company founded by local entrepreneurs, has grown into a global leader in
engineered conveyor components. Today, it is employee-owned, serves international
markets, and employs more than 700 people.

The entrepreneurial spirit that built these companies continues to thrive today.
According to State of Iowa business registrations, Pella is home to more than 1,500
registered businesses and corporations. For a community of our size, that number
speaks volumes about the culture of innovation, risk-taking, and business ownership
that remains alive and well in Pella. New businesses continue to launch, existing
businesses continue to grow, and entrepreneurs continue to find opportunities in our
community.

Our community currently enjoys 100 percent occupancy in our historic downtown
district, and many of those businesses are family-owned operations that have served
generations of customers. In fact, several downtown businesses have been operating for
more than 125 years.

From a community founded by Dutch immigrants in 1847 to a city that now supports
more than 1,501 registered businesses and corporations, Pella's story is a testament to
the enduring power of entrepreneurship in America.

As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, Pella serves as a reminder that many of our
nation's greatest success stories began as small businesses on Main Street.

Celebrating Heritage and Supporting Tourism
Pella's heritage is not only part of our history, it is also an important driver of our
economy.

Each spring, we celebrate Tulip Time, one of Iowa's premier cultural festivals. What
began as a local celebration of Dutch heritage has grown into a nationally recognized
event that welcomes visitors from across the country and around the world.

In 2025 alone, more than 303,300 visitors came to Pella throughout the year to
experience our unique culture, architecture, history, shopping, dining, and hospitality.
Those visitors support hundreds of small businesses, including retailers, restaurants,
lodging establishments, attractions, and service providers. Tulip Time serves as the
cornerstone of our tourism economy, but visitors continue to discover Pella throughout
the year because of the authentic experience our community offers.

Tourism is often viewed as an economic development tool, but in communities like Pella
it is also a way to preserve and celebrate our heritage while creating opportunities for
local businesses to grow and thrive.

Volunteerism: The Heart of Our Community
Another defining characteristic of Pella is our culture of volunteerism.

The success of our community is not measured solely by business growth or economic
impact. It is also measured by the willingness of people to give their time, talents, and
resources to make Pella a better place to live.

Volunteerism in Pella is undeniable. It is woven into the fabric of our community and is
one of the reasons Pella continues to thrive. From Tulip Time to youth programs,
community events, faith-based organizations, and the many nonprofit organizations
that serve our residents, volunteers are the driving force behind countless efforts that
strengthen our community.

Each year, Tulip Time relies on hundreds of volunteers who help welcome guests,
preserve traditions, and create an experience that draws visitors from across the nation.
Their dedication demonstrates that community pride cannot be manufactured, it is built
through service and shared purpose.

What makes volunteerism especially meaningful in Pella is that it spans generations. We
see young people serving alongside those who are young at heart, each contributing
their time and talents to causes they care about. Volunteerism creates opportunities for
residents to become involved in their community, build relationships, develop
leadership skills, and invest in the future of the place they call home.

Many of our nonprofit organizations, community events, and civic initiatives would
simply not be possible without volunteers. Their contributions help create the quality of
life that attracts families, supports businesses, and strengthens community connections.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, volunteerism remains one of the clearest
examples of the civic spirit that has helped communities across our nation prosper. In
Pella, we see every day how neighbors working together for a common purpose can
create a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.

The Power of Cooperation
Perhaps the most important lesson from Pella's story is the value of cooperation.

Every day, more than 6,000 people drive into Pella to work. Those employees support
our local restaurants, coffee shops, retailers, service businesses, and community
organizations. The success of our large employers helps sustain the small businesses
that make our community vibrant.

At the same time, those small businesses provide the services, amenities, and quality of
life that help attract and retain employees for our larger manufacturers and employers.

This relationship is not accidental. It is the result of decades of partnership and
community investment.

Our major employers are outstanding corporate citizens. They support local nonprofits,
sponsor community events, invest in workforce development, and contribute to
initiatives that improve quality of life for residents and visitors alike. They understand
that a strong community helps create a strong workforce, and a vibrant Main Street
helps make Pella a place where people want to live, work, and raise a family.

The success of a community like Pella does not come from large businesses alone, nor
from small businesses alone. It comes from recognizing that we are stronger when we
work together.

When manufacturers, retailers, restaurants, service providers, schools, nonprofits, local
government, and community organizations all invest in one another, the entire
community benefits.

Conclusion
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, communities like Pella represent
the enduring promise of the American dream.

Our story began with immigrants who believed in hard work, entrepreneurship, and
community. Those same principles continue to guide us today.
From small startups that grew into global companies, to family-owned businesses that
have served generations, to community partnerships that strengthen our local economy,
Pella demonstrates what is possible when people are willing to invest in their neighbors
and work together toward a common future.

The entrepreneurial spirit of our businesses, the dedication of our volunteers, and the
cooperation between public, private, and nonprofit partners demonstrate the values that
have made Pella successful for nearly 180 years.

Small businesses remain the backbone of communities across America. They create jobs,
preserve local character, support civic life, and provide opportunities for future
generations of entrepreneurs. Their success is strengthened by engaged citizens, strong
community organizations, and businesses that understand the importance of giving
back.

As we look toward America's next 250 years, Pella's story reminds us that strong
communities are built not only through economic success, but through shared purpose,
civic engagement, and a commitment to helping our neighbors succeed.

Thank you again to Senator Ernst and the Committee for the opportunity to share Pella's
story.


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