Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Van Denover Jewelry

RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Van Denover Jewelry of Fayette County. Throughout this Congress, Ranking Member Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.

“To put it simply, the folks at Van Denover Jewelry rock. From diamond rings to custom timepieces, this gem of a family-owned business offers a diverse range of products that all uphold their high standards for craftsmanship,” said Ranking Member Ernst. “For three generations, this family’s effort to celebrate relationships and capture stories has kept them a cut above the rest.”

Jim Van Denover completed watch, clock, and jewelry courses at Gem City College before he purchased Davis Jewelry in 1962. Jim rebranded the store to Van Denover Jewelry and successfully ran the business for over 25 years. He collaborated with 14 local jewelry store owners to establish the Regional Jewelry Organization, a central hub for reasonably priced jewelry. In 1988, Jim's daughter Linda assumed leadership of the company until 2019 when her son, Chad Benter, stepped up to manage the business. Chad updated Van Denover Jewelry’s packaging and completed the store's first major renovation since a tornado hit the town in 1968. 

Stay tuned as Ranking Member Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.

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