On the recordAugust 4, 2020
for the benefit of my colleagues who want to speak next, I have a 1-minute remark and approximately 5 minutes of remarks. Today is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. It is a perfect day to salute an Iowa entrepreneur who built a cookie empire at the Iowa State Fair. Last year, his business sold 2 million chocolate chip cookies during the 11 days of the fair. A lifelong salesperson and legendary concessionaire, this 92-year-old Iowan is in a league of his own. After more than a quarter century rolling cookie dough at the State fair, Joe Barksdale decided it was time to hang up his apron. However, his legacy will continue for generations to come. He is paying it forward by giving back to the people of Iowa. Joe gifted his legendary cookie recipe to the Iowa State Fair so that its profits could be reinvested for years to come. As of today, Barksdale's State Fair Cookies has a brand new home. The permanent cookie building will shorten customer wait times with a dozen sales windows. For anyone who hasn't tasted this State delicacy, I suggest you put it on your bucket list. ____________________
