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Washington, D.C. — This week, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, named Sunshine Peanut Company from Jacksonville, Florida as the U.S. Senate Small Business of the Week.
 
Rubio released the following video message to congratulate Sunshine Peanut Company as the Small Business of the Week. A broadcast quality version can be found here.
 
“As Chairman of the United States Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it is my pleasure to honor Jacksonville’s Sunshine Peanut Company as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
 
“Founded in 2005, Sunshine Peanut Company is Florida’s only peanut butter producer, and processes more than 10 million pounds of peanut butter every year. Sunshine Peanut Company completes every phase of production, from roasting to packing, entirely in house.
 
“Sunshine Peanut Company sells its peanut butter to schools, prisons, and jails. But their work with the Florida Department of Corrections goes far beyond just peanut butter.
 
“Sunshine Peanut Company CEO, Jeff Turberville, employs a number of rehabilitated offenders as part of the company’s effort to reduce recidivism and increase community engagement.
 
“Jeff’s dedication, to both Sunshine and the Jacksonville community, certainly has not gone unnoticed. He was recently honored as the 2019 Florida Small Business Person of the Year by the Small Business Administration.  
 
“Jeff and all of the employees at Sunshine Peanut Company are a true example of what it means for a small business to serve a community and support those who need it the most. I wish them nothing but success in their future endeavors and look forward to watching their continued growth.”
 
Focusing on competitive cost, high quality, and timely delivery, and with the help of the Jacksonville Small Business Development Center, Sunshine Peanut Company has become a leader in the peanut processing industry. Sunshine Peanut Company is a great example of how dignified work can lead to community engagement and business expansion, while changing lives for the better.
 
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Senator Rubio continues the tradition of honoring America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship oversees proposed legislation on matters relating to the Small Business Administration and investigates all problems relating to America’s small businesses.