Business at the Barn brings together more than 100 local businesses

BRUNSWICK — Big and small local businesses from a variety of industries came together in a business-to-business showcase at Mapleside on Wednesday. Northern Medina County Chamber Alliance Executive Director Debbie Boehmke said this year's Business at the Barn event had 102 business exhibitors, and VIP ticket sales doubled from last year. VIP ticketholders could come to the event before it opened to the public. "We are estimating that there's probably going to be 400 people walking through here at some point in the 3½ hours," she said. "This is a great turnout." The event brings together longtime and new chamber members with businesses that are considering joining, Boehmke said. Business at the Barn is one of the biggest chamber events, and it focuses on connecting and networking. "It's really about business development and creating relationships for people that they may have not been connected to," past chamber Chairman Al Matyas said. "They get to see some things that they're doing, but they also get to meet the people." Kassidy Kopy from KopyKat Kookies has been a member of the chamber for over a year. Her company is a small bakery that recently started expanding its product selection by making cakes. "Everyone in the chamber is so kind and so friendly," she said. "You make great connections with people, and it's very nice to have a lot of support toward your business while it's growing." School supplies were also collected at Business at the Barn on behalf of foster families with the help of United Way, Boehmke said. "When a child is pulled from the home in the middle of a school year, they leave with nothing," she said. "These foster care parents need these kinds of supplies. We hope that Job and Family Services will have a big supply for the foster care families." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.