Northern Medina County Chamber Alliance reflects on 2025 and swears-in new board members

BRUNSWICK — The Northern Medina County Chamber Alliance celebrated its new and longtime members at a luncheon on Wednesday ahead of the organization's 10th anniversary in 2026. Chamber Executive Director Debbie Boehmke said the Brunswick Camber and the Valley City Chamber merged in 2016, which she believes was "a fantastic choice for both organizations." Nearly 10 years later, the chamber has 394 members with 66 new members joining this year. Boehmke said her goal at the beginning of the year was to reach 400 members in 2025, but she realized the chamber is about more than just gaining membership. "It's all about keeping membership," she said. "It's (about) sustainability and making sure that you as business members are getting value from this chamber. It's more about making sure that you stay with the chamber and that you continue to be involved and stay engaged and network with each other and be great partners with each other." Boehmke also discussed successes the chamber experienced this year such as launching its Business Builders program to help small-business owners grow and sustain their business. The chamber also had record numbers at its Business at the Barn networking event this year with 104 business exhibitors. "If you look at 394 members, that's a lot of our members participating with a table, and that doesn't count the people that bought the VIP tickets and then came through in the public portion," she said. "Business at the Barn continues to be one of the most popular events that we have." The following people were also sworn in as board members for the chamber on Wednesday: Cindy Farnham with Juice Plus+. Sally Newman Vavrek with Southwest General as the director of therapy services. Angela Nicholson with Conrad Mortgage for her second term. Rob Wentz with Elevate Business Advisors. Steve Walbolt from MDG Flooring was sworn in as the chairman of the board, and he will replace Kristin Baum from Engel & Völkers Distinct Real Estate. Connie Costanzo from Ascend Wealth Management will serve as chair-elect. Tricia Peacey from Farmer's Insurance — The Peacey Agency and Al Matyas from Southwest General Health Center were recognized for their service ahead of their time on the board ending. The Northern Medina County Chamber Alliance will officially celebrate its 10th anniversary in March. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.