The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Fifth annual North Coast Business Expo draws a crowd
Nearly 50 local businesses were featured at the fifth annual North Coast Business Expo at Sprenger’s Main Street Care Center, 500 Community Drive.
Members of the Avon Lake community were welcomed to explore local business in addition to sampling offerings from area restaurants and gift card raffles.
The Expo was organized with the help of a number of local sponsors including the Avon Lake Press and host Sprenger Healthcare Systems.
The event was moderated by Heritage Avon Lake Trustee Tony Tomanek and featured brief remarks from Avon Lake Mayor Gregory Zilka, State Sen. Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville) and State Rep. Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville).
Tomanek said as a lifelong resident of Avon Lake, he grew up with his father owning a business and asked attendees to take the opportunity to explore what the city has to offer with networking and gaining exposure.
“I think it is really important that we keep our local businesses alive and well,” he said.
Zilka credited the efforts of Economic Development Director Ted Esborn and Mary Krupar from the Office of the Mayor in organizing the Expo and encouraged attendees and the community to explore local businesses as the city continues to develop and encourage new businesses to consider Avon Lake.
Sen. Manning spoke of the need to find ways to support and encourage young people who want to start businesses and characterized small businesses as a potential solution to Lorain County’s economic problems.
“We need to find ways to support and encourage young people who want to start businesses,” she said.
“We need to find ways to support and encourage young people who want to start businesses.”
— State Sen. Gayle Manning