Collaboration, growth promoted at Lorain County Business Expo

More than 100 hundred local businesses and service providers gathered at Tom’s Country Place at 3442 Stoney Ridge Road in Avon on Nov. 2 for the fourth annual Lorain County Chamber of Commerce Business Expo.

The opportunity to network and collaborate in promoting Lorain County business reigned supreme with 108 exhibitors and an estimated

500 guests in attendance throughout the afternoon. The exhibitors ranged from non-profits, government agencies to small business giving ample opportunity to collaborate.

Avon Lake Economic Development Director Ted Esborn on hand with Mayor Gregory Zilka said the opportunity meet with business owners and promote their city and Lorain County business provided the chance to shine a light on what the area has to offer.

“There was a certain excitement as we came over from Avon Lake City Hall because we know that we’re going to see so many Avon Lake businesses on display,” Esborn said. “We really enjoy it. It’s almost like a carnival for us.”

Chamber of Commerce President Anthony Gallo said gathering businesses and service providers together was about providing as much opportunity as possible to network with each other and encourage collaborative ef- forts to uncover new opportunities in the county they call home.

“The idea is to try and keep the money in Lorain County as much as possible. We want to connect all these different businesses with one another, we want to promote Lorain County businesses and we want

our Lorain County businesses to grow,” Gallo said.

With Lorain County transitioning away from manufacturing Gal l o added his optimism for what is coming with new businesses expanding opportunities arising.

“I think people are excited about what’s going on right now. I think they see the light at the end of tunnel. I know that there are quite a few businesses out there that are hiring and are looking to expand. It’s not all doom and gloom as most people would like to think. I think we are really in a good spot right now.”

LCADA Way Director of Marketing and Development Joe Matuscak has been attending the Expo for three years and said the non-profit is already upbeat about what is coming in 2018.

“It’s wonderful. The Chamber really puts on a great event. It’s sold out every year and we love to be a part of it. We are a big proponent and member of the chamber and you get to see a lot of your constituents and business associates you don’t get to see at one time,” Matuscak said “You really get to see the people and answer any questions they might have on some of the things that we’re doing and talk about the events that are coming up.”