Jim Vandemark, owner of Vandemark Jewelers, will be the keynote speaker at the Elyria Community Partnership's free luncheon on April 27 at the Foundry Kitchen & Bar in downtown Elyria. (Submitted)
The Illyria Community Partnership is kicking off National Small Business Week 2024 with a free business lunch on April 27th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Foundry Kitchen & Bar, 525 Broad Street in downtown Illyria. We will hold a meeting. According to a news release.
The 2nd Annual Business Luncheon aims to connect Illyria with resources from the City of Illyria, PNC Bank, Small Business Development Center, SCORE Mentor, and Downtown Illyria to help those striving to become storefront owners someday. and Lorain County business owners. property owners said in a release.
Keynote speaker Jim Vandemark, owner of Vandemark Jewelers, 244 E. Broad St., will share a compelling story about his journey in business and the tools that have led him to success, the release states. has been done.
The food will be served by Foundry Kitchen and Bar after a panel discussion with six business owners who have insight into store operations and share both challenges and opportunities, according to the release.
Panelists include: Steph Matus, owner of Vintage Vibes, 51 East His Avenue. Chris Schneider, President, Handshake Digital, 104 Middle Ave. Suite 1. Carol Doerr, owner of Pearl's Girls Knit & Stitch, 604 Middle Ave. Greg Doublan, owner of Foundry Kitchen & Bar and Erie Island Coffee, 148 Middle Ave. and Tracy Carden Mason, owners of Tracy's Trinkets & Treasures + More, 401B and 403, Cleveland St., the release said.
The event was made possible through a partnership with PNC, which has supported Illyria Community Partnership's business development programs for the past several years, according to the release.
Business owners must register for the food allotment event by April 24 at https://elyriatogether.org/businessluncheon/.
“Rebuilding small business support and resources in the downtown area is a key focus for the organization,” Monet Roberts, executive director of Illyria Community Partnership, said in a release. “This opportunity allows business owners to leverage resources and plan for future store leasing in Downtown Illyria.”
If you are interested in joining or participating, please contact hello@elyriatogether.org or call 440-610-1461.
Follow Elyria Community Partnership on Facebook @ElyriaCommunityPartnership for regular updates and check out our website elyriatogether.org.