Three Madison Village businesses were recognized for their important roles in boosting the local economy.
Video Game Nirvana, Red Berry Candy Store and Madison Brewing Company all received Madison Means Business Awards at the Sept. 26 ceremony.
Madison Brewing Co. not only won the award, but also hosted the event.
The Madison Means Business program is sponsored by Madison Village Government.
Village Administrator Dwayne Bailey said the event is held annually in March and September. For each ceremony, the village chooses three long-established businesses to honor them.
The tradition of regularly recognizing businesses in the village began in 2016, Bailey said.
“So much effort is put into economic development and trying to bring new businesses into the community that the people who do business here every day and are actually the backbone of our local economy are ignored. is common,” he said. “So we (Madison stands for business) got behind (existing business owners) and really wanted the mayor and city council to know that you choose to do business in our community. We thought it would be a good way to let them know we appreciate them.”
Mr. Bailey, who presided over the Sept. 26 ceremony, also highlighted the achievements of each of the award-winning companies.
• Video Game Nirvana — Bailey said this business has been a “great addition to our little downtown.”
The store, located at 66 W. Main St., carries a large selection of video games. The store also carries equipment and accessories such as video game controllers, connectivity devices, AC power supplies, and consoles.
“Video Game Nirvana is approaching its fifth year in business and has become a Madison Village destination for everyone from casual gamers to avid collectors,” said Bailey.
Owner RJ Lukacs said Madison Village was the best location for his business, especially because of the store’s proximity to the Interstate 90 and Route 528 interchange.
“Everyone from Cleveland to Erie comes here,” he said. “That’s amazing.”
• Ledberry Candy Store — Bailey said the store will celebrate its 20th anniversary in December.
The store, located at 3098 Hubbard Road, carries more than 2,000 varieties of candy and sweet treats, from chocolate to salt water toffee to Jelly Belly jelly beans.
Bailey said it was always fun to visit the store.
“The staff is always very helpful and very friendly,” Ms. Bailey said. “It’s a great business to have in town.”
Owner Candy Nichols said she strives to provide Ledberry customers with a fun and memorable experience every time they visit the store. She also said that Led Berry Candy Store believes in giving back to the community through donations and sponsorships.
• Madison Brewing Co. — The business, located at 70 W. Main St., opened in late May after acquiring Cornerstone Brewing Co., which operated at the same location.
Co-owner Matthias Hauck said the store strives to provide a family-run brewery atmosphere and a wide variety of high-quality beer and food.
Madison Brewing Company was founded by Avon Brewing Company and has been expanding since opening in Avon in 2016.
“We are excited to be here in Madison,” Hauck said. “This is our fifth location and one of my favorites. We have a really great staff here.”
Bailey said Madison village government values the restaurant’s credibility in the community as a good location for new business.
All Madison Means Business winners will receive a commemorative plaque to display their business and will have the opportunity to sign a Madison Means Business poster that will be displayed in Village Hall.
Mr. Bailey concluded the ceremony by wishing all the winning companies “the best of luck in the future.”
