Three Madison Village businesses have been honored for playing important roles in bolstering the community’s economy.
Video Game Nirvana, The Red Berry Candy Store and Madison Brewing Co. all received Madison Means Business awards during a Sept. 26 ceremony.
Madison Brewing Co. not only earned an 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 every year in March and September. For each ceremony, the village selects three established businesses and salutes them.
Bailey said the tradition of regularly recognizing village businesses began in 2016.
“There’s so much effort put into economic development and trying to bring new business into the community that often times, the folks who are doing business here day in and day out and are really the backbone of our local economy are overlooked,” he said. “So we thought (Madison Means Business) was a nice way to give (owners of established businesses) a pat on the back and let them know that the mayor and council really do appreciate you choosing to do business in our community.”
Bailey, who presided over the Sept. 26 ceremony, also highlighted the achievements of each business that won an award:
• Video Game Nirvana — Bailey said the business has been “an awesome addition to our little downtown.”
Located at 66 W. Main St., the store features a vast selection of video games. The store also stocks equipment and accessories, such as video-game controllers, hookups, AC power supplies and consoles.
“Video Game Nirvana is approaching its fifth year in business and has become a destination in Madison Village for everybody from the casual gamer to the diehard collector,” Bailey said.
Owner R.J. Lukacs said Madison Village is the best business location he could have picked, especially with his store’s proximity to the Interstate 90 and Route 528 interchange.
“From Cleveland to Erie, everybody comes here,” he said. “It’s tremendous.”
• The Red Berry Candy Store — Bailey said the shop will mark its 20th anniversary in December.
Located at 3098 Hubbard Road, the store stocks more than 2,000 different types of candy and sweet treats, ranging from chocolate to salt water taffy to Jelly Belly jelly beans.
Bailey said his visits to the store always have been enjoyable.
“The staff is always super helpful and super friendly down there,” Bailey said. “It’s just a great business to have in town.”
Owner Candy Nichols said she strives to provide Red Berry customers with enjoyable and memorable experiences each time they visit the store. She also said The Red Berry Candy Store considers it important to give back to the community through donations and sponsorships.
• Madison Brewing Co. — Based at 70 W. Main St., the business opened in late May after purchasing Cornerstone Brewing Co., which operated at the same location.
The business strives to provide the atmosphere of a family-operated brewery and an array of high-quality beer and foods, co-owner Mathias Hauck said.
Madison Brewing Co. was established by Avon Brewing Co., which has been expanding since opening in Avon in 2016.
“We’re excited to be here in Madison,” Hauck said. “This is our fifth location, and one of my favorites. We really have a great staff here.”
Bailey said Madison Village government appreciates the restaurant’s trust in the community as a good location for a new business.
All Madison Means Business winners receive a commemorative plaque to exhibit in their businesses and get to sign a Madison Means Business poster that is displayed at Village Hall.
Bailey wrapped up the ceremony by wishing all of the winning businesses “much success moving forward.”