Discover Brecksville Community 2021 by greatlakespublishing

Inside: Economic Development Updates l New Elementary School Coming Soon l Spotlights on Local Businesses

Discover COMMUNITY

Building Our

FUTURE

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Discover a community dedicated to providing the best for residents, visitors and local businesses. On the Cover: Matt Harper, Mark Snyder, Julie Miller, City Councilman Daryl Kingston, Allison Cassandra, City Councilman Dominic Caruso, Patricia Penland and Kristopher Toth

Together we support and grow our community brecksvillechamber.com BRECKSVILLE MAGAZINE 2021

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Then and Now

CITY OF BRECKSVILLE

s you walk through Brecksville’s historic public square, attention is drawn to its charm, character and beauty. The 1874 Old Town Hall, the 1870 Bandstand and the 1860s Breck House are just a few of the many landmarks of our past. Then, as you enter upon the 1972 City Hall complex, you see our 1990 library, the 1992 community center, the 1992 and 2020 indoor-outdoor aquatics facilities, the 1974 playing fields and the 1995 kid’s quarters playground. You clearly realize why the city’s motto is “Building our future with respect for our past.” Historic Brecksville, founded in 1811, has a population of 13,610, is 19.5 square miles in size and is the home of the Metro Parks Emerald Necklace, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Erie Canal Heritage Area and the city’s Blossom Hill Complex. These amenities provide an enhanced quality of life. The city services and facilities have a reputation for excellence. We are one of the safest cities in Ohio. Our school district ranks amongst the top in the state. Brecksville’s downtown has been a vibrant retail area since the first store opened in the center of town. We have a well-established commercial area along Interstate 77 and the Ohio Turnpike. The area is home to many corporations and companies. With the ongoing construction of Valor Acres, Sher-

win-Williams’ new Research & Development facility will become the anchor development of that 190-acre site. The city of Brecksville is a wonderful place to call home and raise your family, as generations upon generations have done. You are welcome here!

Sincerely, Jerry Hruby Mayor, City of Brecksville

Kristopher Toth President, Brecksville Chamber of Commerce

PROUDLY HEADQUARTERED IN BRECKSVILLE, OHIO Ahola is a third generation family-owned business with over 50 years of payroll, tax, and HR experience, having served over 10,000 small businesses nationwide. We empower employers, with easy-to-use payroll and HR technology solutions, and provide personalized, dedicated support to help them every step of the way. Learn more about our history at Ahola.com

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BRECKSVILLE MAGAZINE 2021

Scene from the City A new aquatics center and upgrades on state Route 82 improve the quality of life for Brecksville residents. BY LINDA FEAGLER IN THE SWIM Throughout the years, Brecksville Community Center has become the pivotal place for special events and physical fitness. A vibrant new component was added during Memorial Day weekend with the opening of the Jack A. Hruby Natatorium, Activity Pool and Aquatics Center. It’s named in honor of Mayor Jerry Hruby’s late brother, who served as mayor of Brecksville from 1970 until his death in 1986. “The dedication of the Jack A. Hruby Natatorium took place in 1992, when the first natatorium was built,” Mayor Hruby says. “One of the visions Jack had for the city was to have a pool complex, and this additional wing off of the natatorium provides aquatic features for our residents year-round.” The new indoor pool has two slides, a water feature with dump buckets and inthe-water seating areas. Outdoors, the new state-of-the-art waterpark includes a multi-level play structure with two slides — including a giant one that allows family members to slide down together — in-the-water seating areas, zero-depth entry for toddlers, dump buckets, a climbing wall and dedicated lanes for lap swimming. Two circular pools allow guests to either walk against the current or rest while drifting along on a pool noodle.

BRECKSVILLE BY THE

NUMBERS

Concessions, including wraps and salads, are available for purchase, and families are also welcome to pack a lunch and eat at the picnic tables surrounding the complex. “Building a pool has been under discussion for almost 20 years,” Hruby says. “We originally were considering building it on the Blossom Hill property, but we decided that putting it next to the Community Center would be a more convenient location for everyone.”

19.5

square miles

A NEW ROAD A pair of new lanes are just two of the welcome upgrades travelers on state Route 82 are appreciating. The city partnered with Broadview Heights to improve the major thoroughfare from Interstate 77 west to Broadview Road. Brecksville’s project costs totaled $2.2 million. Improvements beyond the addition of two lanes — one heading east and one going west— include new stoplights that coordinate signals to move traffic more efficiently. Pedestrians will enjoy the new 5-foot-wide sidewalk along the south side of state Route 82 and 10-foot-wide walking and biking path along the north side that are well-lit and easy to navigate. “We didn’t just widen the road,” Hruby says, “we improved all of the infrastructure around it.”

Residential Population

13,610

50.34% Male

49.66% Female

5,349

Single-family homes occupied

$283,000 Median Home Value

Median Income Per Household

Brecksville's new state-of-the-art outdoor waterpark

BRECKSVILLECHAMBER.COM

CITY OF BRECKSVILLE

$137,083

The Place We Call Home! Mayor Jerry N. Hruby

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Mayor Jerry N. Hruby & City Council & City Council

Mike Harwood, President - Laura Dominic Caruso, Lou Carouse Jr., Redinger, Vice-President AJ Ganim, Daryl Dominic Caruso, LouKingston, Carouse, Jr., Ann Koepke, Beth Savage & Daryl Kingston, Brianand Stucky Ann Koepke Kim Veras BRECKSVILLE MAGAZINE 2021

Bright Beginnings Excitement grows as the new Brecksville-Broadview Heights Elementary School nears completion.

ike a bright new backpack filled with freshly sharpened pencils and crisp, clean notebooks yet to be filled, a new school year always promises bright beginnings to another chapter in life. Elementary students in Brecksville and Broadview Heights are eagerly anticipating fall 2022 to be like no other: Their new 190,000-square-foot elemen-

tary school, located at Blossom Hill, will be a high-tech wonder crafted to extend classroom learning beyond the traditional four walls. Discussions regarding a new Brecksville-Broadview Heights Elementary School began in 2017 after repairs to the existing building — estimated to exceed more than $110 million — were determined to be cost-prohibitive.

BRECKSVILLECHAMBER.COM

BRECKSVILLE-BROADVIEW HEIGHTS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Students visit the site of the new Brecksville-Broadview Heights Elementary School with the construction crew.

The district operates three neighborhood elementary schools, and community members supported the concept of creating two buildings. However, after a forum of parents and staff toured the city of North Ridgeville’s Academic Center, they embraced the concept of what a thoroughly modern building could and should be. Not to mention the fact that a single elementary school would be more cost-effective, vibrant and located next to a new community fieldhouse that will be reserved for students during school hours. “The new space is designed for the 1,500 students in pre-K through fifth grade who will be attending when it opens,” says Joelle Magyar, superintendent. “The color scheme will incorporate the school colors of red and yellow. Since the school is for younger members of our community, the building will include softer renderings of the bee that is our mascot.” The media center, which includes amphitheater seating, is the focal point of the new structure. Other innovative features include a “cafetorium” with a stage and an enclosed courtyard containing a pond filled with plant and animal life that’s tailor-made for outdoor learning experiences, as well as an ideal spot for student lunch breaks. There’s also a built-in photobooth with a photo wall, hopscotch tile boards, an interactive Minecraft wall and a room for parent volunteers. A dog washing station will be installed for the therapy dog for which special needs students will be invited to help provide care. In addition to collaborative spaces, grades will be broken up into pods, which will offer an intimate learning experience. “What a treat it will be for the kids in our community to enjoy this state-of-theart building that will definitely scream elementary school,” Magyar says. “Since we’re less than a year away from completion, excitement is growing. Residents can look forward to a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony next summer.” — LF

SOUTH SUBURBAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL Where Children Grow South Suburban Montessori School is dedicated to providing an authentic Montessori education to children between 18 months and 14 year-olds. Our values of compassion, authenticity, respect and excellence inspire our school’s rich tradition of nurturing each child’s natural love of learning. Founded in 1970, South Suburban is located just 20 minutes from downtown Cleveland in Brecksville’s beautiful Blossom Hill Complex. Email admissions@ssmsmontessori.net to schedule a personalized campus tour. We look forward to sharing our school with you! 4450 OAKES ROAD, BRECKSVILLE • 440-526-1966 • SSMSMONTESSORI.NET

BRECKSVILLE MAGAZINE 2021

Booming with New Business Discover Valor Acres, Brecksville’s new live-work-play community.

or four decades, the property on the northwest corner of Brecksville and Miller roads was home to the Brecksville Veterans Administration Hospital. The infirmary, which housed thousands of veterans throughout the years, had the distinction of being one of the largest veterans’ hospitals in the U.S. Today, the 190-acre parcel of land is making history once again. During the next two years, it will be transformed into Valor Acres, a mixed-use development filled with 150,000 square feet of restaurants, shops and entertainment options, 160,000 square feet of office space, 200 luxury condominiums and a 120-room boutique hotel. Walking paths will wind throughout the property, and Cleveland Metroparks has plans to connect them to adjacent trails. Designed by DiGeronimo Companies, Valor Acres is expected to become a premier live-work-play community along the

BRECKSVILLECHAMBER.COM

Cleveland-Akron corridor. “After the hospital closed in 2011, the city acquired the property from the Veterans Administration,” says Mayor Jerry Hruby. “Brecksville residents voted to rezone it. They said it should be designated for commercial use for local business and include single- and multifamily residential properties and amenities that serve the south end of town. We began looking for anchor tenants who would be attracted to the location.” One of the businesses embracing the site’s potential is Sherwin-Williams Co., which will build its new $250 million Global Research & Development (R&D) Center there. Plans call for the firm’s 600,000-square-foot campus to employ a staff of approximately 900. The R&D center will engage in product development, coatings research, color technology and process engineering. (A new global headquarters is planned for Down-

town Cleveland, just west of Public Square between St. Clair and Superior avenues.) “Because Sherwin-Williams will be there, it will allow us to attract restaurants and good merchants.” Hruby says. “It will be a catalyst for attracting increased office, residential, hospitality and retail investment.” Founded in 1866, Sherwin-Williams Co. is a global leader in the manufacture, development, distribution and sale of paints, coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial and retail customers around the world. Products are sold in more than 5,000 company-operated stores, as well as in leading home centers and hardware stores. In addition to the Sherwin-Williams label, popular brands include Valspar, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, Dutch Boy, Krylon, Minwax, Thompson’s Water Seal and Cabot. “The R&D center will be the first time we’re bringing together [R&D] of our ar-

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS

Rendering of the new Sherwin-Williams Global Research & Development Center at Valor Acres

chitectural and industrial coatings into one facility,” says Julie Young, Sherwin-Williams’ vice president of global corporate communications. “We’re looking to create a next-generation workspace — a workplace that’s going to help us drive innovation, creativity and collaboration.” Tim Muckley, director of corporate real estate for Sherwin-Williams, explains that Valor Acres is an ideal site for the new center for myriad reasons, including accessibility to major highways and the Ohio Turnpike and proximity to Downtown Cleveland.

The acreage also gives the company the flexibility to expand if the need arises. “Mayor Hruby’s vision of acquiring the property from the VA was a very thoughtful move,” Muckley says. “Not only is the site exceptional, but the mayor and his administration have been very supportive. We’ve built a great relationship over the last several years, and we’re excited about the fact that Valor Acres will surround our campus with the amenities our employees need.” The property’s storied past, however, will not be forgotten. Plans are on the drawing

board to build a monument at Valor Acres, honoring the hospital that once stood there. The cenotaph will feature the dedication plate that hung inside the administration office, as well as the building’s iconic smokestack. It will also include flags that honor all branches of military service and small vignettes recounting the hospital’s milestones that include groundbreaking research in post traumatic stress disorder treatment. “We called the property Valor Acres after the VA,” Hruby says. “We’ll make sure that history will not be forgotten.” — LF

We Spray All Year Round BRECKSVILLE MAGAZINE 2021

Creating a Better

Brecksville

Local businesses highlight ways they serve the community and what it means to be a member of the Brecksville Chamber of Commerce. BY LINDA FEAGLER

on Kozesky, executive director of Brecksville Chamber of Commerce, knows firsthand why membership in the organization is so beneficial. As the president of Jon Thomas Consulting, a full-service firm experienced in government affairs, grant strategy and marketing strategy services, he understands that networking to nurture relationships makes smart business sense. “I work directly with small businesses and nonprofits to help them [develop] organization management and fundraising, and get the capital they need to grow in our community,” he says. “To do that, it’s crucial for them to connect with the populations they can serve. That’s where my passion begins for the work Brecksville Chamber of Commerce does.” Kozesky joined Brecksville Chamber of Commerce six years ago. As executive director, he’s committed to spreading the word about why the organization is important to businesses located both in and out of the city. “There are three pillars to our mission,” he says. “First, it’s to make sure the chamber continues to be a real cheerleader for

BRECKSVILLECHAMBER.COM

CREEKSIDE RESTAURANT & BAR It’s easy to see why many residents in Brecksville and surrounding communities consider Creekside Restaurant & Bar to be the heart of the city. Some gather there to catch up with friends during happy hour. Others come to partake of signature fare that includes the honey-pecan chicken and whiskey grilled salmon that are on the generous menu of soups, salads, pasta dishes and pizzas crafted by a staff of 70. Then, there are those who simply enjoy one of Creekside’s giant cream puffs while dining next to the windows that afford picture-perfect vistas of Chippewa Creek next door. “We are a neighborhood American bistro that has something for everybody,” says Matt Harper, who’s owned the eatery with his wife, Shirley, for 29 years. “The ambiance is comfortable but not overpowering because Mother Nature’s handiwork is the view.”

Creekside Restaurant & Bar

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Creekside Restaurant & Bar

the city, always taking the opportunity to highlight all we have to offer. At the same time, we make sure our members have the resources — both in terms of educational development and business development — they need to grow.” The combination of those two goals, Kozesky adds, results in the third pillar the chamber is dedicated to: helping attract new business to the community. “Being a chamber member means making those important connections with fellow members and community leaders through networking events and our speaker series,” he says. “It means learning new ways to support each other so we all grow and sustain our businesses. “ “To quote the old adage,” Kozesky adds, “‘A rising tide lifts all boats.’” Here, get a closer look at six chamber members dedicated to serving those who live in Brecksville and beyond.

RE/MAX ABOVE & BEYOND

CREEKSIDE RESTAURANT & BAR, ISTOCK, TOTH PAINTING SOLUTIONS

Creekside Restaurant & Bar

The couple met when they were students at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School and remained in their hometown to raise their family. “Brecksville is just a great community to live in,” Harper says. “Everybody says they live in a great community, but since the city is small — about 14,000 people or so — you get to know everybody. You see neighbors at events that are held here, and we get to see them again when they come to the restaurant. It’s the best of both worlds.” As vice president of Brecksville Chamber of Commerce, Harper enjoys creating opportunities for members to gather. “It may sound cliche, but attending meetings with relevant guest speakers and networking with members are the biggest benefits of joining the chamber,” he says. “I’ve met five or six people I regularly do business with. Here at the restaurant, the Brecksville Chamber of Commerce has become an important part of our everyday existence.”

8803 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, 440-546-0555, creeksiderestaurant.com

When Mark Snyder, broker, owner and president of the real estate agency RE/ MAX Above & Beyond, is asked why it’s beneficial to be a member of the Brecksville Chamber of Commerce, his answer is succinct. “Our business is about people, and the chamber is about people. In today’s electronic, social media society, meeting people face to face brings us back to who we are.” Snyder, who took the helm in January 2021, embraces the benefits of having an office in Brecksville. The company, which was founded in 1973, prides itself on professionalism and sales. The average agent — 25 of whom work in Brecksville — sells 18.1 transactions per year. “Brecksville is one of the most ideal locations we can have,” he says. “Not only is it a place where people want to live, it’s a place where our real estate agents want to sell. We’re close to the two major freeways, which is very important in today’s world. And on the other end, we have the wonderful Emerald Necklace parkland. The price point of homes, which ranges from $250,000 to $1.3 million, also makes it an excellent place to be. It’s quaint suburban living that’s close to everything else.”

7570 Chippewa Road, Brecksville, 440-546-1313, abovebeyondhomes.com

TOTH PAINTING SOLUTIONS Although Kristopher Toth, president of Toth Painting Solutions, serves customers throughout Northeast Ohio, he’s quick to acknowledge that there’s no place like home. “My family and I choose to live in Brecksville because I have worked here for so many years, and know that the people of Brecksville are simply good people,” says Toth, who’s serving his third term as the chamber’s president. After moving into the community 10 years ago, Toth made it a priority to join the chamber. “I went to so many luncheons and met so many people that they thought I would make a good fit for the board, and I served a variety of positions on it,” he says. As president, Toth’s role is to make sure members are given opportunities to make crucial connections. During the pandemic, he and the rest of the chamber orchestrated Zoom meetings and helped spread the word about restaurants that were open for takeout. “The chamber has evolved quite a lot over the years, and the needs of the businesses in the community have changed quite a bit,” he says. “I think the biggest thing people need is exposure and networking for their businesses. We make sure we are there for them — and when new businesses join, we do all we can to acclimate them to Brecksville.”

210 Hayes Drive, Suite E, Brooklyn Heights, 216-549-8684, tothpainting.com

BRECKSVILLE MAGAZINE 2021

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From celebrating joyous occasions to commemorating a final goodbye to a loved one, Brecksville Florist & Gifts owner Patricia Penland guides all who enter her shop through the peaks and valleys of life. “I’ve learned to be a good listener,” says Penland, who, with her team of 10, ensures there’s beauty in every bouquet. “We approach each customer with compassion and an open heart. I’ve been brought to tears at times and treasure the notebook I keep full of ‘Thank You’ cards from people we’ve served.” The shop, originally known as Berger Flowers, has been an iconic retail establishment in Brecksville since it opened on Fitzwater Road in 1954. It changed hands several times before relocating to Brecksville’s Millside Centre Shops and Plaza in the early 1990s. After a rewarding career in Corporate America, Penland was looking for a change and purchased the shop in 2009. She’s never looked back. “Who doesn’t love flowers?” she asks with a smile. “I knew it would be fun.” As a member of the Brecksville Chamber of Commerce Board, Penland gives it her all to plan events ranging from galas to golf outings. Each leads to the camaraderie members count on and appreciate. “We come up with all kinds of initiatives to encourage people to support local businesses, instead of going to big-box stores,” she says. “A lot of my business comes from my fellow chamber members. I am very, very pleased about that.”

8803 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, 440-526-2446, brecksvilleflorist.com

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EDWARD JONES FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS For the past decade, the staff at Edward Jones Financial Investments in Brecksville has helped serious long-term individual investors achieve financial goals by implementing solutions tailor-made for them. Financial adviser Julie Miller and office administrator Kyle Stephens assist their clients with preparing for and living in retirement, saving for education, planning for the unexpected and navigating the maze of estate planning. “I love being in Brecksville,” says Miller, who’s been at the office for two-and-ahalf years. “It’s a very business- and family-friendly community of like-minded individuals who are all working together to create a better Brecksville.” Miller is proud to be on the Board of the Brecksville Chamber of Commerce — an organization she describes as “friendly, caring and actively promoting the city as a good place to live and work.” “I especially appreciate the variety of networking opportunities, she says. “I can’t wait to get together again for our annual golf outing.”

BRECKSVILLE FLORIST & GIFTS, ISTOCK

8803 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, 440-630-9434, edwardjones.com

For-profit energy suppliers offer low rates at first. But it never lasts. As a non-profit, NOPEC minimizes rate volatility by buying electricity and natural gas in bulk, then passing the savings and benefits on to you. Enjoy peace of mind with NOPEC’s fixed term, monthly variable and 100% renewable product options. You can even move among those choices without fees or penalties. To learn more, call (855) 667-3201 or visit nopec.org.

Life Happens Here! Modern style greets you at the door. Laughter fills the air in the gathering of friends. A gentle breeze whispers through the trees of the back patio. Choose Jennings at Brecksville, for an engaging, worryfree residence designed for your lifestyle and interests. Jennings at Brecksville combines individualized comforts, Catholic values and exceptional amenities. Call us today to learn more and schedule your tour or try us out in our exclusive Staycations!

Jennings at Brecksville 8736 Brecksville Road in Brecksville

(216) 581-2900 | jenningsohio.org Facebook | Instagram | Twitter : @JenningsOhio BRECKSVILLE MAGAZINE 2021

DOLLAR BANK It didn’t take long for Allison Cassandra, branch manager of Dollar Bank’s Brecksville office, to admire the qualities of the community in which she works. She and her staff of four provide fiduciary services ranging from checking accounts to business loans and everything in between. “The bank has been in Brecksville since 1997,” says Cassandra, who became branch manager in 2015 after serving as assistant manager for two years. “The benefits of being here are

truly the people we serve. We have a wonderful customer base, ranging from 16-year-olds who have started their first job and want to open a checking or savings account, to people planning for retirement. It’s exciting to help establish someone’s financial understanding. I’m very lucky to be here.” The branch manager is proud of the fact that since opening in Pittsburgh in 1855, Dollar Bank has never changed its name. It was also the first bank to enable any individual to open a savings account with a single dollar. “I find that incredibly

impressive,” she says. Cassandra, who serves on the Brecksville Chamber of Commerce Board, is grateful for the warm welcome she received when she became a member. “Once I took over this office, I was invited with open arms into the chamber,” she says. “Some of my fellow board members have become mentors to me. It’s nice to have someone to lean on and talk to and then be able to pay that forward.”

7500 Chippewa Road, Brecksville, 440-526-0505, dollar.bank

GAZETTE NEWSPAPER

Michelle Mehaffey-Taylor Brecksville's Hometown Realtor

7770 Brecksville Rd., Brecksville OH 44141 Serving Brecksville, Broadview Hts., Brooklyn Hts., Independence, Parma and Seven Hills

CALL TODAY to advertise or subscribe 440-526-7977 email: production1@gazette-news.com

Inside: Economic Development Updates l New Elementary School Coming Soon l Spotlights on Local Businesses

Discover

Expect your Realtor to go Above & Beyond Call today for complete real estate services.

COMMUNITY

216-233-8316 Michelle.Mehaffey@ReMax.net

is available online at

FUTURE

CREDIT

Together we support and grow our community brecksvillechamber.com BRECKSVILLE MAGAZINE 2021

BRECKSVILLECHAMBER.COM

Discover COMMUNITY

Building Our

A digital edition of

brecksvillechamber.com

DOLLAR BANK, ISTOCK

Dollar Bank Brecksville location

The Original for Sale by Owner Title Company We are here to help you make selling your home simple and painless with a friendly, courteous staff with over 28 years of experience in FSBO sales.

Keeping life simple Working directly with buyers, sellers, FSBO sales, real estate closings/ escrows, insuring the title in the best possible way to keep life simple for the folks going through the confusing, stressful process of selling/getting a mortgage or refinancing. “Reflecting on our customers, we had a closing with a seller…who was so appreciative that we made her feel welcomed and that she really mattered to us. It’s the part of this business that keeps me going.” - Rachel Torchia, President

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1st Generation Rachel & Michael Torchia

2nd Generation Michelle & Bobby Kynkor

3rd Generation Ashley Kynkor

8748 Brecksville Road, Suite 100, Brecksville, OH 44141 440-546-9660 · gatewaytitle.com ·

BRECKSVILLE MAGAZINE 2021

Together

we Support and GROW our Community

Meet our Board of Directors PRESIDENT

Kris Toth

Toth Painting Solutions

Julie Miller

Edward Jones

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

VICE PRESIDENT

Jon Kozesky

Matt Harper

Jon Thomas Consulting

Pat Penland Brecksville Florist

Creekside Restaurant

Kathy Golem Westfield Bank

VICE PRESIDENT

TREASURER

SECRETARY

Sheila Stupka

Jana Vanadia

Don Lloyd

JV Vision Creative

Aflac Insurance

RE/MAX Above & Beyond

Patrice Studniarz

Sally Crist

Allison Cassandra

Core Cryo

RE/MAX Above & Beyond

Dollar Bank

Thank you for supporting our local businesses The Brecksville Chamber of Commerce invites you to be part of the chamber representing 140+ members from all industries and of all sizes across the region. Join this dynamic organization that works to assist individual businesses and the collective business community through our recruit, retain, and incubate strategy.

Visit our website to learn about the benefits of 16 B R E C K S V I L Land E C H A Mbecome B E R . C O M a member today! membership

brecksvillechamber.com

(440) 409-7284

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Join Us Today!