Medina city leaders and local business groups held a ribbon-cutting event July 25 to welcome Ren Room, a salon the city’s proclamation described as specializing in Russian-style dry manicures and pedicures. Mayor Dennis Hanwell presented a city proclamation recognizing the salon’s opening, and representatives from the Medina Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Medina, the state legislature and U.S. Congressman Max Miller’s office offered congratulations and certificates.

The proclamation presented by Mayor Dennis Hanwell said the salon’s ribbon cutting “will continue to contribute to the local quality of life and help to provide a foundation for a strong diversified economic base in the city of Medina.” Hanwell said the city and partner organizations work together to bring and retain businesses and thanked the owners for choosing Medina. “We appreciate you choosing Medina,” he said.

Stephanie Mueller represented the Medina Chamber of Commerce at the event and George Sam represented Main Street Medina; Sam Custer was also present. The city said it will provide the salon with still photos and a video of the ceremony for marketing; Jared Fry recorded video and Barbara Dezer, the city marketing director, will provide still photos. Dan Gladys, who the city identified as having overseen the renovation of the salon space, was noted as offstage.

Ray Paletta delivered remarks from U.S. Congressman Max Miller’s office, and a certificate signed by the Medina County Commissioners was presented after the commissioners were unable to attend. The city also said a resolution honoring the ribbon cutting had been prepared by State Senator Mark Romanchuk and the president of the Ohio Senate. State Representative Sharon Rade attended and offered congratulations.

An individual who identified herself in remarks as Vinada spoke about her background in nail services. “My name is Vinada. I came from Russia 3 years ago. To be honestly, first year was not easy to be in your country. I did nails in Russia. I do nails for 10 years,” she said. She described working in Macedonia for two and a half years, moving to Medina after building a house in February, and said local demand led her to open the salon. She also mentioned a colleague named Liana, who she said came from Ukraine and works alongside her.

Landlords Tracy and Lisa were introduced at the event and recognized for their role in bringing the business to the space. Police Chief Ed Kinney and two Medina City Council members — Councilmember Natalie DeSalvo (at-large) and Councilmember Denny Simpson (Ward 2) — attended the ribbon cutting.

City staff explained the joint ribbon-cutting effort was a collaboration among the City of Medina, the Medina Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Medina. Officials presented the proclamations, certificates and a resolution, photographed the event, and provided a video to the salon for marketing; no formal council vote or policy action was recorded at the event.

The ceremony concluded after presentations and photos; city staff said they would place the paperwork in a folder for the business and provide the recorded materials for the salon’s use.