Rios Guitar Company opens in Medina; Mayor Jim Shields presents city proclamation

Benjamin Rios, owner of Rios Guitar Company, celebrated the store’s grand opening in Medina at a ribbon-cutting ceremony where Mayor Jim Shields presented a proclamation welcoming the business to the city.

The ceremony included remarks from city officials and representatives from the offices of the state auditor and U.S. congressman. Mayor Jim Shields praised Rios’s musicianship and the new store’s offerings, and said the city will support efforts to attract and retain distinctive businesses.

“He knows his guitars, folks,” Mayor Jim Shields said, recounting Rios’s long interest in music and praising the store’s local roots and services. The mayor introduced city staff in attendance, including economic development and communications personnel, and presented a formal proclamation welcoming Rios to Medina.

Tina Ludwig, representing Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber, delivered an accommodation for the owner and recalled a personal connection to Rios from years earlier. Jay Pappish of Congressman Max Miller’s office also presented an accommodation, saying, “Those who collaborate succeed,” and praising the community’s role in supporting the new business.

Rios described the store’s evolution since he purchased it in February, noting improvements to the space and the addition of a back music room. He said the business employs three full-time staff and hosts additional teachers who provide lessons, and emphasized the shop’s repair capabilities.

“We pride ourselves in keeping the community musical,” Rios said, thanking local collaborators and naming a handful of staff who helped make the opening possible.

Organizers noted local media coverage from the Medina Gazette and closed the program with a ceremonial countdown and the ribbon cutting. The event included brief acknowledgments from city and regional offices and accommodations from external elected officials; no formal city vote or legislative action occurred at the ceremony.