Ideas in Motion Media held their 5th annual Biz in the Backyard event on Thursday, hosting a multitude of people at Camp Life for a fun-filled afternoon. The event focused on creating an informal environment for people to gather, network, and more importantly, have some fun!
Food, drinks, promotional items, and people occupied Camp Life, providing a perfect opportunity to meet new people or reconnect with others. Chris Mahlmann, CEO of Ideas in Motion Media, looks forward to the event each year for the positive, fun environment it creates.
“This is a way for us to thank our friends and partners for supporting us throughout the year,” Mahlmann said. “Everyone here understands us and what we do and ultimately, they make our jobs possible. It’s really one big celebration for them.”
The positive and fun-filled spirit of the event was not forgotten as the afternoon continued. Laughter, fun, and some excellent music was in abundance as attendees filtered through the cabin and backyard, sampling the food from restaurant partners, viewing cars from auto partners in attendance, or sampling the margarita station provided by Century 21 Alliance.
I’ve been attending the event now for about 4 years and it changes up a little bit every year,” said Tom Steindler Jr., Owner and CEO of Steindler Signs & Graphix. “There are some new faces, and it’s a little different than the normal networking, which I think it’s a great idea.”
Nicole VanDuyn, Community Development Manger for American Cancer Society, echoed the same sentiment and took advantage of the great networking that happens at Biz in the Backyard.
“We are out promoting our making strides against breast cancer event that is August 3rd at Zao Island in Valparaiso and our walk that happens October 7th at Coffee Creek in Chesterton,” said VanDuyn. “It’s a very relaxing, fun environment where people can meet each other, not necessarily talk about business but build those relationships, learn about each other, and see each other in a different way.”
Dave Woodson, Realtor with Prime Real Estate, was excited for the event he looks forward to every year.
“I think I’ve only missed one at this point and I come back for the good food, good drinks, and good friends.”
As the day wrapped up, it was obvious that attendees had enjoyed the company of friends, both new and old. From reconnecting with the Life team to striking up conversations with representatives from other businesses, the day provided a warm welcome to all in attendance.
“It really is a great opportunity for our partners to come out and meet one another,” said Jenny Craig-Brown, Executive Team leader at Ideas in Motion Media. “This is an event we always look forward to and having such a great turnout lets us know that we have the support and opportunity to connect with so many in the community.
The event certainly captured the fun and inviting nature of Ideas in Motion Media, and saw plenty of positive interactions.
Thank you to all who attended and those who helped make the day possible:
Joe Zirconia, Johnny on the Spot, Residences at Coffee Creek, Vale Park Animal Hospital, Chester Inc, Sandra Schaffer Team, Strack & Van Til, Steindler Signs, Rick Gosser, Meals on Wheels, Culver’s, VNA, Lake Shore Motors, Opportunity Enterprises, CertaPro Painters of Northwest Indiana, American Cancer Society, Indiana Beverage, Bounce N’ Around, Metro Recycling, Purdue Federal Credit Union, Journey Senior Living, StoryPoint Senior Living, Addison Pointe, RCS Home Healthcare, UnitedHealthCare, Christenson Chevy Superstore, Century 21 Alliance, Portage Chamber of Commerce, Community Healthcare System.
