Ideas in Motion Media held their annual Biz in the Backyard at the Camp Life, hosting friends and partners for some food, drinks, fun and entertainment. The event was well attended with all of the invited partners partaking in a cornucopia of food and enjoying conversation among friends old and new as the event got under way.
The rain briefly forced event goers indoors, but it wasn’t enough to dampen the spirits of the attendees who simply brought the fun inside, and the rain soon let up. Over the course of the evening the celebration would see a no-hands banana split eating contest, outdoor games, a giant group photo and enough food and fun for everyone.
Sandra Schaffer from 21st Century Alliance Group was excited to be attending, “It’s such a great time, everyone gets together and there’s a lot of meaningful representation of the community.“
When asked how he felt out about the event, Ideas in Motion Media CEO, Chris Mahlmann, was obviously excited to see so many partners and friends come out to celebrate all the partnerships that IIMM and the Life Sites have built in the community.
“We get to say thank you to the people who make our jobs possible, that’s the most important thing to me. Without all these people we wouldn’t be doing what we’re doing and I love doing what I do, so I’m very thankful to these people,” Mahlmann said. “They believe in what we do. It’s not just an advertising opportunity, they really get us and our message, so it’s important to invite them over to our house. It’s like inviting family over to your house."
Joe Zirconia, who also performs as a Neil Diamond tribute artist and all-around event planner and coordinator for his company J Squared, played a special part in making the event successful. Zirconia dropped off equipment, set up speakers, DJ'ed and helped out in whatever way he could, pro bono.
“I do everything, if you have an event I will make it happen from inception to finish, said Zirconia.
Asked why he likes to help out IIMM so much he was enthusiastic, “I started going to chamber events and I met Jenny and Chris and it’s just great what you guys do, so whenever I can help you guys, I do.”
Some attendees had been to Biz in the Backyard a few times and others were newcomers.
“it’s our first time, we're so excited, we’ve seen it advertised but not been able to come in the past. We were excited this year to be able to. I’m looking forward to meeting other people, the other partners, and you guys do such a great job with everything, so we’re happy to be here.” Melissa Huffman from Residences at Deer Creek said of the event.
RG Skadberg from the lawfirm CCSK was happy to take in the casual atmosphere and enjoy the conversation, “The people that are here have such a great energy so it’s just good to get out and meet everyone.”
Indiana State Senator Ed Charbonneau was also in attendance, “It’s fun being around people that are looking on the bright side of life. We have so many good things going on, if we only look at the negative side of life it is overwhelming. The positive message you guys have is fantastic.”
Candace Arvin from Jacob’s Ladder, which is a pediatric rehabilitation center, was excited to meet likeminded people, “IIMM has been a huge supporter and it’s nice to be around people with a similar mindset and network in an informal environment. It’s just great to meet others whose philanthropic values align with our own.”
Others were coming from farther away.
“it gives us a chance to get to know everyone in this community, we don’t get to come out here as often as we’d like. We know there are a lot of people like us that are very service oriented that we’re excited to meet them here tonight,” said Carolyn Probasco from Purdue Federal Credit Union, whose company also encourages philanthropic work from its employees.
Carrie White, also from Purdue Federal, had similar thoughts.
“It’s great to finally meet everyone and see who is doing all the great work behind the scenes.”
“I love meeting all the other businesses associated with ideas in motion and your great services, and it’s a good place to come and unwind and still talk business but in a more informal environment,” said Rich Shields from Chester Inc., reflecting on the evening that had seen a banana split eating contest, beanbag toss, pictures, food and fun.
Tom Cameron from Overhead Door was happy to finally be coming out to the event; it being his first time.
“We heard about the Biz in the Backyard and I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet all of you and some of these businesses who are connected with Valpo life and get to meet some other customers of yours, it just seems like such a friendly group. The food is great, the company is good, there’s great comradery and everyone is having a great time,” said Cameron.
Kim Sauers of Sauers Buick GMC just liked the work that IIMM does and wanted to come out and enjoy the atmosphere, “you guys do such positive news we really wanted to see how the happy life is behind the scenes and usually it’s reflected in the place the people work.”
“It’s great to meet people and create some new business and touch everyone’s life at such a positive event,” said Jack Hines of Hines Plumbing.
A special thank you to all those who made this event such a big hit and anyone else we may have missed!
Porter Starke Services, Sauers Buick GMC, Century 21 Alliance Group, Culver’s, Hines Plumbing, Patrick’s Grille, Ford of Valpo, Community Hospital, Porter Hospital, VNA, Overhead Door, Duneland Chamber, St. Mary Medical Center, CCSK, CCSJ, Steindler Signs & Graphix, Methodist Hospitals, Purdue Federal Credit Union, Residences at Deer Creek, Hannah’s Hope, Firehouse Subs, Uzelac & Associates.
