Mission Statement:  To create and maintain a dynamic, vital and sustainable downtown.

Vision Statement:  A vibrant downtown.                                       

ABOUT US

Downtown Lima, Inc. is a non-profit, membership organization whose mission is to stimulate economic development, improve the appearance and create a positive image of the downtown as a desirable place to work, live, shop, dine and invest. In order to accomplish these goals, we have implemented the National Main Street Model of commercial district revitalization.

 

This model is based on a template that includes a four-point approach. Membership, Design, Economic Restructuring and Promotion is the foundation for our organization. Through these points, we organize communities that partner with us in our efforts.

 

Our organization is possible through the support and dedication of our members and community partners. Almost 120 businesses in downtown Lima support the values and goals of Downtown Lima, Inc. Please visit the businesses that are highlighted throughout this website and support those that support downtown revitalization as a critical element in the growth and development of the City of Lima and Allen County.

WHO WE ARE

 

Downtown Lima was formed in 1995 through the efforts of city, county, and private sector interest.  Through four standing committees we address the following areas which are critical for downtown revitalization:

 

Promotions - organizing special events, sales, and marketing efforts.

Design - making physical improvements to promote a consistent positive image.

Business Enhancement - strengthening the economic base through business retention, expansion, recruitment, and property development.

 

Funding is provided by the Lima / Allen County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Lima, and individual business memberships.  We currently have over 100 business and industrial members, large and small, who believe that a vibrant downtown is a key factor in the overall economic growth of our metropolitan area.  Individual business memberships account for almost 40% of our operating funds.  Since Downtown Lima is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization, your membership can be a deductible contribution for tax purposes. 

 

When a community participates in the revitalization effort, the downtown area experiences renewed vitality and enhanced performance.

Benefits include:
 

• Protect and strengthen existing tax base

• Increase merchant sales

• Establish positive image

• Create visual appeal and function

• Attract new businesses

• Foster new job opportunities

• Increase investment downtown

• Preserve history and culture

• Offer Downtown Development Loan Program

  

​

​

BECOME A MEMBER

Our organization is possible through the support and dedication of our members and community partners. Almost 100 businesses in downtown Lima support the values and goals of Downtown Lima, Inc. If you would like to become a member of our organization, please click on the membership links below. Your continued support is appreciated.
 

Your Downtown Lima membership, whether as an individual or a business, is an investment in the economic health of our city.  Give us a call at 419-222-2686 or stop by our office on the second floor of the Chamber of Commerce building for more information.  We thank you for your consideration.

COMMITTEES

 

Downtown Lima functions under the Main Street structure as a committee driven organization.  We have four major committees and two other committees that are called as needed.  The committees meet once a month in the Center for Business Services at 144 S. Main Street Suite 201, on the second floor.  Meetings normally last one hour.

 

Design

Meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 10:30am

This committee continuously works on enhancing and maintaining a vibrant image of downtown. This committee is responsible for the downtown banners, planters, streetscapes and holiday decorations, such as the snowflakes, lights around the poles and the town square Christmas Tree.  The Design Committee is dedicated to making the downtown area an appealing and safe place to live, work, and visit. 

 

Business Enhancement

Meets quarterly on Wednesdays or as needed at 9:00 am

This committee works to recruit new businesses, retain existing ones, encourage building rehab, and help downtown businesses adjust to changing times. This committee is responsible for the Downtown Stakeholders and the Downtown Development Loan Program.

​

Promotions

Meets the 1st Tuesday of each month at 8:30am 

This committee plans events in downtown to draw customers and visitors to our downtown.  They promote member businesses and encourage the community to Dine, Shop and Play in Downtown Lima.  This committee addresses two audiences: 1. the general public 2. the current businesses.  Responsible for the Downtown Holiday Festival, and various retail promotions.

 

Additional Committees

Function only when needed.

 

Finance Committee - sets annual budgets and oversees yearly expenses and income.

 

Nominating Committee - appointed in the fall to nominate new Trustees to the Board.

2019 - 2020 DOWNTOWN LIMA - BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

OFFICERS

 

President 

Chad Stearns - Modo Media

309 W. High Street  Ste. B

567.825.3952

​

Vice President

Karen Sommer - Lima Public Library

650 W. Market Street

419.228.5113 

​

Treasurer 

Cheryl Verhoff - Citizens National Bank

201 N. Main Street

419.224.0400

​

Secretary 

Gloria Graff  - Fairfield Realty

209 N Main Street  Ste. 2B   

419.222.7871

​

STANDING MEMBERS 

​

Allen Economic Development Group

Dave Stratton

144 S. MainStreet   Ste. 200   

419.222.7706

 

Allen County Commissioners 

Cory Noonan

PO Box 1243, Lima, OH  45802-1243  

419.228.3700 Ext. 8827

 

City of Lima 

Mayor David Berger 

50 Town Square   

419.228.5462

 

Lima Allen County Convention & Visitors Bureau  

Christine Pleva 

144 S. Main Street   Ste. 101   

419.222.6075

​

Lima Allen County Chamber of Commerce 

Jed Metzger 

144 S. Main Street   Ste. 100   

419.222.6045

​

Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center 

Abe Ambroza

7 Town Square   

419.224.5222

 

ELECTED MEMBERS

 

Term expires December 31, 2020

 

Bob Cook  - Tom Ahl Family of Dealerships

2525 Allentown Road

419-228-2041​

 

Jim Osmon - First Financial Bank

202 N. Main Street 

Delphos, OH  45833

419-623-1239​

 

Chad Stearns

Modo Media

309 W. High Street  Ste. B

567-825-3952​

​

Cheryl Verhoff​ - Citizens National Bank

201 N. Main Street

419-224-0400​

 

Term expires December 31, 2021

 

Representative - Woof Boom Radio

57 Town Square

419.331.1600

 

Gloria Graff-Willner - Fairfield Realty

209 N. Main Street Ste. 2B

419.222.7971

 

Karen Sommer - Lima Public Library

650 W. Market Street

419.228.5113 

 

Jennifer Velasquez - Pointe of Joy Dance Boutique

119 N. Elizabeth Street

567.525.8325

​ ​

Term expires December 31, 2022

 

Jason Gillespie - The Wingate by Wyndham

175 W. Market Street

419.228.7000

 

Representative - Lima Mennonite Church

1318 N. Main Street

419.222.2120

 

Bill Lyons - The Cheap Sign Company

P.O. Box 657, Lima, OH  45802

419.228.5735

 

Kevin Reeks - Rhodes State College

4240 Campus Dr.

419.995.8081

 

Ann Stiles - Mercy Health

730 W. Market Street

419.227.3361

 

TRUSTEES EMERITUS

Peggy Ehora - Dominion East Ohio

150 S. Jackson St.

419.226.4866

 

Robert Fitzgerald - Fitzgerald, Reese & Van Dyne, Co.

121 W. High St.

419.227.5858 

 

Gene Reaman - G & R LLC

P.O. Box 1854

 

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

 

Past President

Bob Cook - Tom Ahl Family of Dealerships

2525 Allentown Road

419.228.2041

 

DTL Executive Director

 

Administrative Assistant

Sue Smith

419.222.2686

 

Past Executive Director

Fred Barrington