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 consistant positive image.
Organization - gathering support and involvement from individuals and businesses for long-term stability.
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:
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Protect and strengthen existing tax base
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Increase merchant sales
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Establish positive image
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Create visual appeal and function
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Attract new businesses
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Foster new job opportunities
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Increase investment downtown
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Preserve history and culture
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Offer Downtown Development Loan Program
Aubree Kaye
Executive Director
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 the 2nd Wednesday
of each month 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.
Organization
Meets the 3rd Tuesday
of every other month at noon.
This committee promotes membership in the organization for both downtown businesses and city or county businesses and city or county businesses, large and small. They strive to maintain our current membership and they run membership drives to obtain new members.
Promotions
Meets the 1st Tuesday
of each month at 8:30am at the Meeting Place on Market.
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, 2019
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, 2020
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, 2021
Jason Gillespie - The Wingate by Wyndham
175 W. Market Street
419.228.7000
Emily Hedrick - 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
Executive Director
Aubree Kaye
Administrative Assistant
Sue Smith
419.222.2686
Past Executive Director
Fred Barrington