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ABOUT US
MISSION STATEMENT: To create and maintain a dynamic, vital and sustainable downtown
VISION STATEMENT: A vibrant downtown
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.
OUR STORY
Downtown Lima was formed in 1995 through the efforts of city, county, and private sector interest.
Funding is provided by the City of Lima, Visit Greater Lima, business memberships, and individual 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
Through our standing committee we address the following areas which are critical for downtown revitalization:
DESIGN
This committee meets monthly and works on enhancing and maintaining a vibrant image of downtown. This committee is responsible for annual downtown banners, Hanging Basket Planter Program, streetscapes, and holiday decorations.
STAKEHOLDERS
This committee invites business and building owners to quarterly open forums. The Chair leads a discussion of needs, expectations, and prioritizes follow-up actions for the committee members. This committee will encourage building rehab and retaining existing businesses.
LOAN & GRANT
This committee is a subcommittee of the Executive Board Committtee. It's responsibilities include receiving and adminstering the Downtown Lima, Inc. Development Loan Program and any grant programs that the Executive Board deems approporiate. This committee meets as needed.
LANTERN TOUR
This committee meets as needed to plan and execute the Lantern Tours and Woodlawn Cemetery Tours.
THE BOARD
STANDING MEMBERS
Allen Economic Development Group
Dave Stratton
144 S. Main Street, Ste. 200
Lima, OH 45801
419-222-7706
Allen County Commissioners
Beth Seibert
PO Box 1243
Lima, OH 45802-1243
419-228-3700, Ext 8827
City of Lima
Mayor Sharetta Smith
50 Town Square
Lima, OH 45801
419-228-5462
Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce
Jed Metzger
144 S. Main St., Ste. 100
Lima, OH 45801
419-222-6045
Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center
Abe Ambroza
7 Town Square
Lima, OH 45801
419-224-5222
Visit Greater Lima
Christine Pleva
144 S. Main Ste. 101
Lima, OH 45801
419-222-6075
ELECTED MEMBERS
Term expires December 31, 2023
Jeff Williams – The Law Firm of Fitzgerald, Reese, & Van Dyne, Co.
121 W High St, 9th Floor
Lima, OH 45801,
419-227-5858
Bill Lyons – The Cheap Sign Company
P.O. Box 657, Lima, OH 45802
419-228-5735
Kevin Reeks – Rhodes State College
4240 Campus Dr.
Lima, OH 45804
419-995-8081
Jason Gillespie – The Wingate By Wyndham
175 W. Market Street
Lima, OH 45801
419-228-7000
Ann Stiles – Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center
730 W. Market Street
Lima, OH 45801
419-996-5174
Karen Sommer -Individual
Term expires December 31, 2024
Bob Cook – Individual,
Jim Osmon – First Financial Bank
202 N. Main Street
Delphos, OH 45833
419-623-1239
Chad Stearns – Modo Media
209 W. Elm Street
Lima, OH 45801
567-825-3952
Cheryl Verhoff – Citizens National Bank
201 N. Main
Lima, OH 45801
419-224-0400
Term expires December 31, 2025
Sally Windle – ArtSpace/Lima
65 Town Square
Lima, OH 45801
419-222-1721
John Heaphy – Good Food Inc.
1860 S. Dixie Hwy.
Lima, OH 45804
419-991-5346
Grant Sullivan - Sullivan Insurance
606 W. North Street
Lima, OH 45801
419-604-2509
Brian Walters - Trisco Systems and Metro Center
127 N. Elizabeth Street
Lima, OH 45801
419-604-2509
Trustees Emeritas
Peggy Ehora – Dominion Energy
150 S. Jackson
Lima, OH 45801
419-226-4866
Bob Fitzgerald – The Law Firm of Fitzgerald, Reese & Van Dyne, Co.
121 W. High St - 9th Floor
Lima, OH 45801
419-227-5858
Gene Reaman – G & R LLC
P.O. Box 1854
Lima, OH 45802
Ex-Officio Members
Past President Karen Sommer – Individual
Past Executive Director – Fred Barrington
DOWNTOWN LIMA, INC. STAFF
Executive Director, Betsy Billingsley betsy@visitdowntownlima.com
Administrative Assistant, Vicki Newland vicki@visitdowntownlima.com
2023 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OFFICERS
President - Kevin Reeks - Rhodes State College Treasurer – Cheryl Verhoff - Citizens National Bank
Vice President - Chad Stearns - Modo Media Secretary – Christine Pleva - Visit Greater Lima