Allen Economic Development Group

🌟 Growing Leaders, Inspiring Impact at the Global Leadership Summit

Today, the AEDG team attended the Global Leadership Summit, gaining valuable insights on leadership, communication, organizational culture, resilience, employee engagement, and decision-making.

The experience provided fresh perspectives and practical strategies to strengthen collaboration, support employee growth, and drive organizational success.

⛳ AEDG had a great time at the 58th Annual Chamber Golf Classic, connecting with local businesses and community leaders while enjoying a day on the course.

Our team was proud to golf alongside Chad Teman, Director of Admissions and Advising, and Derrick Adkins, CFO, of Rhodes State College. Thank you to the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce for another successful event!

This week, the AEDG team is heading to the Global Leadership Summit on August 6 and 7 — two days packed with insights from world-class leaders in business, community development, and beyond.

Why does it matter for Allen County? Because the ideas, connections, and strategies we bring back help us better serve the businesses, residents, and partners who make our region thrive.

If you're attending, come say hello. If you're not, stay tuned — we'll be sharing key takeaways when we return.

🔗 Learn more about the summit at globalleadership.org/summit

🎉 Congratulations to Touch of Europe on their Grand Reopening!

AEDG staff were pleased to attend today's ribbon-cutting celebration in support of this wonderful local small business and its exciting new location at 220 N. Main Street in downtown Lima.

Touch of Europe continues to bring unique European-inspired pastries, coffee, and cuisine to our community, and we're excited to see their growth. Their expanded menu, signature coffee blend and espresso offerings, paninis, and more are a great addition to downtown Lima's business landscape.

Supporting small businesses is an important part of strengthening our local economy, and we are proud to celebrate milestones like this with our entrepreneurial community.

We wish the Touch of Europe team continued success in their new space!

Big news for Ohio, and it backs up what we've been saying about Allen County all along.

CNBC just ranked Ohio the #1 state for business in America. Look at the reasons why, and you'll see Allen County all over it: shovel-ready sites, easy access to major transportation corridors, affordable housing, and a community that shows up for the businesses that choose to grow here.

Every company looking at Ohio right now is looking at communities like ours.

Read the full story to see what this means for our region, and why now is the time to grow with us. https://www.aedg.org/blog/ohio-named-cnbcs-no-1-state-for-business-what-it-means-for-the-greater-lima-region/

Coffee shops, rooftop bars, local boutiques, and restaurants serving up everything from upscale plates to comfort food favorites — downtown Lima has continued to grow as the place to be.

That energy is the result of local business owners investing in their storefronts, community leaders investing in infrastructure, and AEDG working alongside partners to keep the momentum going.

Check out the latest upcoming Lima events this month! https://www.visitgreaterlima.com/calendar

Where is Allen County? Right in the middle of it all. The intersection of I-75 and US-30 puts Lima within driving distance of Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis, and Detroit.

For businesses that depend on supply chain connectivity, distribution reach, or regional access, location matters. Allen County delivers.

Did you know Allen County businesses have received more than $550,000 in grant funding through the JobsOhio Small Business Grant — creating new jobs in the process?

The grant offers up to $50,000 for qualifying small businesses, and AEDG can help you understand if you're eligible and navigate the application process.
Allen County businesses have already benefited. If you have growth plans, reach out today! (419)-222-7706

🏛️ Big progress for downtown Lima!

The Allen County Memorial Hall redevelopment project has taken a major step forward! Preserving historic landmarks like Memorial Hall keeps our history alive while driving economic growth and new investment in Allen County.

We’re excited to see this landmark project move to its next phase! 📈

Read the full story: [suspicious link removed]

Memorial Hall project takes ‘major step forward’ LIMA — The Allen County Port Authority board of directors reiterated its enthusiasm for the potential conversion of the former Memorial Hall building into a “boutique hotel” at its special meeting Wednesday to select a hotel developer.