CONTENTS

8 Welcome

10 Why Join the Chamber

11 Chamber Hotline

12 Welcome New Members

14 Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce Events Calendar

21 Newspapers: Dead? Not in Lima Local newsman shares insight on rebirth
of the business

24 Heir force community school Energizes downtown redevelopment and sets the bar high for academic performance

29 Member Search

Welcome

At the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce, we are dedicated to fostering collaboration to build a thriving community, supporting business retention, growth and development along the way.

This past year has seen exciting advancements throughout the Lima/Allen County area, with transformative developments adding vibrancy and appeal to our region. In 2025, new restaurants, bold entertainment venues and dynamic office spaces have revitalized Downtown Lima and areas across Allen County.

As we chart our path forward, we are committed to honoring our community’s rich history while paving the way for innovation and future growth. Lima/Allen County offers incredible opportunities for businesses of all sizes and is a welcoming place for families seeking to make it their home. Whether your business aims to start, expand or relocate, we are here to support you at every step. For new residents, employees and their families, expanding housing options downtown and in surrounding areas, along with community mentors, will make your transition seamless.

Collaboration is at the heart of our efforts, as the Chamber, economic development organizations, convention and visitors’ bureaus, downtown groups, top investors and government entities work together to drive regional economic and community development. Every day, new businesses choose to join our community, while existing businesses continue to find opportunities to grow and thrive.

As I step into the role of President & CEO of the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce, I am honored to continue the impactful work of my predecessor, Jed Metzger. Together, we will champion growth, support our business community and enhance the quality of life in Lima/Allen County. I look forward to connecting with each of you as we work toward a prosperous future.

To learn more, please visit https://limachamber.com/.

Josh Unterbrink
President & CEO
Lima/Allen County
Chamber of Commerce

Welcome New Members

30 Minute Hit
709 N. Cable Rd., Suite B
Lima, OH 45805
(419) 303-3353
https://www.30minutehit.com/lima

Annette Marie Bridal
207 S. Central Ave., Suite 306
Lima, OH 45801
(567) 289-5684
https://www.ambgown.com/

Arctaris Impact Investors, LLC
20 William St., Suite G50
Wellesley, MA 02481
(801) 599-6647
https://www.arctaris.com/

Back on Track Therapy and Wellness
3477 South Dixie Highway
Lima, OH 45804
(567) 356-4385
https://botohio.com/

The Bounce Off Inflatables
5175 Zurmehly Rd.
Lima, OH 45806
(937) 451-8945
https://www.thebounceoffinflatable.com/

Bright Beginnings Infant Tongue
Tie Center
130 N. Main St.
Delphos, OH 45833
(567) 765-1112
http://www.brightbeginningsbc.com

Bright Health
220 W. Market St., Suite 120
Lima, OH 45801
(614) 565-2606
http://www.brighthealthliving.com

CSS Publishing Company
5450 N. Dixie Hwy.
Lima, OH 45807
(419) 222-4455 | (800) 241-4056
(419) 228-9184
https://store.csspub.com/

Curaleaf
2151 Elida Rd.
Lima, OH 45805
http://www.curaleaf.com

Elevation Construction LLC
PO Box 205
Ada, OH 45810
(567) 674-9775
https://www.constructionelevation.com/

Far Motors
88 E. 4th Street
Minster, OH 45865
(419) 628-3595
https://www.farmotorsllc.com/

The Federal Savings Bank
3225 Harding Highway
Lima, OH 45804
(419) 303-5525
https://www.thefederalsavingsbank.com/

Ford Motor Co., Lima Engine Plant
1155 Bible Road
Lima, OH 45804
(313) 236-3102
http://www.ford.com

Garrett & Seth Real Estate Team
2045 Heather Dr.
Lima, OH 45804
(419) 302-2159
https://www.garrettandsethrealestate.com/

Good Heart Ministry
201 N Elizabeth St., #606
Lima, OH 45801-4302
(419) 973-1333
https://goodheartministry.org/

The Gutterman Company
100 Ashland Ave.
Wapakoneta, OH 45895
(419) 296-3667
https://guttermanco.com/

The Infant OT, Feeding
& Development
130 N. Main St., Suite F
Delphos, OH 45833
(419) 234-0988
https://www.theinfantot.com/

Jackson Kiddie Care LLC
712 W. North St.
Lima, OH 45801
(567) 712-2019
https://business.limachamber.com/inforeq/contactmembers

Lady Redd’s Fitness
Lima, OH 45806
(419) 701-8979
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1223877198236547

Leaf & Luxe
207 S. Central Ave.
Lima, OH 45801
(419) 302-1960
https://leafandluxelima.square.site/

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken - Delphos
239 W. Fifth St.
Delphos, OH 45833
(419) 692-3333
https://leesfamousrecipe.com/locations/oh/delphos/239-w-fifth-street

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken -
St. Mary’s
1456 Celina Rd.
St. Mary’s, OH 45885
(419) 394-8449
https://leesfamousrecipe.com/locations/oh/st-marys/1456-celina-road

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
in Wapakoneta
311 W. Harrison St.
Wapakoneta, OH 45895
(419) 738-4910
https://leesfamousrecipe.com/locations/oh/wapakoneta/311-west-harrison-street/

Legacy Hospice
2615 Fort Amanda Road, Suite A
Lima, OH 45804
(567) 940-9320
https://legacyhospicefamily.com/

Lemex Auto Repair
1130 E. Albert St.
Lima, OH 45805
(567) 712-5818
https://www.facebook.com/people/Lemex-Auto-Repair/61566343018172/

Lima Furniture Closeout
2280 Baty Rd.
Lima, OH 45807
(419) 604-0851
https://www.facebook.com/people/Lima-Furniture-Closeout/61561398960947/

Lima Social House
205 S. Central Ave.
Lima, OH 45801
(567) 940-9945
http://www.socialhouselima.com

Little Fox Photography
172 Dabill Pl.
Lima, OH 45805
(419) 371-7886
www.mylittlefoxphotos.com

Mark’s Maid Service
Lima, OH 45805
(419) 604-0298
https://www.marksmaidservice.com/

The Marsh Foundation
1229 Lincoln Hwy
PO Box 150
Van Wert, OH 45891
(419) 238-1695
https://www.marshfoundation.org/

Michael Kleman
3845 Gomer Rd.
Lima, OH 45807
(419) 230-0918

Moon City Apparel
and Screen Printing
1109 Lunar Drive
Wapakoneta, OH 45895
(567) 356-4282
https://mooncityapparel.com/

MQS Structures
1260 Chancellor Dr.
Lima, OH 45807
(419) 296-5322
https://mqsstructures.com/

Omega Properties
920 W. Market St., Suite 102
Lima, OH 45805
(419) 500-4343
https://www.omegapropertyinvestment.com/

PathStone Corporation
2945 Wells Dr.
Lima, OH 45804
(567) 712-2276
http://www.pathstone.org

The Pool Guy of Lima
7300 Hofferbert Road
Lima, OH 45807
(419) 234-2735
https://thepoolguyoflima.godaddysites.com/

Rapp Construction
510 N. Rosedale
Lima, OH 45805
(567) 712-3494
https://www.facebook.com/people/Rapp-Construction-LLC/100049588303430/

Rent2Own
742 West North Street
Lima, OH 45801
(567) 289-9423
https://www.r2o.com/

RNR Group
OH
(567) 204-6741

Samsum LLC
1767 West Falls Rd.
Lima, OH 45805
(612) 991-0465

Sip & Style
Lima, OH 45805
(419) 979-7707
https://sipandstylemobile.com/

Social House
205 S. Central Ave.
Lima, OH 45801
(567) 940-9945
https://socialhouselima.com/

Soundskape Entertainment
9520 Harrod Rd.
Harrod, OH 45850
(419) 230-1477
http://www.soundskape-entertainment.com

Warriors Way
4260 Bellefontaine Ave.
Lima, OH 45806
(419) 234-6915
http://www.warriorsway.org

WeHaul Moving & Relocation LLC
2468 St. Johns Rd.
Lima, OH 45804
(419) 723-3302
https://www.wehaulservice.com/

Wessler Engineering
80 State Route 103, Suite C
Bluffton, OH 45817
(419) 615-8708
https://www.wesslerengineering.com/

The Wyngate at Lima Senior Living Community
1070 Gloria Avenue
Lima, OH 45805
(419) 224-6327
https://www.wyngatelima.com/

LIMA/ALLEN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS

You may see all of our events
and register online by visiting
www.limachamber.com

Women In Business

September 4
11:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Civic
7 Town Square

We are excited to announce our upcoming Women in Business
Luncheon. This event is designed to celebrate and empower women in the business world. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting your career, this luncheon is a great opportunity to network, learn from inspiring speakers and gain valuable insights and strategies for success.

December 11th will be our annual Jollification! Join the Chamber Holiday Shoppe and get ahead of your holiday shopping!

Join us as we come together to support and uplift women in business. Don’t miss out on this incredible event. Reserve your spot today!

MEN IN BUSINESS

August 21, 2025
5:30-8:30 p.m.
City Club

This event is designed to bring men together and launch, improve and grow businesses in the region. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting your career, this evening is a great opportunity to network, learn from inspiring speakers and gain valuable insights and strategies for success.

2025 Chamber Challenge

September 9 – 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Westgate Entertainment Center –
721 North Cable Rd.

Join us for a fun-filled evening of team building, collaboration and friendly competition among area businesses!

Gather your teams to challenge local business partners in five competitions including:

• Ax Throwing • Skee Ball

• Bowling • Rock-Wall Climbing

• Cup Stacking (it’s harder than you think!)

The team who completes all five games with the highest score wins the title of 2025 Chamber Champ!

Also, teams can opt in for a chance to win the Best Team Spirit award to be given away during the final awards ceremony.

West Central Ohio Safety Council

June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, October 14 and December 9 – 7:30-9:00 a.m.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Lima – 1920 Roschman Ave.

This meeting entitles rebate-eligible safety council members to one safety council attendance credit at a monthly meeting. 
10 meetings are required for the year.

This event is open to members of the West Central Ohio Safety Council members and the public.

For additional information contact Deb Katzenmeyer at
419-222-6708 or [email protected].

2025 Multicultural Expo

September 20 – 12:00-5:00 p.m.
Greater Lima Region Park & Amphitheater –
128 East Spring St.

This event is a celebration of diversity and culture, featuring music, dance, food and art from around the world. We invite everyone to come and experience the rich tapestry of traditions and customs that make our community so unique.

Our theme this year is Flags from Across the Nations!

Reserve your complimentary 10x10’ exhibitor space now!

Exhibitors have the option of stage time to showcase their culture and lead a simple children’s activity in the Kid’s Zone.

Wake, Rattle & Roll

June 27, July 25, August 22, September 26, October 31 and December 5 – 7:00-8:30 a.m.
Veterans Memorial Civic – 7 Town Square

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to start your day off right and make valuable connections. Mark your calendars for our Wake, Rattle & Roll event, and get ready to kickstart your networking journey. We look forward to welcoming you and helping you grow your professional network!

The program starts at 7:30 a.m. Arrive at 7:00 a.m. for registration and networking — make sure to bring your business cards!

Beantown Biz Bash

Thursday, November 6, 2025 – 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center

The Beantown Biz Bash is a lively, high-energy celebration of shopping small and championing local businesses. This dynamic business expo offers interactive experiences and a special toast to the strength and spirit of our local entrepreneurs. Designed for both business guests and the community.

Join us for:

• Educational speaker sessions!
• Exhibitors from all over the region!
• B2B, B2C and Minority Business areas!
• Music, games, contests, auctions!
• Cash bar and delicious food!
• Special toast to the shop small season!
• Networking sessions!

Promote your business through a Biz Bash sponsorship!
Contact Julie Klingler today for all sponsorship details!
[email protected] or 419-222-6045.

NEWSPAPERS: DEAD? Not in Lima Local newsman shares insight on rebirth of the business

LIMA – The editor of The Lima News scoffs when he hears people mourn the death of the local newspaper.

“To paraphrase Mark Twain, ‘The rumors of our death are greatly exaggerated,’” David Trinko said with a grin.

He points to the nearly 22,000 people per day coming to the newspaper’s website, LimaOhio.com, along with nearly 10,000 newspapers picked up by readers every Wednesday and Saturday as proof that the region still needs, wants and depends on its oldest purveyor of news.

“We take great pride in trying to deliver the news first and as in-depth as possible,” Trinko said. “Where we really shine is being able to help readers understand the context of a story, not just the details.”

That’s not to say the organization hasn’t had to adapt in recent years.

In May 2023, The Lima News switched from printing a newspaper every day to twice a week. At the same time, it moved from its home of 28 years on Elida Road to its new home at the Enterprise Building in downtown Lima, at 205 W. Market St. It also followed a circulation trend, as there were already more readers on the website than the print edition.

It was an economic decision forced by rising print and delivery prices, said Chris Bell, circulation director. It worked, as the newspaper became profitable again. The staff moved into nearly twice as much office space in the Enterprise Building in January 2025.

It pushed more attention to the website, which is updated an average of 30 times each day. Readers can access LimaOhio.com as part of their subscriptions.

“We want to deliver as many print papers as our readers want every Wednesday and Saturday,” Bell said. “Many people had already figured out that we had a great online product that’s updated frequently.”

What hasn’t changed is The Lima News’ commitment to the Lima region. That’s been a primary focus ever since the first edition of its predecessor, The Daily Democratic Times, published Oct. 27, 1884, and continued through four name changes before settling on The Lima News in 1926.

Throughout all that time, The Lima News’ staff eagerly helped advertisers with their needs. That’s no different in the modern era, whether it’s helping with print ads or online advertisements, including geofencing ads.

The advertising staff is also intent on delivering memorable events, such as the Best of the Region gala in November, The Lima News Bridal and Beauty Expo in January and the regional spelling bee in March.

“We’re able to help our clients succeed thanks to our unmatched reach online and in print,” said Natalie Buzzard, the regional advertising director. “Whether it’s our online opportunities, the printed newspaper, a special section or an event, there’s an opportunity to connect with the right demographics in the region, no matter what your business does.”

It’s an exciting time at The Lima News and in Lima in general, Trinko said. Both he and Buzzard started working at the newspaper in the late 1990s.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of the rebirth of downtown Lima,” Trinko said. “We’re both adapting to a new era and reinventing ourselves to stay relevant for decades to come. At the heart of it, we’re still the same, focused on doing the little things well and working hard to represent our community well.”

HEIR FORCE COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Energizes downtown redevelopment and sets the bar high for academic performance

By Virginia Martin

Heir Force Community School is expanding – and promoting downtown restoration in the process.

The high-performing K-8 school, now situated at 216 N. Elizabeth St., recently purchased a building at 799 N. Main St. and is renovating it for younger students. The location sets the school up as an anchor to draw more redevelopment to downtown Lima.

Adjacent to the new building, school leaders are working with the city and other public and private donors to create a community playground. Not only will the park provide a place for Heir Force students and their families to congregate and play, it will also be open for public use.

“We’re seeing how the school can serve as an anchor to continue the economic growth of downtown projects,” said Dr. Willie J. Heggins III, executive director of the school.

Heir Force was established in 2001 as a charter school under the governing authority of Cornerstone Church Lima, initially educating 40 to 50 students. The school grew quickly and became a community public school for the 2012-2013 school year. It now has an enrollment of 215 students.

Heggins said work on the Main Street building should be complete in late June or early July, in time for the K-3 students to start school there this fall. Fourth through eighth graders will remain at the Elizabeth Street location. The goal is to build enrollment to 350 students over the next five years, he said.

“We have been a high-performing community school consistently for quite some time,” Heggins said. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranked Heir Force No. 39 out of 336 charter elementary schools in Ohio, which puts it in the top 11% in the state.

One big difference between Heir Force and traditional public schools is the funding structure. Heir Force gets the same state funding as other schools, but it does not receive local taxes levied for education. Also, students from any school zone may apply to attend, with most students coming from the Lima City Schools and Elida Local Schools systems.

In many ways, the school systems work hand-in-hand. Public schools lean on schools like Heir Force to provide strong preparatory programs, as students will return to traditional public schools for ninth grade. Public school buses even take students to Heir Force along with transporting other children to public schools.

Heir Force is tuition-free, and books are provided for free; families only need to provide school uniforms. Heggins said 100% of his students qualify for free and reduced-priced lunches. The student body is 55% African American, 35% multi-racial and 10% Hispanic or Caucasian.

The bar is set high at Heir Force. Heggins said the school continually raises the academic expectations for success, often with positive outcomes. “Oftentimes, when you do that kids will rise to that level,” he said.

“To me and my team, one, we treat the school like a school family, and in that context, we believe that 100% of our children have the ability to achieve academic excellence,” Heggins said.

In fact, many former students have been the first in their families to go to college.

“The goal is to reverse generational poverty,” Heggins said. “That’s the end goal.”

To that end, the school keeps an 18:1 ratio of students to teachers. Smaller classrooms allow for more individualized instruction.

The school puts extra emphasis on math and science, and it offers an extensive STEM program that gives students hands-on experience by working with professional engineers on projects that spark their interest.

The school has worked closely with the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce and local businesses to align its educational focus with workforce needs in the community. Making an investment in students now pays off in the future with more educated, productive workers and members of the community, Heggins said.

“I like to always quote former [South African] President Nelson Mandela,” he said. “‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.’ That’s the philosophy I live with.”