About AEDG
WHO WE ARE
Our Mission
It is the mission of the Allen Economic Development Group to create an environment for new business development, to promote and nurture existing business and to facilitate the creation of new jobs in Allen County.
Our Vision
Allen Economic Development Group will be a premier, trusted and dependable business and economic development organization. It will be known to work collaboratively with local, regional and state development stakeholders to advance Allen County.
Three Forces Powering Growth in Allen County
Learn how the unique partnership of the Greater Lima Region (GLR), Allen Economic Development Group (AEDG), and the Port Authority helps create jobs, attract businesses, and develop prime industrial land in Allen County.
GET TO KNOW
Our Team
The AEDG staff brings expertise in economic development, site selection, workforce, and community partnerships. Click on any team member below to learn more about their background, areas of focus, and how to get in touch.
Board of Directors
AEDG is guided by a volunteer board of directors representing the business, civic, and government leaders of Allen County.
| Name | Organization | Title |
| Kurt Alexander | Procter & Gamble | Board Chairperson |
| Dr. Cynthia Spiers | Rhodes State College | Vic Chair |
| Tammy Gladwell | Diamond Manufacturing | Board Member |
| John Heaphy | Good Food Restaurants | Board Member - GLR Board Representative |
| Stephanie Malloy | University of Northwestern Ohio | Board Member |
| Dan Schmiedebusch | Wannemacher Enterprise | Board Member |
| Beth Seibert | Allen County Commissioner | Board Member |
| Burlin Sherrick | Lima Memorial | Board Member |
| Sharetta Smith | Mayor, City of Lima | Board Member |
| Brent Stechschulte | Tuttle Construction | Board Member |
| Becky Taylor | Perry proTECH | Board Member |
| Howard Violet | Township Trustees | Board Member |
| Dave Stratton | Greater Lima Region | Ex-Officio |
| Josh Unterbrink | Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce | Ex-Officio |
Community Partners
Success is achievable when entities work together with the same goal in mind. It is that sense of collaboration that guides the staff at AEDG when it comes to helping existing companies excel and new companies find a home in Allen County. Knowing companies have many needs, AEDG works with groups at all levels to find solutions along every step of a project. Some of our community partners include:
Our Foundation for Growth
Place.
Lima and Allen County sit at the crossroads of major transportation routes with access to over 40% of Fortune 500 headquarters within a day’s drive. Our prime location, available industrial sites, and robust infrastructure make us the ideal place for your next business move.
People.
It’s the people of Allen County who drive AEDG’s mission forward. From the skilled workforce behind Ford F-150 trucks to the production of everyday essentials like Tide detergent, our community powers industries that shape our world.
Possibilities.
Ongoing revitalization projects, industrial expansion, strategic development, and strong collaboration among local and state partners create a foundation for sustained growth. Allen County offers businesses the momentum and opportunity to build a thriving future.