Economic development does not begin and end with ribbon cuttings. Some of the most impactful work happens behind the scenes, in structured conversations with the companies already operating in our community. Business retention and expansion visits are among the most important tools in that work, and a recent visit with PERRY proTECH offered a clear example of why.
Who Is PERRY proTECH?
PERRY proTECH has a well-established presence in Lima and the surrounding region, providing businesses with printers, copiers, and managed service plans. Our team sat down with their leadership for a purposeful conversation about how the company is performing, where growth may occur, and what support they may need to remain competitive.
What Our Visit Entailed
As with most retention visits, the discussion began with overall performance. We asked direct questions about their current business activity across their portfolio of printers, copiers, and managed service plans, as well as discussions about potential capital investments and future growth opportunities. Understanding whether a company is operating at capacity, experiencing economic pressures, or navigating regulatory or infrastructure challenges provides critical insight. These conversations are not transactional check-ins; they are structured assessments designed to identify risks early and uncover opportunities before they require reactive solutions.
The dialogue then shifted toward expansion. PERRY proTECH has a strong footprint in Lima but continues to extend its reach across Ohio, with a current focus on the Columbus market. Through a connection with the Regional Growth Partnership, Chase Eikenbary, VP of Project Management at RGP, learned about the company’s plans and made direct introductions to colleagues in the Columbus area. Working alongside AEDG and JobsOhio, her team proactively aligned resources, streamlined pathways, and evaluated available financing tools to support the next phase of investment.
Workforce development was equally central to the conversation. PERRY proTECH took a proactive step by enrolling in JobsOhio’s FindYourOhio and Relocation Programs, which allow employers to promote career opportunities to technology-focused professionals outside Ohio and offer relocation incentives to candidates who choose to make the move. By participating in both programs, PERRY proTECH is positioning itself to recruit highly skilled, tech-based personnel capable of supporting future growth and innovation. This strategy pairs competitive career opportunities with Ohio’s quality of life to attract the next generation of talent.
Perhaps just as valuable as any resource connection was the opportunity to listen. PERRY proTECH’s leadership shared feedback about operational pressures, community strengths, and areas where additional support could strengthen their position. These conversations reinforce trust and ensure that economic development efforts remain grounded in real-time business conditions rather than assumptions. They also feed directly into the work of AEDG’s partners at RGP and JobsOhio, helping shape programs and priorities that reflect what employers actually need.
Retention and expansion work is fundamentally about risk mitigation and growth enablement. When companies like PERRY proTECH thrive, the entire community benefits through job stability, capital investment, and a stronger regional tax base. AEDG is committed to showing up for the employers who sustain Allen County’s economy every day, not just the ones making headlines.
Schedule Your Visit
Every company in Allen County has a story worth hearing. If you are open to a visit, we would welcome the opportunity to learn yours, connect you with the right resources, and help position your business for long-term success. Reach out at info@aedg.org.