Presented by the Allen Economic Development Group (AEDG) and the Greater Lima Region (GLR)
The Allen Economic Development Group (AEDG) and the Greater Lima Region (GLR) are proud to collaborate on initiatives that foster economic, business, and community development in Allen County and the surrounding region. As 2024 comes to a close, let’s reflect on the strides made and look ahead to building on these successes in 2025.
From AEDG Executive Director Cindy Leis:
2024 has been a transformative year for the Allen Economic Development Group, marked by significant progress in revitalizing blighted areas and preparing sites for future development. Our partnerships with GLR, the City of Lima, Allen County, and others have driven projects that strengthen our community’s economic future.
Key successes in 2024 include:
National Recognition
Early in 2024, Site Selection Magazine ranked Lima/Allen County third nationally among third-tier metropolitan areas (population 50,000 – 150,000) for development. We submitted 12 projects that met the threshold requirements of 20 new jobs, $1 million in capital investment, or 20,000 square feet of new space.
A Record Number of Investments
In 2024, we witnessed a record number of public and private investments across the county. We proudly participated in several projects in the City of Lima, including Spring & Main Development, Central District Lima, Dunkin’ Donuts, the Booker Building, Mercy Health, and the former Edco Tool site on Kibby Street. In other areas of the county, we impacted expansion projects at Procter & Gamble, Nutrien, Cenovus, Vanamatic, All Temp Refrigeration (ATR), and several redevelopment projects.
The City of Lima projects alone contributed to over $20 million in capital investment, and combined with other projects across the county, the estimated capital investment in Allen County was nearly $1 billion.
Strategic Plan Drives Progress
Collaboration is the cornerstone of our three-year Strategic Plan, which focuses on three primary goals:
1. Business Retention and Expansion
Through these efforts, companies like Procter & Gamble have committed to major expansion projects in warehousing and manufacturing, while Cenovus, Nutrien, Chemtrade, and GEM Inc., a Rudolph Libbe Group company, announced investments in the county.
2. Attraction of New Business
In 2024, significant time and effort were devoted to attracting businesses of all sizes. For example, the Central District welcomed 10 new small businesses, creating nearly 40 jobs; Spring & Main saw the addition of four businesses, collectively employing more than 127 people; and Rode’s Meats created 16 new jobs. Also, large corporations operating in the distribution and logistics business sector, advanced technologies, and other business sectors are considering Lima/Allen County.
3. Site and Infrastructure Preparedness
Large sites adjacent to the city in Perry and American Townships, each exceeding 300 acres and one site including rail service from Indiana & Ohio Railway, are being prepared for future industrial development.
A key city project is the former Edco Tool site on Kibby Street, where remediation, cleanup, and demolition were completed thanks to an $860,000 Brownfield grant. This 11.6-acre property is now a marketable and developable industrial site.
Another promising site is a 30-acre property at I-75 and 4th Street. The property has an option agreement with the Allen County Port Authority and recently received approval for a U.S. EPA Phase I environmental assessment through the City of Lima Brownfield Revitalization Grant program.
Finally, we secured approval for a $1 million JobsOhio OSIP grant to develop 20 acres on Commerce Parkway for two 100,000-square-foot speculative buildings, which will provide prime opportunities for incoming businesses.
As we close out 2024, I want to thank our stakeholders and partners for their dedication. With your continued involvement, we look forward to an even more prosperous 2025.
From GLR President Dave Stratton:
2024 has been a year of remarkable progress and collaboration for the Greater Lima Region (GLR). Dedicated to driving economic growth and strengthening community development across multiple counties, GLR has partnered with businesses, governments, and educational institutions to attract new investments and support the expansion of existing industries.
Key successes in 2024 include:
Our Annual Meeting
On November 21, the GLR and AEDG hosted our Annual Meeting, welcoming over 125 partners and showcasing the strength of our community’s commitment to progress. The event highlighted significant achievements, including the retention and expansion of businesses that are thriving in Allen County.
Strategic Plan Drives Regional Growth
Our 2024–2026 Strategic Plan is centered on driving growth across our eight-county region through business attraction, infrastructure improvements, and workforce development. With $2.5 billion in recent investments, we remain committed to building a prosperous future for the Greater Lima Region. Our goals include:
- Financial Support
- Policy Advocacy
- Business Development Support
- Attraction of New Business
- Infrastructure/Site Preparedness
- Workforce Development
- Market Rate Housing Development
- Marketing the GLR
- Support for Generational Projects
- Eight County Collaboration
Financial Support
The work of AEDG and GLR is made possible through balanced financial contributions, with private fundraising accounting for 51% of AEDG’s budget and public support making up the remaining 49%. This funding ensures we can continue advancing projects, creating jobs, and securing a brighter economic future for our region.
A Collaborative Vision
Collaboration has been at the heart of our success. By working closely with development partners, GLR has supported business expansion, enhanced community initiatives, and driven regional growth. Together, we’ve laid a strong foundation for sustained growth.
I want to thank our members, partners, and supporters who make this progress possible. We look forward to continuing this journey together in 2025.
Thank You All for Supporting Allen County!
Both AEDG and GLR are deeply grateful for your support. Together, we will continue to foster growth, drive innovation, and ensure a prosperous future for Allen County and the Greater Lima Region. Here’s to an even brighter 2025!