MakerFest isn’t just an event — it’s a bridge to future careers. Taking place at the Allen County Fairgrounds on October 10 and 11, MakerFest 2024 immerses high school freshmen and sophomores in hands-on demonstrations that showcase local career opportunities and the training paths needed to pursue them.
Organized by an executive committee, the Allen Economic Development Group (AEDG), and the Greater Lima Region (GLR), MakerFest is a powerful collaboration aimed at addressing the workforce needs of Allen County and the surrounding areas. The event seeks to inspire the next generation by uniting local businesses and community leaders to help ensure a robust talent pipeline for the region’s future.
“Workforce development is crucial for the sustainability and growth of area businesses,” says Cindy Leis, President/CEO of AEDG. “MakerFest provides a unique platform to connect students with potential career paths, directly contributing to the skilled workforce that will drive Allen County’s economic future.”
“That mission resonates throughout the Greater Lima region,” adds Dave Stratton, President and CEO of GLR. “Together, AEDG and GLR are dedicated to strengthening our workforce pipeline. MakerFest exemplifies our collaborative efforts to secure the economic vitality of our region for years to come.”
MakerFest: Your Path. Your Future.
By engaging students with hands-on activities in fields like nursing, machine operation, and drone piloting, MakerFest helps them understand what these careers involve and how to prepare for them. Clear career pathways are outlined, including training locations, timelines, and potential earnings, giving students the knowledge to shape their educational journeys early on.
Choosing a career path can be daunting, but MakerFest simplifies the process by offering a glimpse into various industries. At the event, students will:
- Discover local companies and learn about their roles.
- Explore work experience opportunities, including internships and job shadowing.
- Understand the steps needed to achieve their career goals.
MakerFest empowers young high school students to make informed decisions about their futures, connecting them with the resources and guidance they need to succeed.
The History of MakerFest
Launched in 2015 at the Veterans Memorial Civic Center, MakerFest featured over 100 companies and included competitions, STEM activities, and career advice sessions. It was initially established for juniors and seniors to link them to job opportunities but was transitioned to the younger students to inspire them and help them plan ahead for their futures.
The event was moved to the Allen County Fairgrounds in 2019 due to growing participation and will host 1,600 students from 22 schools this year.
Leis and Stratton both note that MakerFest would not be possible without the support of many area sponsors, volunteers, and the executive committee. The executive committee includes Dave Stratton, Tim Fitzpatrick, Keith Horner, Jena Shafer, Ethan Parsons, and Tina Mathews.
Get Involved: Be Part of the MakerFest Movement
Join us at MakerFest by volunteering to help with setup, registration, or event-day activities. Sign up to volunteer here.
Thank You To Our Sponsors!
Tracy Hollar, executive committee member, proudly reported that more than 50 businesses and organizations have stepped forward as sponsors of MakerFest this year. Our sponsors:
Platinum+
AEDG
Apollo Career Center
Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce
Platinum
Greater Lima Region, Inc.
Lima Memorial Health System
Mercy Health – St. Rita’s
Gold
Cenovus Energy – Lima Refinery
Charles River
Diamond Manufacturing of Bluffton
Ford – Lima Engine Plant
Fox Event Group
Nutrien
Wieland Randall
Rhodes State College
University of Northwestern Ohio UNOH
Silver
All-Temp Refrigeration
Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters
City of Lima
Lima Area Electrical Apprenticeship
P&G
Regional Growth Partnership/JobsOhio
Rudolph Foods
Spallinger Millwright
Superior Credit Union
Tuttle Construction
UA Local 776 – JATC
U.S. Army
Crown Equipment
iHeart Media
Bronze
Allen County Ohio
General Dynamics Land Systems
Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District
K & M Tire
Kirk Corporation
NGP Printing Professionals
NOW Marketing Group
Staffmark
The Ohio State University – Lima
Reineke Family Dealerships
U.S. Plastic Corp.
Wright State University
Your Hometown Stations – WLIO
Table
Charles Constructions Services
Citizens National Bank
GROB Systems, Inc.
Creek Bottom Farms
OhioMeansJobs – Allen County
Ohio Northern University
Bluffton College
Lima Building Trades
Ohio Department of Transportation
Vantage Career Center
Woof Boom
Special Thanks: Visit Greater Lima Convention & Visitors Bureau