The Ideal Region to Grow Your Business
The Greater Lima Region is a privately funded 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing economic and community development throughout eight counties in Northwest Ohio.
Our Mission, Vision, & Values
Mission
The Greater Lima Region unites stakeholders and partners to empower economic and community growth across the region.
M
Vision
The Greater Lima Region organization serves as a premier, trusted, and collaborative partner in business and economic development, working alongside local, regional, and state stakeholders to advance all eight counties we serve.
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Values
Integrity
We are committed to being ethical, diligent, and trustworthy in all that we do.
Collaboration
We are dedicated to partnering with all economic development stakeholders across the Greater Lima Region.
Community
We represent the economic and development interests of all residents of the Greater Lima Region.
Excellence
We strive to be a premier and impactful economic development organization.
Our Strategic Goals Through 2026
The Greater Lima Region operates with intention. These ten strategic goals guide our investments, partnerships, and programs as we work to build a stronger, more competitive region.
Goal 1: Financial and Resource Support
We work to ensure businesses and communities across the region have access to the financial resources they need to grow and succeed. This includes private business financial support, collaboration with the Allen County Port Authority, and financial assistance for developmental and municipal projects.
Goal 2: Development Support
Breaking down barriers to development requires alignment across public and private partners. We collaborate with local, regional, and state partners to address business needs, connect organizations with the right resources, and provide financial assistance where it has the greatest impact.
Goal 3: Collaboration of Eight Counties
The strength of the Greater Lima Region is in its counties working together. We bring development organizations to the same table to tackle regional barriers, coordinate attraction efforts, and advance shared initiatives across all eight counties.
Goal 4: Enhancing Business Initiatives
Growing the businesses already in our region is a top priority. Through Business Retention and Expansion assessments, resource assistance, and organizational support, we help existing employers strengthen their operations and expand their reach.
Goal 5: Attraction of New Business
We actively work to bring new investment and employers to the region. Our efforts include collaborating with the Regional Growth Partnership, JobsOhio, and national site selectors, responding to RFIs, and leveraging tools such as Zoom Prospector and state and national economic development organizations.
Goal 6: Infrastructure and Site Preparedness
A region ready for business is a region that attracts business. We support infrastructure development through the Allen County Port Authority, the Ohio Department of Development, Regional Growth Partnership, JobsOhio, the U.S. and Ohio EPA, and close coordination with cities, municipalities, counties, townships, and regional planning offices.
Goal 7: Workforce Development
Building tomorrow’s workforce starts today. MakerFest is our annual signature event that connects high school students with career opportunities in the region.
Goal 8: Market-Rate Housing and Downtown Vibrancy
Thriving communities attract and retain talent. We support market-rate housing development and downtown vibrancy by working with city and county officials, the Allen County Port Authority, and local, statewide, and national developers, as well as local chambers committed to vibrant community cores.
Goal 9: Marketing
Telling the region’s story is part of our mission. Our marketing efforts include case study videos, partnership and utility-focused content, a quarterly newsletter, WLIO advertising, and radio engagement. For more on our economic development partners, visit the AEDG website at www.aedg.org.
Goal 10: Support for Generational Projects
Some projects define a region for decades to come. We are actively engaged in supporting transformational initiatives across the area, including Allen County Home Housing Development, Amazon, Downtown Development, Edco Project, Google, Memorial Hall, Procter & Gamble, Target, and other emerging opportunities.
See What’s Driving Growth in the Greater Lima Region
From energy and manufacturing to downtown revitalization, the Greater Lima Region is a place where big things are happening. See the story for yourself.
Meet the GLR Team
The GLR staff work every day to connect businesses, communities, and partners across the region. Click on any team member to learn more about their role and how they can support your growth.
GLR Board Members
The Greater Lima Region is governed by a board of leaders representing a diverse range of industries and communities across the region. Their experience and insight help guide strategic investment and regional collaboration.
| Name | Organization | Title |
| Phil Buell | Superior Credit Union | Chairman |
| Jil Jacobs | Mercy Health St. Rita's | Vice Chair |
| Lynn Carpenter | Lima Memorial Health Systems | Secretary/Treasurer |
| Todd Sutton | Nutrien | Member |
| Tracie Sanchez | Lima Pallet Company | Member |
| John Heaphy | Good Food Restaurants | Member |
| Dean Hempfling | Cenovus | Member |
| Keith Horner | Apollo Career Center | Member |
| Mostafa Shaban | Procter & Gamble | Member |
| Barry Clark | Perry proTECH | Member |
| Josh Unterbrink | Lima-Allen Co. Chamber of Commerce | Ex-Officio Member |
| Cindy Leis | Allen Economic Development Group | Ex-Officio Member |
Let’s Build Your Future Here
Whether you’re looking to join the GLR or exploring new business opportunities in Ohio, we’re here to help you grow and succeed.