Marcie Barlow introduces herself as the new Lima Community Improvement Corp. executive director at Wednesday’s mayoral press briefing.
Jacob Espinosa | The Lima News
LIMA — Marcie Barlow will serve as the new executive director of the Lima Community Improvement Corporation, following an announcement at Wednesday’s mayoral press briefing that also included a new grant recipient.
Barlow, from western Pennsylvania, said the opportunity was exciting.
“It’s something that I’ve been working toward for several years now,” she said. “And I’m excited to be in a community that is collaborative and always looking to make things better for its residents.”
Mayor Sharetta Smith said the city was likewise excited about Barlow as she introduced her.
Barlow said the recently formed LCIC needs to energize the city and move the community forward.
“I’m looking forward to working and partnering with all of the organizations in Lima as well as the board of directors and city officials,” she said. “One of my first priorities in this role is going to be to work to increase quality, affordable housing in the community. And we’ll do that through the creation of new homes and the rehabilitation of existing homes.”
Barlow’s background as a resident in southern Ohio informs her confidence in carrying out the demands of the position.
“I understand the challenges that individuals and families face when they’re looking for a place to live and what the amenities are,” she said. “I’ve been in their position, so I don’t want to say I’m sympathetic, but I understand where they’re coming from and where they want to go. I’m committed to helping them get there.”
The city also introduced a new recipient of a Better Blocks for Business Grant through the LCIC: Burns Dental Inc.
“This program invests funds into local businesses like (owner) Dr. (Alyson) Amerson’s business on South Main Street,” Workforce and Small Business Development Department director Amber Martin said.
Amerson said the dentistry will use the funds on several things.
“With this grant, we’re looking to change the front of it and give it a new look,” she said. “The funding and support will help the business to give it a new look and help the community.”
First of all, Barlow is ready to get acquainted.
“I look forward to meeting everybody in the city and getting more involved with the groups,” she said. “I just want to make Lima great place to live, work and have fun.”
Barlow previously worked at the Community Development Corporation of Butler County in Pennsylvania in different capacities.
For the past three years, she served in the Economic Development and Community Development Departments for the State of Ohio.
Reach Jacob Espinosa at 567-242-0399.
