LIMA — When it comes to fostering economic development, it is all about potential and possibilities. For Gateway Commerce Industrial Park south of Lima off state Route 65, that potential got a huge endorsement Monday with the park being designated an Austin Consulting-American Electric Power certified site for the food and beverage sector, an industry projected to continue to grow over the next several years.
Allen Economic Development Group President and CEO Jeff Sprague lauded the accomplishment during a ceremony held Monday at the park across from BEF Foods and said it was a very involved process to complete.
“In 2014, we first set the wheels for that in motion,” he said. “It allowed us to become one of five communities in northwest Ohio to go after this certification, and we’re there today and celebrating the work that took place over that time frame.”
To receive that certification, Austin Consulting, a Cleveland-based firm, conducted a meticulous review of the park, evaluating such criteria as water and wastewater capacity, local utilities and transportation infrastructure. With food and beverage manufacturers required to meet strict guidelines to operate safely, it is imperative to have a site that is “shovel-ready.” This certification shows potential investors that the work has already been done to meet those guidelines, mediating the risk and streamlining potential expansion.
“Lima/Allen County is now in a much better position to compete for food and beverage companies looking for new production locations,” Sprague said. “All the pieces are in place with the utilities and now documentation verifying construction can start immediately. We are ready to go.”
AEP Ohio economic and business development manager Tim Wells also spoke at the ceremony, remarking that Lima has placed itself at the front of the pack for creating a potential food and business corridor along Interstate 75 and U.S. Route 30, with communities like Van Wert, Findlay, Bucyrus and Tiffin also working to receive certification.
“By completing this detailed certification, Lima and Allen County are showing the business world they are open for business,” he said.
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