Charles River Laboratories, located in Spencerville, is recognized as one of the new expansion projects in Site Selection magazine.
Precious Grundy | The Lima News
LIMA — Site Selection magazine has chosen Lima/Allen County as the third-ranking metropolitan area in the nation that has a population of fewer than 200,000 people. The magazine analyzes the number of projects per capita (or person) in the area. According to Site Selection, the Lima/Allen County area has 12 new projects underway.
President and CEO Dave Stratton of Allen Economic Development Group said in order for a development project to be considered it must have a capital investment of one million and add 20,000 square feet to a facility or 20 additional employees. Local projects include the expansion of Procter and Gamble, Lakeview Farms, Charles River, Nutrien and much more.
The AEDG is housed in downtown Lima. According to its website, its mission is to create an environment for new business development and nurture existing businesses.
“At Allen Economic Development Group, we have a 3-year strategic plan that we believe will be evident to the residents in the years to come,” said Stratton. “Those seven goals are being pursued and now this recognition by Site Selection magazine is evidence that it is working. The residents will see additional site preparedness, the enhancement and advocacy of local businesses, and the attraction of new businesses to Lima/Allen County.”
According to Stratton, the organization plans to address workforce challenges, housing and downtown development vibrancy for the cities and villages and seek out partners for its initiatives.
“Lastly, we are marketing Lima/Allen County,” said Stratton. “We believe that there are great things happening here.”
In previous years, Lima/Allen County has ranked number six in the nation and the year before number four. The increase in rank reveals the new that is coming to the area.
“New development like we have seen the last few years will have a multiplier effect on our community,” said Stratton. “We are seeing great development opportunities throughout our county and we believe that means more is coming. It means new, good-paying jobs, and attractive amenities. We see all of the present development contributing to Lima/Allen County, making it a great place to work and live.”
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
