LIMA — For over 20 years, local businesses in Lima have been honored for their role in the community. In May, The Lima/Allen Chamber of Commerce will host its 22nd annual Gala in honor of small businesses. The event will be held from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, at the UNOH Event Center, 1450 N. Cable Road. The theme of the gala is the “Great Gatsby.”
“It is wonderful to see the whole community come together to nominate businesses they think have made a difference in our community,” said Julie Klingler, director of programs. “It is great in the beginning stages to see all those nominations coming in. We are lucky here at the chamber that we get to be a part of it and watch the process unfold.”
The goal of the event is to reward and encourage the businesses for their achievements.
“The committees meet after the holidays and go through all of the nominations,” Klingler said. “These committee members have the big task of choosing the three finalists. There are so many great folks nominated — then we get to take it to the next level at the awards gala. There, we get to watch them be called to the stage and recognized in front of Allen County.”
For more information reach Julie Klingler at 419-222-6045 or visit www.limachamber.com. The tickets can be purchased for $55 or $420 per table for members. For non-chamber members, the tickets are $65 or $500 for a table.
The 2024 finalists are listed below:
Young Leader of the Year Award – (Sponsor – Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center)
• Jill Bakies
• Megan Joseph
• Breanna Theis
Emerging Business of the Year Award – (Sponsor – State Bank)
• A & P Beauty Select
• Red Fox Boutique
• Steady Does It
Woman-Owned Business of the Year Award – (Sponsor – Huntington National Bank)
• Duffy’s Cleaners
• Schrader Realty
• Sign Pro Imaging
Non-Profit Agency of the Year Award – (Sponsor – Cenovus Lima Refinery)
• Crime Victim Services
• Family Promise
• Heartbeat of Lima
ATHENA Award – (Sponsor – Lima Chevrolet Cadillac)
• Jill Ackerman
• Jill Bakies
• Theresa Schnipke
Small Business of the Year Award – (Sponsor – Citizens National Bank)
• Beauty by Jill
• NOW Marketing
• ServiceMaster at ‘YOUR’ Service
Above and Beyond Award – (Sponsor – Tomorrow’s Technology Today)
• Good Food Restaurants
• Mental Health & Recovery Services
• State Bank
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
