Volunteer Opportunities

The Chamber of Commerce advocates on behalf of our members – one avenue in which we uncover the needs of our members is through our committees.  Our committees are made up of our members who serve as a voice for the business community and guide the decisions we make which ultimately impacts the direction in which we run our business.

Agri-Business – Chairperson: Curtis Young, Ohio State University Extension

The purpose of this committee is to promote a mutual understanding of, and appreciation for, Allen County’s largest industry – agriculture – and its impact on the lives the residents of the Allen County community.

Chamber Staff Partner – Jed Metzger, President/CEO jmetzger@limachamber.com

Education – Chairperson: Brittany Collier-Gibson, The Ohio State University at Lima and David Brown, Rhodes State College

The Education Committee seeks to prepare students for their future through the development of partnerships between business industry and education; allowing students to successfully enter the workforce upon the completion of their education.

Chamber Staff Partner – Jed Metzger, President/CEO jmetzger@limachamber.com

Culturally Diverse Business Development – Chairperson: George Ricks, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

This mission of the Culturally Diverse Business Development committee is to develop a strategy to continue to enhance opportunities for minority and woman-owned businesses, by providing them with the tools necessary to reach out to majority businesses and the community.

      Chamber Member Minority Businesses             Chamber Member Women Owned Businesses

Chamber Staff Partner – Debbie Tierney, Membership Coordinator dtierney@limachamber.com

Legislative – Chairperson: Phil Buell, Superior Federal Credit Union

The Legislative Committee was created to develop an awareness and understanding of emerging local, state and federal issues that could cause a change in the business climate/quality of life of the Allen County community.  This committee has taken a position to inform members and the committee of legislative actions and, when advisable, develop a strategy to resolve the issue.

Chamber Staff Partner – Jed Metzger, President/CEO jmetzger@limachamber.com

Lima Area Chamber Foundation – Chairperson: Dr. John Snyder, The Ohio State University at Lima

The purpose of the Foundation is to establish and operate non-profit educational programs in the Lima/Allen County area, including – without limitation – the recruitment, development and training of community and civic leaders, the development and support of a small business enterprise center and to support educational programs, workshops, seminars and research programs to assist members of the community, students and business leaders of all economic and ethnic backgrounds.

Chamber Staff Partner – Jed Metzger, President/CEO jmetzger@limachamber.com

Lima/Allen County College Access Program – Chairpersons: Lela Harlow and Nanette Weaver, Allen County Health Partners

This committee assists residents of Lima/Allen County and surrounding counties in pursuing a post-secondary education.  This committee leverages donations and in-kind support to offer scholarships, workshops, seminars, student advisors and much more to promote the benefits and to prepare students for post-secondary education opportunities.

Chamber Staff Partner – Angela Meyer, College Access Director ameyer@limachamber.com

Allen Lima Leadership - Chairperson: Mike Swick, Lima Memorial Health Systems

The Allen Lima Leadership program mission is to be a catalyst in promoting positive change in Lima/Allen County.  By annually selecting a group of participants with diverse backgrounds and developing their leadership skills and educating them on community issues, they become activists for their community.

Chamber Staff Partner – Micki Vollmer, Director of Allen Lima Leadership all@wcoil.com

Allen 2020 – Chairperson: Tim Sielschott, Edward Jones

The Allen 2020 program is a citizens-based “grass roots” initiative focused on building and implementing a vision for Allen County.

Chamber Staff Partner – Jed Metzger, President/CEO jmetzger@limachamber.com

Walter C. Potts Entrepreneurial Center - Chairperson: David Turner, St. Rita's Medical Center

The mission of the Entrepreneur Center is to provide the education and skills necessary to support and sustain a small business; enabling the community to create significant jobs, provide economic stability and enhance the community’s quality of life by encouraging small and minority businesses to stay, invest and participate in the Lima/Allen County community.

Chamber Staff Partner – Teri Silone, Assistant to the President tsilone@limachamber.com

Lima Young Professionals – Leadership Board President: Brandi Trueblood, Smith-Boughan Mechanical Services

The Lima YP works to build relationships while attracting and retaining young, professional talent to the greater Lima/Allen County area.

Chamber Staff Partner – Jacquelyn Beckner, Director of Communications jbeckner@limachamber.com

Finance – Chairperson: Cliff Barber, General Dynamics

The purpose of the finance committee is to accept fiduciary responsibility of maintaining a stable financial environment for the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce and the Lima Area Chamber Foundation; To provide sound financial guidelines and oversight enabling the Chamber to maintain business operations within the annual budgeted business plan.

Chamber Staff Partner – Linda Bienert, Director of Finance lbienert@limachamber.com

Manufacturer’s Council – Chairperson: Gene Heitmeyer, Colonial Surface Solutions

The manufacturer’s council promotes the civic, economic and industrial position of those industries whose operations contribute significantly to the economic base, growth and welfare of the area served by the Chamber.

Chamber Staff Partner – Jed Metzger, President/CEO jmetzger@limachamber.com

Marketing – Chairperson: Cindy Scott, Citizens National Bank

This committee’s purpose is to communicate effectively with our members and the community, market the Chamber of Commerce and it’s programs, events and activities as well as serve our membership base.

Chamber Staff Partner – Jacquelyn Beckner, Director of Communications jbeckner@limachamber.com

Membership – Chairperson: Mike Powell, Sign Solutions of Ohio

The goal of the membership committee is to develop strategies to continue to communicate with members encouraging retention.  This committee also serves as Chamber Ambassadors throughout the year attending member orientation programs, new business ribbon cuttings and serving as a liaison between the Chamber and business community.

Chamber Staff Partner – Cindy Tenwalde, Vice President tenwalde@limachamber.com

Small Business – Chairperson: Mike Powell, Sign Solutions of Ohio

The small business committee assists small businesses in the region to develop and prosper though educational opportunities and focus groups.  It is the purpose of this committee to ensure there is an avenue for the voice of small businesses to be heard.

Chamber Staff Partner – Jacquelyn Beckner, Director of Communications jbeckner@limachamber.com

Mike Powell Sign Solutions of Ohio Small Business Committee, Membership Committee, Chamber Ambassador, Tuesday Leads

Wake, Rattle & Roll – Chairperson: Tim Sanford, Yocum Realty

This program serves as a community forum to provide information on business issues as well as give members an opportunity to be recognized and is a great way to network.

Chamber Staff Partner – Cindy Tenwalde, Vice President tenwalde@limachamber.com

West Central Ohio Safety Council – President: Lisa Briem, American Trim

Safety Council increases awareness and importance of safety in the workplace to area businesses and the community.

Chamber Staff Partner – Debbie Tierney, Membership Coordinator dtierney@limachamber.com

We are always looking to add volunteers to our committees, feel free to contact the appropriate Chamber staff partner if you would like additional information.