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, comprised of dedicated members, serve as the voice of the business community. They guide our decisions, shaping the direction of our organization and influencing how we operate to best serve our community’s and members’ needs.
ALLEN COUNTY SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS’ ADVOCACY BOARD (ACSBOAB)
- ·Our Vision: To listen and be an advocate, voice, and resource for small businesses at the local level, and dedicated and advocating exclusively on behalf of small and independent business owners.
- Mission: To advocate when issues affect small and independent businesses such as taxes, regulations, economic development, etc.
Chairperson: Mike Kleman, Retired
The committee meets the first Thursday of each month at 12:00PM at the Chamber Conference Room
AGRI-BUSINESS COMMITTEE
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 of the residents of the Allen County community.
Chairperson: Beth Seibert, Allen County Commissioner
Chamber Staff – Josh Unterbrink, President/CEO junterbrink@limachamber.com
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
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.
Chairperson: Brian Young, Spectrum
Chamber Staff – Josh Unterbrink, President/CEO junterbrink@limachamber.com
LIMA AREA CHAMBER FOUNDATION
To establish and operate non-profit educational programs in the Lima-Allen County area including without limitation the recruiting, development, and training of community and civic leaders, the development and support of a small business enterprise center to train and assist persons interested in the operation of small businesses, and to support educational programs, workshops, seminars, information and research programs to assist community and business leaders of all economic, racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Chairperson: Tim Stanford, Superior Plus Realtors
LIMA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
The mission of the Lima YP is to enhance the community by attracting and retaining young professional talent in the greater Lima/Allen County area.
Board President: Olivia Smith, NOW Marketing
Chamber Staff – Julie Klingler, Director of Programs and Community Development programs@limachamber.com
FINANCE COMMITTEE
To provide sound financial guidelines and oversight to the Board of Directors enabling the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce and its affiliates to maintain a stable financial environment.
Chairperson: Eric Pohjala, Chamber Member
Chamber Staff – Angie Finnerty, Director of Finance afinnerty@limachamber.com
MANUFACTURER’S COUNCIL
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 Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce and the Allen Economic Development Group.
Chairman: TBA
Chamber Staff – Josh Unterbrink, President/CEO junterbrink@limachamber.com
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE – AMBASSADORS
To develop a strategy to communicate with members that will encourage membership retention. Make recommendations on policy regarding membership issues to the Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees.
Committee Chair – Sheila Custer, Send Out Cards
Chamber Staff – Deb Katzenmeyer, Membership Coordinator dkatz@limachamber.com
Goals
MULTICULTURAL EXPO COMMITTEE
To provide a profitable annual event opportunity for Chamber and community members to celebrate the region’s diverse array of cultures while encouraging participants to connect, unite, network, and increase pride in our community.
Chamber Staff – Julie Klingler, Director of Programs and Community Development programs@limachamber.com
SMALL BUSINESS & CULTURALLY DIVERSE COMMITTEE
The small business committee assists small businesses in the region to develop and prosper through educational opportunities and focus groups. The purpose of this committee is to ensure there is an avenue for the voices of small businesses to be heard.
Committee Chair-Mike Powell, Sign Solutions of Ohio
Chamber Staff – Gabe Taviano, Director of Marketing and Communications gtaviano@limachamber.com
Goals
WAKE, RATTLE & ROLL COMMITTEE
To serve as a community forum providing relevant and current information on business issues globally and within our community, as well as serving as an opportunity for new members to be welcomed to the Chamber and recognized.
Chairperson: Tim Stanford, Superior Plus Realtors
Chamber Staff – Julie Klingler, Director of Programs and Community Development programs@limachamber.com
Goals
WEST CENTRAL OHIO SAFETY COUNCIL STEERING COMMITTEE
The West Central Ohio Safety Council is co-sponsored by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, the Division of Safety & Hygiene, and the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce. Our mission is to increase the awareness and the importance of safety, health, and wellness to area businesses and communities in the West Central Ohio/Greater Lima Region.
President: Amy Ricker, Lima Pallet Company, Inc.
Vice President: Crystal Jackson, Cenovus – Husky Lima Refinery
Chamber Staff – Safety Council Manager – Deb Katzenmeyer, dkatz@limachamber.com
Goals
WOMEN IN BUSINESS COMMITTEE
To provide a profitable quarterly event opportunity for Chamber and community women to grow their businesses through widespread recognition and sponsorships, as well as enable members to connect, network, and increase pride in our community while learning from professional speakers and presentations that are timely and relevant with topics affecting today’s busy female professionals.
Chamber Staff – Julie Klingler, Director of Programs and Community Development programs@limachamber.com
Goals
Are you interested in joining a committee?
For more information, contact the appropriate Chamber staff listed above or call the Chamber at 419-222-6045