Small business owners met with the City of Lima for a roundtable.
Precious Grundy | The Lima News
LIMA — The City of Lima has conducted a series of business roundtables to address present needs in the community. Restaurants, industry, retail and construction businesses alike in the city have had the opportunity to focus on what matters.
On Thursday afternoon, the City of Lima Small Business and Workforce Development Specialist Amber Martin hosted a roundtable to talk with local retail and service providers.
“We are looking at what will be needed. That is why we are having conversations like this today,” said Martin. “What are you seeing, what are you needing, what are thoughts you are having that maybe we are not having so we can meet those needs?”
Business owners Matthew Sanders of Spotless Professional Cleaning Services, Michael Kleman of ServiceMaster, Chad Stearns of Modo Media, Marc Bowker of Alter Ego, Jasper Person of CLEAN, Caroline Denise Lawrence of Emerge Services, Jennifer Velasquez of Pointe of Joy dance boutique and entrepreneur Rob Hec were present to share their ideas.
Many business owners shared challenges they have faced while attempting to move forward following the pandemic in 2020. Some owners experienced an increase in services due to extra income from the government. Some experienced no change due to the type of service they provide.
Bowker expressed hope for more walkability in the downtown. Owners agreed a lack of foot traffic in downtown stores is due to businesses being blocks away from one another.
Martin said she hopes to continue to be a central contact for small businesses in the city of Lima and implement the new ideas from the roundtables.
“It is (her role) to be that champion and voice within the city, the county and the state for the City of Lima,” added Martin. “To go out and to advocate for the City of Lima, for small businesses. This is why you should come here. This is what is good for our home and how we can make it the best.”
Bowker thanked the City of Lima for supporting the small businesses in the area.
“I applaud the mayor for creating this position and filling it with someone and taking an active interest in small business,” said Bowker. “There needs to be that interest at the city and county level as well. Not just the non-profits that are member-based and member-driven. We need that involvement from the city and the county if we are going to grow together.”
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
