LIMA, OH (WLIO) - After four years of planning and work, the Lima community got to see the finished product of Spring and Main. 

Finally, tonight we highlight the finalists for a new recognition at the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce's Small Business of the Year Gala. It's the Above and Beyond Award, sponsored by Tomorrow's Technology Today.

The conference room was packed as sponsors for the seven awards revealed the top three finalists. The chamber says it is important to recognize those in the business community who have gone above and beyond to keep small businesses alive in the Lima-Allen County region.

John Heaphy was honored Tuesday afternoon at the Veterans Food Pantry by gifting him with a plaque. Heaphy has been leasing his property out to the Veterans Food Pantry for a dollar a month since 2014. In addition, he created the Happy Daz Charities that support the operations by providing funding for utilities, insurance, and food purchases for the pantry. There are also events they hold throughout the year as fundraisers to provide funds for this essential service, that he is proud to help out.

Allen County commissioners entering into an enterprise zone agreement with Beer Barrel Incorporated. It approves a 10-year, 50-percent tax abatement for the land and building. The new construction will be 11,000 square feet, located at 2755 Harding Highway near the Allen County Fairgrounds. The project is a $3 and a half million dollar investment in the community, creating 25 new full time positions and 55 part-time.

Barbershops, salons and spas can open back up come May 15. For bars and restaurants they can open outdoor seating on May 15, as well. They can open inside dining on May 21. Business owners reaction to the news are as you would expect; happiness.

Among the latest mandates to limit the spread of COVID-19, bars and restaurants have stopped most of their operations. Our Eran Hami spoke wit…