The weekend after Thanksgiving is one of the busiest shopping times of the year, and local small businesses are hoping residents will think of them this holiday season and beyond.

Tim Fitzpatrick, Business & Work Development Lead for AEDG, said, “We have really good relationships with a lot of the companies around the Allen County area. We like to keep those relationships pretty positive, so that we're able to visit with them regularly and find out what is going on to support their needs.”

The Allen Economic Development Group hosted a community meeting to gather public insight on the region’s economy as part of its efforts to develop a regional plan.

“He hears people ask, ‘Why Lima?’ when it comes to starting or growing a business,” Justin said. “And he replies, ‘Why not Lima?’” He says the community has been good to both his family and the company, and he encourages others to take a chance on the region.

This evening, the Delphos Area Chamber of Commerce and Lehmann’s Furniture held an open house to showcase the newly developed Lehmann’s Plaza to the public.