LIMA IS LIKE A CAN OF SPAM?????

"A LOT OF PEOPLE EAT IT. SOME EVEN LIKE IT, BUT NO ONE ADMITS IT OR BRAGS ABOUT IT".

Personally I like my spam fried and served on a wedge of cheese on a nice hoagie roll. Oh Irish Ham Sandwiches are the best and can be found in Cincinnati. But the thought posed here is that Spam is what people associate Lima with.

Northstar Brands is currently working on a project for the city of Lima that will help it identify itself and what they need to do to attract new residents, new business, etc. I personally am a huge supporter of the town doing this, its a step in the right direction.

A few of the results that came back explaining Lima:

TIDE: Well regarded and successful. Lima has a current presence and a vibrant history.

FORD: On hard times now but focused on making changes to improve quality and growth.

RODNEY DANGERFIELD: People often overlook the blue collar city for its ritzier neighbors such as Findlay and Fort Wayne.

BARACK OBAMA: Mostly white mixed with a bit of black with a seedy history and an uncertain future.

GEORGE BUSH: There has been no change and the city's reputation has declined.

The greatest assets in/about Lima:
1) HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
2) CIVIC CENTER
3) LOCATION
4) PARKS
5) PEOPLE

The reputation of Lima/Allen county to outsiders and residents:
1) CRIME RIDDEN/UNSAFE
2) DRUG RIDDEN
3) RETAIL HUB

Assets that make Lima a great place:
1) HARDWORKING WORK FORCE
2) HIGHER EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
3) NATURAL RESOURCES
4) AFFORDABILITY TO LIVE AND PLAY HERE

Challeneges that face the city and county:
1) LACK OF COLLEGE GRADUATES IN THE WORKFORCE
2) REPUTATION AS A UNION TOWN

Tourism strengths that help the county:
1) VENUES FOR MEETINGS/EVENT PLANNERS
2) LOCATION ON INTERSTATE 75 AND LINCOLN HIGHWAY

Greatest weekenesses in tourism:
1) PERCEPTION AS A SMALL TOWN WITH NO AMENITIES
2) PERCEPTION OF BEING AN UNSAFE PLACE

Take it as you will, but this is what people think of the place. Lots of good and lots of bad. But as a citizen of Lima and Allen County, I hope we all work together to make this a great city to live, work and play for generations to come.