Stratton moves to GLR; Leis leads AEDG

LIMA — Two economic development professionals took on new roles this week, with the goal of working “collaboratively toward shared goals of supporting economic, business and community development in Allen County and the surrounding region,” according to a press release.

Dave Stratton, the former president and CEO of Allen Economic Development Group, took on the role of president of Greater Lima Region Inc. Cindy Leis, the director of business development for AEDG and the director of the Port Authority of Allen County, stepped into Stratton’s former role as president and CEO of AEDG.

“I think it connects a lot of the dots all the way through the process,” Phil Buell, president of GLR’s board, said Tuesday.

Both organizations’ boards recently approved the transitions, which took effect Monday, according to a press release.

Stratton led AEDG since 2019. He replaces Doug Olsson, who retired July 5 from GLR.

“Dave’s really got lifelong relationships there, so that definitely helps,” Buell said. “He’s going to be able to identify what these businesses probably need maybe a little bit easier. He’s going to know from the AEDG side what they can do from their point to support them.”

In his role with GLR, Stratton will be in charge of fundraising for economic development. The private GLR provides 52% of the funding for operations for the public-private AEDG, with the remaining 48% coming from Allen County, the City of Lima and townships.

In recent years, GLR moved into the housing market, investing in projects to improve the housing stock, including a project in Census Tract 129, just north of Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center.

Buell said GLR will also take a more active role in marketing and workforce development, including taking over the annual MakerFest event in Lima.

“I see the Greater Lima Region as a significant economic development organization that will support the work of the Allen Economic Development Group,” Stratton said in a press release. “It is a privilege to lead such an impactful organization as the GLR.”

Stratton earned his bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University and his master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. He first joined AEDG in 2015.

Leis joined AEDG in October 2015, serving as a project manager. She served as director of business development for the past six and a half years. She previously worked in economic and community development for Van Wert County OSU Extension for nearly three years.

She’ll focus on infrastructure, site preparedness, attraction of new business, supporting existing businesses and job creation in Allen County. She noted the importance of vibrant downtowns in Lima, Delphos and Spencerville, which all have strong industrial bases, along with improved housing and marketing the region better.

“We’ve responded to what our businesses are asking us to do,” Leis said. “With collaborations with Dave and the Greater Lima Region, and what Dave uncovered through his work at AEDG, it will help us not only grow Lima and Allen County businesses but these communities.”

Leis earned her bachelor’s degree from Bluffton University in business management and a master’s of business administration degree from Tiffin University.

“Cindy Leis is one of the most qualified, focused and visionary professionals in economic development that is known,” Stratton said in a press release. “With her leadership, AEDG will thrive even more than it does presently, and she and the AEDG team will work collaboratively with the GLR to bring success to Lima/Allen County.”

Reach David Trinko at 567-242-0467 or on Twitter @Lima_Trinko.