Top 10 Reasons We Are Different Than Other Coffee Guys

June 11, 2010 by Jennifer Brogee

10. Independent. We are independently owned, not associated with a chain, so no one in a corporate office is making decisions on our suppliers, our marketing, our menu, or our mission.

9. Local. We buy our supplies as local as we can. From local farmers, to Walnut Creek in Amish Country, to our regional roaster, we support other local businesses, jobs and the economy.

8. Quality. Our coffee is the highest quality from farmers around the world. The beans are air roasted in small batches versus drum-roasted and delivered to you within days of roasting!

7. Variety. You can create an infinite variety of delicious drinks from our quality ingredients – KaffeeScape espresso, Ghiradelli chocolate, Stirling flavored syrups, ice cream, milk, and frozen yogurt. Your imagination is the limit!

6. Community. We care about the community. We are downtown to help be a part of downtown revitalization. We are members of Downtown Lima, Inc, the Heart of Lima Neighborhood Association, and the Lima Chamber of Commerce.

5. Green. We buy Fair Trade/ Organic coffee, we use smoothie cups made from corn, we serve dine-in food on actual plates, we try to reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible.

4. Art. We care about starving artists and struggling musicians. With our Open Mike Night, monthly art exhibits, and Saturday night concerts, we offer an avenue for artists to share their talents with the world.

3. Homemade. Our sandwiches, salads, desserts, and soups are all fresh and made to order. We bake our own breads and baked goods using quality ingredients and no preservatives!

2. Lima. We are Lima owned and operated. We invest back into Lima. We live in Lima. And there aren’t any stockholders on the other side of the world we have to try to make happy!

1. People. We have awesome, friendly, customer-oriented employees who want you to come back to The Meeting Place on Market again and again. “Sometimes I want to go where everybody knows my name. And they’re always glad I came.”

These 10 differences add up to a unique, welcoming place where you can enjoy coffee, smoothies, food, and fun. Come on in and let us know what you think!

Posted in Meeting Place news, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Some Great Deals for Shopping & Dining in Downtown Lima

June 7, 2010 by Jennifer Brogee

See below for some great deals for shopping and dining in downtown Lima, Ohio! Download the Downtown Lima Coupon Flyer June – August 2010

Included in the flyer are the following valuable coupons – perfect for an afternoon shopping in downtown Lima:

Nitza’s

Women’s clothing shoppe

Half Off All Jewelry!

300 N. Main Street, Lima, Ohio
419‐227‐3877

www.nitzasinlima.com

The Meeting Place on Market

Gourmet coffee house & cafe

Buy 1 Smoothie, Get 1 Half Off!

220 W. Market Street, Lima, Ohio
419‐222‐0985

www.meetingplaceonmarket.com

Sal’s Philly Steaks

Authentic Philly diner

10% Off Your Order!

312 N. Main Street, Lima, Ohio
419‐225‐7408

www.salsphillysteaks.com

Alter Ego Comics

Comic book & collectable store

25% off any regular priced

graphic novel

230 N. Main Street, Lima, Ohio

419‐224‐6700

www.alteregocomics.com

Premier Decorating

Party decorating store

$5 Off Any $50 Purchase!

116 N. West Street, Lima, Ohio
567‐712‐2030

www.premierdecoratingks.com

Natural Vibez Boutique

Jewelry and fashion shoppe

Free Hair Flower with any Women’s Clothing Purchase!

106 E. Market Street, Lima, Ohio

419‐221‐1692

www.naturalvibez.net

Hofeller, Hiatt & Clark

Fine men’s clothing store

Semi-Annual Sale July 15 – Aug 31st

20-50% Off Everything!

237 N. Main St., Lima, Ohio

419‐228‐5621

www.hofellerhiattclark.com

David’s Finery

Gift Shoppe next to Kewpee downtown

10% Off Your Purchase!

115 N. Elizabeth Street, Lima, Ohio

419‐222‐7089

www.davidsfinery.com

Download the Downtown Lima Coupon Flyer June – August 2010

Posted in Community News, Experiencing Lima, Ohio | Leave a Comment »

Local Music Feature: Singer & Songwriter Leah J

May 29, 2010 by Jennifer Brogee

We will be featuring a local musician or artist on our blog as often as we can! Below is our first interview with Leah J, Singer & Songwriter from Ohio who has performed at The Meeting Place on Market a time or two.

Q: Why did you start performing?
A: “I started performing in church when I was very young for special music or Christmas plays. When I was 12 I began writing songs after being inspired by two recording artists, Michael W. Smith and Rich Mullins. That gave me original material to sing and play at summer camp talent shows and school concerts. By the time I was 15, I was playing for local organizations like Kiwanis Club, weddings, and Christmas parties. I knew by then I was going to major in Music at college and make music part of my career.”

Q: What is your inspiration?
A: “I draw inspiration from my faith in Jesus, from the Bible, from relationships; musically, I’m influenced by artists like Rich Mullins, Michael W. Smith, Sara Groves, Minnie Driver, and Fiona Apple.”

Q: Where would you like to be in 5 years with your music?
A: “I can see myself 5 years from now still playing churches, coffee houses, camps, retreats; all of the things I do now. I intend to record another two records within the next 5 years. The first will be a cycle of songs inspired by the church calendar from Advent to Pentecost; the second will be an album of original Christian pop music written out of my experience as a missionary to Florida and the Dominican Republic; some English and a little Spanish, hopefully a bit of Latin music flare and BossaNova!”

More information about Leah J is found online at: www.leahjsongs.com. She’s also on Facebook (www.facebook.com/leahjsongs), MySpace (www.myspace.com/leahjsongs), and ReverbNation (www.reverbnation.com/leahjsongs).

The Meeting Place on Market hosts concerts by local musicians and bands, as well as local art exhibits. If you are interested in performing at The Meeting Place on Market, fill out our Request Form. For a schedule of events, see our Event Calendar.

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Ashley Renee Kennedy Art Exhibit Opens May 28th

May 27, 2010 by Jennifer Brogee

Come out and see Ashley Kennedy’s artwork at The Meeting Place on Market from May 28 through July 1st.

Artist statement:
“We all know that Art is not truth. Art is a lie that makes us realize truth, at least the truth that is given us to understand. The artist must know the manner whereby to convince others of the truthfulness of his lies.” ~Pablo Picasso

“My name is Ashley R. Kennedy. I am a studio artist entering into my senior year at the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne IN. It has been, is, and will always be my passion to create art as well as reveal the unbridled truth to those who need to see it.
Art is for everyone. Every person deserves to be moved and impassioned. Everybody should feel a connection. Art can create empowerment and enlightment and everyone can appreciate that. Like I said art is for everyone.”

“The pieces here examine the capabilities of humanity in mainly two different ways. The first are the graphite pieces. They examine the individual and the secret that they own in a nonjudgmental manner. I believe that everyone has secrets. They are neither good nor bad, but part of what makes us human. This has been displayed here as you, the viewer, are secretly privileged to peer into their vulnerable secrets and simply observe and attempt to not pass judgment. Both the capabilities of human actions and reactions have been reflected upon as we witness what we are capable and incapable of doing. Can you see them in a nonjudgmental manner or is your judgment of them your secret?
The other set is a reflection upon the capability of humanity in reference to destruction. It shows the beautiful things we can destroy because we are either too ignorant to think we have caused any damage or we think we can make it better. Either way the destruction is sadly not recognized until it is too late. We are then left reminiscing and wishing for yester years. In a way these pieces simply want everyone to realize the beauty that which is present and to take ownership for what we have done as well as take action to save what is present for the future. I hope you all can feel a need for hope and change upon lite reflection.”

“I would like to thank all of those who have helped me along the way. Specifically my family and fiancé, Danny. You are all my soundboard for ideas and I value you honest responses. Thank you to all of my art educators. You have all played a role somewhere along the way in my development as an artist. Thank you to all of those at The Meeting Place on Market for allowing me to host this show. If artists are never given the chance to show their work they will never have a beginning. Thank you for being a part of my beginning. Thank you for all those who have always supported me. Support is vital, especially in a career such as mine. Thank you and enjoy the artwork. Forward any question to areneek@yahoo.com and I will be more than happy to answer.”

The art exhibit is free and open to the public at The Meeting Place on Market, 220 West Market Street, downtown Lima, Ohio.

Posted in Art Exhibits, Community News, Concerts & Events, Ohio, Press Releases | Leave a Comment »

Want to give a concert at The Meeting Place?

May 13, 2010 by Jennifer Brogee

Want to give a concert at The Meeting Place? It’s a great way to try out some new tunes, bring people together, or have a benefit concert for a great cause! To apply, go to: http://www.kaffeescape.com/market_site/events/tellus.asp?Type=Music_Performance

Posted in Community News, Concerts & Events, Meeting Place news, Ohio, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Meet Chastity Butterfield – Winner of our Green Tie Affair Drawing

May 12, 2010 by Jennifer Brogee

Congratulations to Chastity Butterfield, who won a free breakfast and gourmet coffee service for up to 10 people from The Meeting Place on Market! She entered our drawing at this year’s annual Green Tie Affair, put on by the Lima Young Professionals (Lima YP). We asked a few questions of Chastity since we thought you’d all like to know her too:

Q: Please describe the company you work for, Thin & Healthy Total Solutions:

A: “We are Total Solution and we exist to teach people how to lose weight and keep it off forever through Healthy Foods Education, Metabolism Retraining and Life Success. As well as doing this in Lima, we teach other club owners our systems and have over 60 locations operating around the world.”

“We are also Fitness Solution which is working to reverse the Obesity Epidemic sweeping the nation. We are on a mission to improve health, fitness and quality of life by offering Lima a fun, safe atmosphere to get physical activity, 24 hours a day 7 days a week with a staff that’s caring, supportive and knowledgeable.”

Q: What is your role in the organization?

A: “I am a yoga instructor, editor, project manager, technical support and I even work the front desk one day a week. I wear a lot of hats!”

Q: What do you love about being involved with the Lima YPs?

A: “As someone who wants to make a positive impact in Lima, I recognize the Young Professionals as the go-to organization for opportunities to learn about business, grow my social and professional networks, and help improve my community.”

Thanks Chastity for answering our questions – and congrats on winning the drawing!

Posted in Meeting Place news, Ohio | Tagged Breakfast, Chastity Butterfield, coffee service, Green Tie Affair, Lima YP, Thin & Healthy Total Solutions | 1 Comment »

May Art Exhibit Features The Meeting Place on Market Staff

May 7, 2010 by Jennifer Brogee

Our art exhibit in May features the artwork and photography of some of our Meeting Place staff! Featured artists include:

Elaine McCormack – “I’ve been drawing since I was twelve years old. Over the years, pen and ink, calligraphy and a short stint as an artists at a Hobby Company not only honed by skills, but fueled my desire to broaden my ability to express myself in different media and styles. My first oil was commissioned by a friend who wanted a copy of an original expensive work she liked. More requests followed and I found that by copying other artists, I’m learning to mix colors and find my own style. I’m what I consider a work in progress.”

Ben Collins present’s his sister’s pictures that were inspired from his own photography.

Stephanie Turner – “I’ve always loved painting and taking pictures from a very young age, but my passion is sunrise and sunset photographs. I can never look at one and think it looks the same they are all unique and inspiring. When asked how I could take so many pictures of the same sunset, I reply ‘they aren’t the same, they are all different.’”

Chelsea Ogle – “I took graphic design and photography classes in school, and just kind of fell in love with photography after that.”

The art exhibit is free and open to the public. At The Meeting Place on Market in downtown Lima, Ohio.

Hours: Monday – Thursday 7:30 am – 7 pm
Friday 7:30 am – 10 pm
Saturday 9 am – 10 pm

Posted in Community News, Concerts & Events, Meeting Place news, Ohio, Press Releases | Leave a Comment »

Small Business Seminar Series – April 15th

April 13, 2010 by Jennifer Brogee

Small Business Seminar Series

Basics of Building a Business Plan

REGISTER TODAY!!
Stuggling to develop a solid business plan for your company, or looking to update an existing plan, but need some guidance?

The Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with LACCA, the Small Business Development Center and the Walter C. Potts Entrepreneur Center is hosting a seminar on the Basics of Building a Business Plan.

April 15, 2010
8-10am
$10 in advance/$15 at the door
The Meeting Place on Market – Meeting Room

You’ll leave this dynamic, interactive, hands-on seminar with an outline and sample business plan to get you started!

Click here for a downloadable flyer
or
to check out a brochure outlining our 3 part series

Save-the-Date, Future Seminar Dates:
July 15, 2010: Incorporating a Marketing Plan in your Business
October 14, 2010: Financial Planning

Posted in Community News, Concerts & Events, Ohio, Press Releases | Tagged Lima/ Allen County Chamber | Leave a Comment »

The Meeting Place Gets an Extreme Makeover!

April 7, 2010 by Jennifer Brogee

One evening in March, the employees of The Meeting Place on Market were chatting. They had some ideas to make the coffee shop better. They wanted to give it an Extreme Makeover.

The employees starting moving around the furniture. You see, they knew that owner #1 and owner #2 were out of state for the weekend. They knew that owner #3 was working his second job. They knew that owner #4 was home with her three little kids, and probably wouldn’t be in that night. So they thought they could re-arrange everything – just for the night – and put it back before any of the owners stopped by. Well, owner #4 decided to drag her kids in for a smoothie. Surprise!

But owner #4 thought some of the changes were good. So, they all brainstormed together and came up with some even wilder ideas that involved a drill, some hardware, brawn and some paint. The employees volunteered to show up bright & early on a Sunday morning to implement the changes. And so they did! In a few short hours, they moved the booths out of the pub and against the Meeting Room wall. They moved the large tables into the pub to create a kind of meeting space. They moved the couch and book shelves into the front “Family Room” to create a comfortable hanging out space. And they put the coffee shelves up onto the Terrace.

Together we re-painted the pub (ok, so I’m owner #4 – owners #1 & 2 helped too), organized the tables, re-arranged the current artist’s artwork, and added some shelving for our bakery items. By 6 pm on Sunday, we were done! Below are photos of the makeover.

Thank you to Stephanie, Brandon, Eric, and Brandi who designed and implemented the makeover! We love it!