The Purpose of the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center of Lima/Allen County is to commemorate the services of all members and veterans of the armed forces of the United States. As a county agency, the VMCCC also serves as Allen County’s convention facility and center for performing arts, for community, civic and patriotic purposes. The VMCCC is governed by an 11-member Board of Trustees, appointed by the Allen County Commissioners under Ohio Revised Code 345.

The VMCCC is the principal example for Allen County when capacity and capability of hundreds of dedicated, civic-minded and action-oriented private citizens came together over the course of a decade, from the early 1970s to 1984. These individuals—the Silent Giants and Big Thinkers—illustrate the ability to dream and subsequently construct what has become a primary asset to quality of life and economic development. The Civic Center, over 25 years, has had many successes. The nationally renowned performers, speakers, dance companies, and political figures have used the Civic Center as their home for the region’s needs—Doc Severinson, Air Supply, Roberta Flack, Presidents, Senators, Congressman, New York City Firefighters—heroes of 9/11/2001, Phyllis Diller, Milli Vanilli, Jerry Seinfeld, Larry the Cable Guy, General Norman Schwarzkopf, Joe Henderson, Hugh Downs, Lipizzaner Stallions, Odetta—known as the voice of the Civil Rights Movement, the circus, cage fighting---the list goes on and on. Residents of 27 states visited the Civic Center in 2008 alone. The Civic Center has been called a jewel in the community, a remarkable advantage for this size of community.