SANDUSKY SEGWAVE RECOGNIZED AS 
LAKE ERIE SHORES & ISLANDS PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Kim Bartish Wins SHORE Award


SANDUSKY, OHIO, May 2, 2019 --- Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands, the destination marketing organization for Erie and Ottawa counties, held its annual state of tourism address earlier this month at the Catawba Island Club. During the event, attended by tourism partners, government officials, and special guests, 2018 travel and tourism statistics and marketing highlights were shared by Lake Erie Shores & Islands President, Larry Fletcher. Special guest speaker for the evening was Mary Mertz, newly-appointed Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Mertz spoke about upcoming ODNR initiatives and her dedication to the Shores & Islands region and promoting natural resources in and around Lake Erie. Lake Erie Shores & Islands annual tourism industry awards were also presented.

Organizational highlights from 2018 can be found online at SHORESandISLANDS.com/media/research. A highlight video was also shown at the event and can be viewed on the Lake Erie Shores & Islands YouTube channel.

Sandusky Segwave, and its owners Jim and Dick Ervin Ries, were awarded the organization’s Partner of the Year award. The Partner of the Year award is given to a tourism business or organization that makes an outstanding contribution, through partnership and collaboration, to develop, build, and enhance the tourism profile of Lake Erie Shores & Islands.  This award is presented to a partner that truly embraces the Lake Erie Shores & Islands as a destination and brand.

The SHORE award, which stands for Superior Hospitality Recognition award, allows Lake Erie Shores & Islands partners to nominate an individual in the tourism industry who demonstrates the true spirit of hospitality, customer satisfaction, and commitment to service to the people of our community and our guests.  This individual goes beyond the typical job description to enhance the guest's experience, which contributes to the overall destination success of Lake Erie Shores & Islands. 

A total of 12 nominations were received and four finalists were recognized at the event. Finalists were Kim Bartish, General Manager at Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Port Clinton; Ty Winchester, Owner of Pasquale’s restaurant, Put-in-Bay; Jason Guerard, from Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Oak Harbor; and Ray Parker, from Historic Lyme Village, Bellevue.

The winner of the 2018 SHORE Award was Kim Bartish, General Manager at Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Port Clinton. Ms. Bartish received several nominations from community members. Dawn Weinhardt, Vice President of Operations at Lake Erie Shores & Islands, presented the awards. 

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ABOUT SHORES & ISLANDS OHIO

Shores & Islands Ohio is the Midwest’s favorite getaway. This coastal destination boasts 152 miles of Lake Erie shoreline, the best fishing on the Great Lakes, welcoming communities, rich history, a wine trail, and an abundance of family-friendly attractions. World-famous Cedar Point Amusement Park calls it home, along with Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, other indoor and outdoor water parks, animal parks, sports venues, and more. Visitors enjoy ferries and cruises to Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass, and Kelleys Island. One of the country’s best areas for spring and fall bird migration, the area is overflowing with natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation. More at SHORESandISLANDS.com

Media Contact:

Jill Bauer, Public Relations Manager
Shores & Islands Ohio
Phone: 419.625.9495
Email: jill@shoresandislands.com