Tourism Organization Shares Accomplishments, Recognizes Industry Partners
SHORES & ISLANDS OHIO, April 30, 2025 --- Shores & Islands Ohio, the destination marketing organization for Erie and Ottawa counties, held its annual meeting on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at the Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton. More than 200 in attendance enjoyed a dynamic and interactive presentation, featuring multiple guest speakers, followed by a reception.
The presentations opened with a welcome from Liberty Aviation Museum’s Jody Brausch, President of the Ford Tri-motor Heritage Foundation.
Next, Shores & Islands Ohio President Larry Fletcher recognized elected officials, board and committee members, and Shores & Islands Ohio staff members in attendance. He also acknowledged the late Dr. Harold Brown, a former Lt. Colonel and member of the acclaimed Tuskegee Airman. Lt. Colonel Brown lived in Port Clinton for many years and is honored in a special exhibit area at the museum.
Members of the Shores & Islands Ohio staff team then presented the organization’s main accomplishments in 2024 and marketing initiatives for 2025 via a multi-media presentation. Larry returned to provide a look at some of the many new experiences in our area available to visitors and residents that have come online recently or will soon.
The annual meeting also featured the organization’s annual hospitality award presentations, recognizing both a business and an individual for their exceptional effort, collaboration, and customer service to visitors throughout the past year.
The Extraordinary Destination Enhancement Award is awarded to a local tourism business or organization that makes an outstanding contribution, through partnership and collaboration, to develop, build, and enhance the Shores & Islands Ohio region. It is presented to a partner that truly embraces Shores & Islands Ohio as a destination and brand. The Extraordinary Destination Enhancement Award was presented to African Safari Wildlife Park.
African Safari Wildlife Park has been a fixture in the Shores & Islands Ohio region since 1969. African Safari is the Midwest’s oldest drive-through safari park and regularly draws in guests from up to 200 miles away. Each season over 150,000 visitors drive through their gates.
Throughout the years, the park has evolved. Currently, when guests arrive, they can visit more than 500 animals of over 40 species. In an effort to strive for continuous improvements and modernization, African Safari Wildlife Park applied and received funds through the 2024 Destination Development Grant Program. The project included better lighting, more security, updated signage, and native plant landscaping; all to update the overall improved curb appeal.
The team at African Safari supports Shores & Islands by being a committed partner and a steward to encourage overnights and visits to other local attractions. In fact, they have installed signage directing folks to visit the Shores & Islands website and welcome center.
Finally, the SHORE Awards, standing for Superior Hospitality Recognition, were awarded. This award allows Shores & Islands Ohio business partners to nominate an individual in the tourism industry who demonstrates the true spirit of hospitality, customer satisfaction, and commitment to service. The nominees go beyond their standard job description to enhance the guest experience, contributing to the overall destination success.
The 2025 SHORE Awards were presented to Steven Schuster and Kippie Loughlin.
Steven Schuster is the proprietor of Sandusky Bay Pancake House. At the heart of their mission is the mantra “Eat, Drink, Think…Local.” He proudly collaborates with over 15 local businesses with each relationship built on respect and community values. Sandusky Bay Pancake House employees are encouraged to show their support for local partners by wearing their gear to work. Guests can see team members proudly wearing Toft’s, Bubbarock, and Lake Erie Love shirts, among others.
Steven also leads with a purpose when it comes to giving back. A portion of every American Flag Waffle sold is donated to the Ohio Veterans Fund. He also contributes to Give the Kids the World Village through donations from every Rainbow Pancake purchase. Jamie Barron, Marketing Director for Sandusky Bay Pancake House said on his nomination form, “His commitment extends to his team, offering benefits rarely seen in the restaurant industry…ensuring staff feels supported, valued, and set up for success both on and off the clock.”
Steven’s commitment to customer satisfaction shines through Google Reviews, supported by over 3,000 5-star reviews. And, with over 30,000 engaged social media followers, Sandusky Bay Pancake House’s social media presence thrives on the energy of our community. Congratulations to Steve!
A second SHORE Award was given to Kippie Loughlin, Digital Media, Marketing & Information Technology Coordinator with Erie Metroparks and President of Sandusky Bay Cycles. Melissa Price, Executive Director for Erie Metro Parks says Kippie, “has a love and passion for this community that is displayed in everything he does. In his role at Erie MetroParks, he promotes our beautiful natural spaces and free educational programs, inviting the masses to explore the great outdoors. He sits on several local boards and committees including the City of Sandusky Tree Commission, Erie County’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and the Creating Healthy Communities Committee.”
Kippie started the non-profit organization, Sandusky Bay Cycles in 2020 to help promote bike safety and keep the streets of Sandusky safer. He wants to give everyone the opportunity to own bikes, bells, lights, and helmets. He wants to educate our community in all things bike-related including bike maintenance, bicycle education and safety. One goal of Sandusky Bay Cycles is to keep good bikes out of the landfill and to recycle poorly built or unsafe bikes. The group also refurbishes and donates bicycles for a wide variety of charities and programs for those in need. During the summer, Sandusky Bay Cycles coordinates Happy Thursday bike rides, where community members ride through the town spreading happiness and joy. Congratulations to Kippie!
Shores & Islands Ohio would like to congratulate all of our award winners and thank Great Lakes Audio Visual for providing sound and technical services and Liberty Aviation Museum for hosting.
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Photos courtesy of Shores & Islands Ohio: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/qwrow5fy5kdnq4mifwkbh/AMYfY-bAevyLEjUgNYpWey0?rlkey=x5bqogwfya3b0jhbyj8l7f4fj&st=6ar8bsww&dl=0
