SHORES & ISLAND OHIO, June 15, 2023 --- Shores & Islands Ohio, the tourism marketing organization for Erie and Ottawa counties, is proud to announce the second year of awards in the organization’s Destination Development Grant Program, launched in 2022. The grant program is a major component of Shores & Islands Ohio’s strategic plan, which focuses not only on promoting the region as a visitor destination, but also on supporting efforts to enhance it for visitors and therefore, residents alike.

A committee evaluated all applications and determined recipients and award amounts based on a project’s ability to attract and engage visitors, serve regional tourism partners, and foster additional economic growth for their communities and the region. This round’s total award investment for 23 Ottawa County-based recipients is $100,000. For Erie County-based businesses, there were 28 recipients with a total investment of more than $360,000. In both counties each recipient is required to contribute an equal or greater amount to their project as the grant provides.

Grant recipients are planning a variety of projects with the awarded funds – aesthetic improvements; improvements in accessibility; creation of new tourism products, exhibits, and businesses; creation of signage; historical restoration and renovations; painting murals and other public art; and more.

Erie County grant recipients represent businesses and organizations in Berlin Heights, Huron, Kelleys Island, Milan, Sandusky, and Vermilion. They are: Beagle Bay Knotworks, Charles Herndon Gallery, Contenta Holdings, CRUSH Wine Bar, Erie & Anchor, Erie MetroParks, Everwild Spirits, Firelands Adventure Tours, Gathering Grounds, Great Circle Properties, Harbourtown Trading Co., JBRIV Properties, Kelley’s Island Wine Co., KJJS Holding LLC, Lake Erie Arms, Motel 6-Huron, North Coast Rockin’ Ranch, Plaz Vilka, Quarry Hill Orchards, Sandusky Education Foundation, House of Donuts, Sandusky Milan RV Park, Sandusky Power Squadron, Captain Montagues, Small City Taphouse, SolSTAY, SOS Wines, and Vermilion Rotary.

The Ottawa County recipients represent a variety of projects in Elmore, Genoa, Graytown, Marblehead, Port Clinton, and Put-in-Bay. Receiving Ottawa County grants are: 101 Things to Do at Put-in-Bay, Brown’s Dairy Dock, Put-in-Bay Township Parks District, Flourish Flat, Frosty Bar, The Gristmill, Hot Dogs to Go, Island House Condo Association, Kelli and Company, Lakeside Chautauqua Foundation, Main Street Marblehead, Marblehead Soap Co., Parks District of Ottawa County, PIB Cabins, PIB Watercraft, Pickle & Chips Field Trip, Red’s Summerhouse, Spa Catawba, The Forge, The Mockingbird on Mill Road, Tri-Motor Heritage Foundation, Village of Genoa, and Whimsy & Blue.

 “We are elated to once again be able to offer this support to such a large number of projects across the Shores & Islands Ohio region,” said Amanda Smith Rasnick, Shores & Islands Ohio Destination Development Director. “We look forward to seeing these projects through fruition and the benefits to their operations, their communities, and the entire region.”

For more information on this grant program or the Shores & Islands Conference & Event or Sponsorship grant programs, contact Destination Development Director Amanda Smith Rasnick at amanda@shoresandislands.com.  

 

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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