SANDUSKY, OHIO, May 4, 2022 --- Shores & Islands Ohio, the tourism marketing organization for Erie and Ottawa counties, is proud to announce the inaugural awards in the organization’s new Destination Development Grant Program launched earlier this year. The grant program is a major component of Shores & Islands’ new strategic plan that 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 year’s total award investment for 29 Erie County-based recipients is $441,465, with each recipient contributing an equal or greater amount to their project as the grant provides.
A similar program for Ottawa County is in development now.

The Erie County recipients represent a variety of projects in Bay View, Huron, Kelleys Island, Milan, Sandusky, and Vermilion. Receiving grants are: Bait House Brewery - expansion; Captain Montagues - restoration; Crystal Rock Campground – infrastructure improvements; Cedar Motel – signage; Charles Herndon Gallery – increase accessibility; City of Huron – public fish cleaning station; Cold Water & Company – new business development; Crooked Tree Winery – expansion; Greater Sandusky Partnership - marketing/programming; Firelands Adventure Tours – new business development; Firelands Symphony – marketing support; Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce – signage; Lake Erie Adventure Company – expansion/programming; Mainstreet Vermilion - DORA establishment; Maritime Museum of Sandusky – increase accessibility; Mesenburg’s – restoration; Old Vermilion Jail & Library – restoration; Paddle & Climb – expansion/public art; Public Art Vermilion – public art; Romp’s Water Port – signage; Sandusky Food Hall – new business development; Sandusky/Milan RV Park – infrastructure improvements; Shore Thing Vermilion – visitor/resident amenities; The Lot (food truck park) – new business development; Vermilion Chamber Foundation - public art; Vermilion Marina – infrastructure; Village Peddler – infrastructure; Village Pump – community signage; and White Dog B&B  - restoration.

“We are excited to be able to offer this support to such a large number of projects across Erie County”, said Amanda Smith Rasnick, Shores & Islands’ Destination Development Director. “We look forward to watching these projects come to life and seeing the benefit to their operations, their communities, and the 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

Media Contact:

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