Tourism Organization Acknowledges Milestones, Shares Accomplishments, Recognizes Industry Partners

SHORES & ISLANDS OHIO, May 1, 2026 --- Shores & Islands Ohio (SAIO), the destination marketing organization for Erie and Ottawa counties, held its annual meeting on Wednesday, April 29, at Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron. This meeting was a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the SAIO partnership between the Erie and Ottawa County Visitors Bureaus and the resulting collaborative spirit of regional marketing. Nearly  300 in attendance enjoyed a reflective presentation featuring multiple guest speakers, followed by a reception.

The presentations opened with a welcome from SAIO President Larry Fletcher, who recognized elected officials, board and committee members, and Shores & Islands Ohio staff members. He also acknowledged a “legacy team” of those board, committee and staff members who were part of establishing the SAIO brand and partnership we know today. This was followed by a brief history of how the regional marketing efforts progressed over the past 20 years and the resulting growth in the destination’s tourism economy.    

Members of the SAIO staff team then presented the organization’s main accomplishments in 2025 via a multi-media presentation. This portion of the program featured a nod to this year’s America 250 celebration as well as a look at the past, present, and future of the region as viewed by a group of individuals who have been part of it going back to before the SAIO organization was developed: Dawn Weinhardt of S&IO, George Ruta of Ruta Hotels, Lee Alexakos of Greater Sandusky Partnership and formerly of Cedar Point, Steve Schuster of Sandusky Bay Pancake House, Nicole DeFreitas of Keller Williams Citywide, and John Tibbels of Tibbels Marina and Fishing Charters.

The program also featured a discussion between  SAIO President, Larry Fletcher, and Greater Sandusky Partnership (GSP) CEO, Eric Wobser, about how a formal alignment between the two organizations is being developed to build on the strength that has come from two decades of regional collaboration. It was noted that GSP’s experience consolidating and scaling organizations including ECEDC, the Erie County and Huron Chambers of Commerce, and the Erie County Port Authority, along with the inherent connection between tourism and economic development, makes this a logical next step in the evolution of the region’s destination marketing organization.

The annual meeting also featured the organization’s annual hospitality award presentations, recognizing individuals and businesses for their exceptional effort, collaboration, and customer service to visitors.
Each winner received a locally made map of the Shores & Islands region that commemorates their awards and proclamations from Governor DeWine’s and Senator Jon Husted’s offices. A proclamation from Governor DeWine was also presented to SAIO recognizing the 20th Anniversary of the two-county partnership. 

The SHORE Award, standing for Superior Hospitality Recognition, was awarded to two outstanding people. 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 2026 SHORE Awards were presented to Janie Ahner and Mimi Chicotel.

Janie Ahner is the proprietor of Sandusky Book Bar. Her nomination stated that Janie continually transforms the visitor experience in our region through dedication, creativity and a genuine passion for the community. She has created more than just a business, providing positive visitor experiences, supporting local businesses, representing the region, and building community connections. She partners with local artists, content creators, florists, bakers and more. Visitors and locals alike are drawn to Sandusky Book Bar to enjoy a wide range of activities including pop-up shops, line dancing, crafting, skill classes, and trivia nights.

A second SHORE Award was given to Mimi Chicotel, co-owner and operator of The Emporium at West Market Street. Mimi’s nomination noted her dedication to the Shores & Islands Ohio region is evident in everything she does… she invests more than money into this community — she invests her time, energy and spirit to help make “Lake Erie Love” something that guests can truly feel. As a small business owner, Mimi has integrated herself into the community by service, participating in several event and organizational boards, donating to various charities and causes, and advocating for those who need a voice.

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 The Emporium at West Market Street.

Owners Mimi and Alan Chicotel have transformed the historic building that once housed the Sandusky Register—along with two earlier local newspapers—into a vibrant center of activity that helps anchor the west side of downtown. At the same time, they have ensured the Register’s staff continue working in the place that has long delivered the community’s news. The Emporium, the performance stage, the grab-and-go market, Cathedral Collective, and the Ballroom all showcase the couple’s vision and creativity.

Shores & Islands Ohio would like to  thank all who attended the event as well as the many partners who provided support including Sawmill Creek by Cedar Point Resorts, Great Lakes Audio Visual, Joey Cassel/New Departure Films, Trabel’s Bagels and Bakery, Cupcake Crazy, Sweet Bakes by the Lake, and ReSailor of Huron, a company that produces custom-made bags from recycled sail cloth.

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Photos courtesy of Shores & Islands Ohio: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/pvysb6wqc3h9uo0kaiy6j/AOH3TAvgke0IcS3NytjQJmw?rlkey=idpwkpgsbkxert73cw8c67exh&st=i8jd81ss&dl=0 

Shores & Islands Ohio 2025 Annual Report: https://www.shoresandislands.com/about-us/2025-annual-report/