BUSINESS & INDUSTRY AWARDS
The OCIC’s Business & Industry Awards event recognizes outstanding companies and individuals that have
demonstrated success in business and have contributed to the growth and vitality of Ottawa County.
2023 Business & Industry Award Recipients
Awards are presented in five categories:
Entrepreneur of the Year
INNOVATION. PASSION. CREATIVITY.
Recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit of an emerging small business owner that embraces innovation and development of new products and/or services in order to become a viable, competitive business.
Economic Development Partner of the Year
INVESTMENT. COMMITMENT. GROWTH.
Recognizes the efforts of a business/individual for their contribution to the economic development profession including workforce investment, redevelopment strategies and creating a positive change/outlook within the community.
Bill Mack Business Leader
COMMUNITY. DEDICATION. SUPPORT.
In memory of local businessman and community leader, Bill Mack, this award recognizes an individual business leader for their dedication to the improvement and support of their community, their business, and the overall well-being of Ottawa County.
William “Bill” Mack co-owned and operated Lake Erie Sports (currently the location of Lily and Gerts) in downtown Port Clinton, along with his brother-in-law. Bill and Fannie, his wife, also operated the Ice Cream Place (currently the location of Coffee Express) until his retirement in 1992. He was a U.S. Marine serving in the Pacific Theater during World War 11 and then in the Korean Conflict.
Bill was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and a member of their choir for 47 years. He was also a member of the Port Clinton American Legion Post 113, VFW Homer D. Gardner Post 2480, Moose Lodge 1610, Kiwanis Club of Port Clinton, Port Clinton Elks Lodge No. 1718. Bill volunteered for the American Red Cross, the World Wide Shop and the Ottawa County Improvement Corporation. He was heavily involved in Port Clinton athletic programs and was inducted into the Port Clinton High School Hall of Fame in 1997. He was very active in the Kiwanis Club of Port Clinton youth basketball program.
Bill passed away on July 1, 2001 at the age of 78. The Bill Mack Business Leader award was first awarded in 2003. It is presented in his memory to recognize an individual business leader for their dedication to the improvement and support of their community, their business and overall well-being of Ottawa County.
