The Ottawa County Improvement Corporation (OCIC) serves as the lead economic development agency by advancing, encouraging, and promoting the industrial, economic, commercial, and civic development of Ottawa County. Our vision is to become a recognized strategic resource for the Ottawa County business community, where OCIC engagement enhances private sector profitability, encourages capital investment and demonstrates job creation. OCIC does this through an integrated approach that includes Business Retention & Expansion, New Business Attraction, Workforce Development and Communications & Marketing.
MISSION STATEMENT
103
JOBS CREATED
OCIC’s Revolving Loan Fund portfolio supports small business investments of more than $2.55M, which have also created or retained full-time jobs.
358
JOBS FILLED
OCIC was able to assist 42 businesses in filling local jobs. Hiring and matching job seekers to employment opportunities remains a priority of the OCIC.
75
OJT GRANTS
Over $249,869 was awarded to local companies in 2017. OCIC continues our work on training assistance for employers – one of our most valuable tools.
DATA CENTER
Our data center has all of the information you need, including traffic counts, community profile, and labor force, as well as our largest Ottawa County employers.
SITES & BUILDINGS
Ottawa County is home to Lake Erie Business Parks and Lake Winds Industrial Park. Check out some of the available properties and find out how you can customize your lot size.
NEWS & UPDATES
There’s always something going on in Ottawa County. Read about our past events, meetings, employment success stories, and anything additional that may catch your eye.
TESTIMONIALS
Our mission is to encourage economic development through promotion of tourism for business, pleasure and enrichment. Lake Erie Shores & Islands considers OCIC a strong partner in fulfilling this mission as their work helps create an environment that is good not only for businesses and residents, but also for our visitors.
Larry Fletcher, Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands
The opportunity to live and work in Ottawa County is truly the best of all worlds. The constant presence of Lake Erie positively affects each day and energizes our sense of community.
Jim Stouffer, Jr., Catawba Island Club
I’m pleased to play a small role in such a great organization as OCIC. Our small staff makes a tremendous difference in the life of the business community in Ottawa County. They work with the local workforce, both young and experienced, to find new jobs; they help with the retention of our current businesses; and they are ever seeking out new businesses to keep our economy growing. Bravo OCIC!
Dr. Marsha Bordner, Terra State Community College (Past President)
The OCIC has been instrumental in the development of relationships between area employers and our students. Under the guidance of the OCIC staff we have been able to successfully utilize apprenticeship programs and career fairs as a means to providing career readiness opportunities for our schools.
Pat Adkins, Port Clinton City School District
Having lived in Ottawa County my whole life, I have seen first hand that this is truly a great place to live, work, and grow a business. The Ottawa County Improvement Corporation is an asset that is readily available to assist business owners as they strive to be productive and successful.
Jim Sass, Ottawa County Commissioner
We have opened several businesses in our area, and OCIC has always been one of the first calls we have made. If it were not for their support and confidence, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Thank you OCIC, for believing in us and helping us fulfill our dreams of owning a small business.
Barb Ayers, Nagoya Japanese Steakhouse/Ciao Bella
WHY OTTAWA COUNTY
Your business will thrive in the County not just because of a skilled workforce and high quality of life, but because there is a strong network of existing businesses who actively partner together and advocate for each other’s continued success. Ottawa County’s location on the shores of Lake Erie provides a work/life balance that attracts and retains the best talent for your company; with a high quality of living combined with low business and personal costs, the American Dream is well within reach.
STAFF
JAMIE
Director
GAYE
Business & Workforce
Development Manager
JESSICA
Program & Office
Coordinator
CHRISSY
Employment Resources
Coordinator
