Experience Ottawa County Highlights Local Assets & Advances in Technology

Put-in-Bay, Ohio — The Ottawa County Improvement Corporation (OCIC) proudly hosted the annual “Experience Ottawa County” event on August 15, 2024, at the Boardwalk on Put-in-Bay. This event brought together business leaders, community members, and local officials to explore the county’s unique attractions, discuss ongoing initiatives, and network in a scenic and engaging setting.

The day’s activities began with exclusive island tours of Middle Bass and Gibraltar, providing participants with a deeper understanding of the region’s rich history and environmental significance. Guests visiting Gibraltar were treated to a guided walking tour by the Ohio Sea Grant & Stone Lab, featuring stops at Perry’s Lookout, the glacial grooves, and the historic Cooke Castle. The tour also offered insights into Stone Lab’s critical research programs addressing issues facing Lake Erie.

Nick Marsico, President of Magruder Hospital, praised the Gibraltar tour, noting, “Getting to learn about Stone Lab, what they do and who studies there was a great experience and something I’ve never done before! It’s another one-of-a-kind local experience that endears us to Ottawa County.”

Meanwhile, participants touring Middle Bass Island were joined by representatives from the Ohio State Parks Foundation and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). These experts discussed ongoing projects and programs, with ODNR providing an exclusive tour of the historic Lonz Winery site, including a visit to the wine cellar. The tour concluded with a meeting at The Island Grind, where the owner Jane Wolnik shared the story of the cafe, introduced the new ‘speakeasy,’ and highlighted other island events and activities.

The evening portion of the event, held at The Boardwalk, was a resounding success. Executive Director Chris Singerling welcomed attendees and provided several updates on ongoing initiatives at the OCIC. Following his remarks, a captivating drone demonstration was held in the harbor, where Singerling discussed the drone certification pilot program, a collaborative effort with the OCIC, the Erie-Ottawa International Airport and LocoRobo. He also highlighted the advancements in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), which utilizes next-gen technologies to transport people and cargo between locations not easily accessible by surface transportation or traditional aviation.

Attendees enjoyed scenic views of Lake Erie, local cuisine, and the opportunity to engage with fellow professionals and community leaders. Tim Pedro, Mayor of Waterville and of CT Consultants, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “It’s great to be here at Experience Ottawa County. I think it’s always great to get people together on neutral grounds, and what better way to do it than at Put-in-Bay? The drinks are good, the food is good, and the people are even better.”

Tom Bergman, Village of Genoa Administrator, echoed this sentiment, adding, “There is no better organization in Ottawa County, that gets people who want to move forward together, better than OCIC. I sincerely look forward to this event every single year, and this year was as good as any.”

Jessica Grzechowiak, OCIC Communications & Programs Manager, highlighted the event’s success, stating, “Each year gets better and better, and this year we had just shy of 175 attendees. As the years go by, new relationships develop so we have more people who want to be involved and help move our County forward. There are a lot of exciting things on the horizon, and we couldn’t do it without the support of our community leaders and partners.”

The Ottawa County Improvement Corporation remains dedicated to fostering economic development, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the quality of life. Experience Ottawa County continues to be a cornerstone event for the organization, underscoring its mission to promote the county as a premier destination for business and tourism.