EXPERIENCE OTTAWA COUNTY

The OCIC’s premier marketing and networking event for Ottawa County!

Experience Ottawa County (EOC) is hosted every year in August by the Ottawa County Improvement Corporation and is our premier marketing event. The purpose of EOC is to bring local business leaders, County and community leaders, elected officials, and prospective clients together to demonstrate that Ottawa County is a great place to expand existing business and relocate new business.

We will be hosting our 26th EOC event on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at The Keys on Put-in-Bay. Colleagues and spouses are welcome to attend.

#1

Keywest… of the Midwest

 

Warm breezes, bright sunshine, placid fresh water, and palm trees… in Ohio?! That’s right! EOC is hosted at The Keys Put-in-Bay, a restaurant and bar, that brings the Florida flair right to Ohio. It won’t even feel like you’re in Ohio. Experience a relaxed, carefree island environment with a tropical vibe and breathtaking view of the waterfront at EOC.

#2

Networking

 

Every year, over 200 leaders from across the region – and beyond – gather together to see why Ottawa County is a great place to be. The beauty alone is worth the visit.  Don’t miss out on the perfect opportunity to network with local business leaders, county and community leaders, elected officials, and prospective clients.

#3

Professional Development Luncheon

 

EOC holds a Professional Development Luncheon each year at the Catawba Island Club. The luncheon includes a guest speaker and a specific topic that focuses on the business culture. Previous development luncheons included topics related to marketing strategies, establishing a productive work culture, succession planning and more.

#4

Food & Drinks

 

Ottawa County has some of the best food around! At EOC, you’re sure to find house-made chips, flatbreads, chicken wings and of course, the famous lobster bisque. Don’t get us started on the drinks (but be sure to try a frozen cocktail). Enjoy meals from local restaurants, wineries and breweries to see why we’re one of Ohio’s best-kept secrets.

#5

Entertainment

 

Dancing and singing isn’t uncommon as LIVE music is a guarantee at EOC. Whether you’re mingling with colleagues or enjoying a plate of grouper fingers, the acoustic sounds will have you feeling relaxed. Local musicians that have played at EOC include Westside Steve, That Allie Girl and Drew LaPlante – and they sure know how to entertain the crowd!

#6

Scenic Ride Across Lake Erie

 

All aboard! Whether you decide to take the Jet Express straight to downtown Put-in-Bay or want to have a more laid back experience on the Miller Ferry, you’ll still make it in time for EOC. If you take the Miller Ferry, remember that you can rent bikes, golf carts or catch a taxi to downtown. There’s no right or wrong way to get to EOC, just as long as you get there.

#7

Friendly Business Community

 

Ottawa County has a thriving and close-knit business community who is passionate about our region. So many collaboration efforts happen right here. You’ll be able to learn everything you need to know about Ottawa County and why local leaders love doing business in our area by meeting with attendees – many of whom sponsor this great event!

#8

Sit Back & Enjoy the Experience

 

We’re proud to host our premier marketing event on Put-in-Bay, since 2014. Put-in-Bay is a popular tourist destination on a beautiful island in Lake Erie with a lot of history. From 100 year old businesses to the iconic Battle of Lake Erie in 1813. You’ll be able to see for yourself why Ottawa County is an exciting area for businesses, visitors, developers, and site selectors alike!

THANK YOU TO OUR 2019 EVENT SPONSORS!

TAKE THE ADVANTAGE & EXPERIENCE OTTAWA COUNTY!

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation will be provided by the Jet Express. Below are the recommended arrival and departure times for EOC – August 19th.

4:15PM | Depart Port Clinton to Put-in-Bay

4:45PM | Arrive at Put-in-Bay

8:00PM | Depart Put-in-Bay

8:30PM | Arrive in Port Clinton

2021 Jet Express Schedule

ITINERARY

11:30AM | Professional Development Luncheon (EXCLUSIVE)

Catawba Island Club

An exclusive luncheon for OCIC’s Trustee and Associate members.

  • 11:30AM | Lunch
  • 11:50PM | Program
    • Welcome & OCIC Update | Chris Singerling, OCIC Director
    • OCIC Strategic Plan Update | Glenn Grisdale, Reveille
    • State Update | Senator Theresa Gavarone
    • Regional Growth Partnership/JobsOhio Panel | Dean Monske, Chase Eikenbary & Joe Luzar

5:00PM | Strolling Dinner & Networking

The Keys, Put-in-Bay

  • 4:45PM | Guests will depart the Jet Express.
  • 5:00PM | A brief update from OCIC Director, Chris Singerling will take place at 5:00PM at the front entrance, as guests gather their names tags at the registration table.
  • 5:15PM | Afterwards, guests are welcome to grab delicious food and beverages throughout the restaurant. A cigar bar provided by North Coast Cigar will also be on site.
  • 6:00PM | Entertainment provided by That Ally Girl on the main stage until 9:00PM. Sit at the bar or hang back around the fire pit and listen to the sounds of the bay.
  • 7:45PM | Guests will depart The Keys to catch the 8:00PM Jet Express boat back to PC.

Register for Experience Ottawa County!

REGISTRATION

Become a Sponsor for Experience Ottawa County!

SPONSORSHIP