OCIC Q2 Trustee Board Meeting

The OCIC held our 2nd Quarter Full Board of Trustees Meeting on Tuesday, June 21st at Bay Point Resort & Marina. The lunch meeting included a cyber security presentation, OCIC activities, BR&E Program update – and perfect weather!

Cyber Security in the Workplace

Derek Sprouse, President of Sprouse Insurance, provided a cyber security update. Derek spoke about the modern workplace and the massive increase in remote and hybrid jobs. There is a need to share information securely and employers must establish a baseline. He also spoke about IT best practices, cyber insurance and the increase of cybercrime. With the increase of cyber attacks, the days of small/medium business owners managing their own IT are decreasing. Business owners are encouraged to contact your insurance agent to update your cyber policy.

OCIC Trustee Meeting & Activities

OCIC Executive Director Chris Singerling provided an update on recent and ongoing activities within OCIC’s Strategic Plan. This included:

• Available sites at the industrial parks and the Erie-Ottawa International Airport;
• Workforce development resources and regional collaboratives with our partners;
• 3rd Year of Skilled Trades Academy (30 graduates since 2020);
• New STNA Program beginning Fall 2022;
• 2022 Teacher Boot Camp;
• Tipping Point Planner (Comprehensive Great Lakes focused water quality planning program);
• Newsletter and text alerts

Ottawa County BR&E Program Update

Chris and Jessica Grzechowiak, Manager of Communications & Programs, provided an update on Ottawa County’s BR&E Program. The OCIC received a record number of 100 completed surveys from businesses (79% being small businesses). Over 20 of those businesses have requested a visit with OCIC and their chamber. Jessica went over the BR&E survey data that OCIC received from the business community.

BR&E Program Goals

The goals of the BR&E Program include: to formalize an effort that assists in the retention and expansion of existing businesses and the workforce, increase the competitiveness, enhance local business climate, and identify, address concerns and issues of existing businesses by creating a value chain of partners.

BR&E Business Visits

Retrieving this information would not have been possible without the help from our local chambers, and the assistance from the OSU Extension Office and Reveille. Within one month, we received 100 surveys thanks to the chambers pushing the information out to their members. The OCIC and our local chambers will be conducting business visits between now and the end of the year, and will be holding an Action Plan Meeting in late July.

Experience Ottawa County

OCIC’s annual Experience Ottawa County event will be held on Wednesday, August 27th at Twin Oast from 4:30pm-8:30.

During the evening event, there will be food trucks, beverages, live music, retail and chamber row and more. Prior to the evening event, there will be a shuttle tour that will stop at various locations throughout the county. Registration and sponsorship information opens on Monday, June 27th. For more information, please visit www.ocic.biz/eoc.