The Ottawa County Improvement Corporation held our annual Business and Industry Awards at Gideon Owen Wine Company on Wednesday, May 13th, 2021.
When the pandemic shut everything down, owner Abbie Fox had to think fast and come up with a different way to reach her customers. An out of the “box” idea came to her: “Since my customers can’t come to me, I’ll come to them.” Abbie drove all throughout Ottawa County and dropped off boxes filled with handpicked quality boutique items. This was the start of Lakelynn Design’s Sail Box.
Lakelynn Design is located in downtown Port Clinton and features gifts, jewelry, and accessories made by other small businesses. Justin Moore, OCIC Board Treasurer, presented the award to owner Abbie Fox.
Three Ottawa County healthcare partners were awarded the Economic Development Partner Award. The Ottawa County Emergency Management Agency, Ottawa County Health Department, and Magruder Hospital teamed up. These partners went above and beyond to keep our business community and the public well-informed during the pandemic.
Throughout the vaccine distribution process, Ottawa County consistently lead the State of Ohio with the highest population percentage vaccinated. This was no easy task, but Ottawa County got it right because of these efforts. Jim Stouffer, OCIC Board Secretary, presented the award to Mike Drusbacky with the Ottawa County EMA, Jerry Bingham with the Ottawa County Health Department, and Nick Marsico with Magruder Hospital.
Bayside Comfort wanted to do their part. They wanted to support the same communities that have been there for them over the last 30 years. Bayside Comfort reallocated their marketing funds to put together a Shop Local campaign. The goal was to help business’s that had been affected by the coronavirus. For every gift card purchased from a local restaurant, nail salon, hair stylist or gym, Bayside matched it. This campaign was a huge success and $16,000 was put back into our local business community.
Bayside Comfort provides homeowners and business owners with professional home comfort services including HVAC, indoor air quality, and water heaters. Craig Trick, OCIC Board Past-President, presented the award to owner Andy Schlotterer.
Joy was the founder of the Ottawa County Community Foundation. Her passion for the mission of Ottawa County Community Foundation and her infinite energy have grown it into the vibrant Community Foundation that it is today with $10 million in assets and over 90 established funds.
Ken Williams, OCIC Board President, presented the award to Joy’s husband Jeff, their daughter Alison, and their son Walker. Williams reminisced about Joy, who passed away unexpectedly last Summer.
“Whenever we (OCIC) had an idea that we thought could work, the first thing Joy would ask… Is it going to benefit Ottawa County? While explaining the idea to her, without hesitation, she would respond with: we’re in,” Williams stated. “Joy truly was a shining star, and we are forever thankful for her efforts towards making Ottawa County a better place.”
Babcock is the current Mayor of Oak Harbor, Ohio. Mayor Babcock’s constant communication efforts with the community and active participation with the OCIC did not go unnoticed.
Mayor Babcock hosted multiple COVID-19 updates through LIVE Facebook videos. He created an Oak Harbor Area COVID-19 Briefing infographic for the community and business leaders. He also found time to assist with and direct Ottawa County businesses with loan and grant applications. This included OCIC’s RISE Grant Program. Chris Singerling, OCIC Director, presented the award to Mayor Babcock.
This was the first large event for the OCIC since March 2020. Prior to the awards ceremony, OCIC Director Chris Singerling gave a brief update on current activities. Singerling then introduced Glenn Grisdale and Ben Kenny of Reveille and their involvement with OCIC’s Strategic Plan. Grisdale informed attendees about Reveille, their organization development approach, and next steps. State Representative D.J. Swearingen also spoke and provided an update on all things going on at the State level.