Shores & Islands Ohio has announced the fourth year of Destination Development Grants, benefiting 30 organizations across Erie and Ottawa counties.
The grant program is a major component of Shores & Islands Ohio’s strategic plan, which focuses not only on promoting the region as a visitor destination, but supporting efforts to enhance it for visitors and therefore, residents as well, according to a news release.
By investing in diverse projects, from infrastructure improvements to cultural and recreational enhancements, the program aims to further establish the region as a premier destination for travelers and locals, the release said.
A committee evaluated over 60 applications and determined recipients and award amounts based on a project’s ability to attract and engage visitors, serve and educate regional tourism partners and generate economic growth for their communities through travel and tourism development, according to the release.
This grant round’s total award investment for nine Ottawa County-based recipients is nearly $75,000, the release said.
For Erie County-based businesses, there were 21 recipients with a total investment of $500,000, according to the release.
Grant recipients are planning a variety of projects with the awarded funds — expansions, new businesses, new exhibits, beautification, renovations, mural paintings, improved signage and more.
Erie County grant recipients represent businesses and organizations in Berlin Heights, Kelleys Island, Milan, Sandusky, Vermilion and Vickery.
They are: Alanas LLC; Bowl Thyme; Burnham Orchards Inc.; The Chart Room; Downtown Sandusky Cedar Point Historical Museum; Driftwood Farms; Edison Birthplace Association; The Emporium; Groove KI; Harbourtown Fine Arts; Korobkin Hospitality Group; Merry-Go-Round Museum; Monarch Winery; Paddle Bar; Paper Moon Vineyards; Sandusky Area Maritime Association; Sandusky Scoops LLC; Sur Sundries; Sweet Cheekz Café n Bistro; Talltown Investments LLC.; and Vermilion Port Authority.
The Ottawa County recipients represent a variety of projects in Curtice, Elmore, Lakeside, Marblehead, Middle Bass Island, Oak Harbor, Put-in-Bay and Port Clinton.
Receiving Ottawa County grants are: Hazards Adventure Co.; Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center; Lakeside Heritage Society; Miller Boat Line Inc.; Oak Harbor Chamber Foundation; Oakwood Lane; Parks District of Ottawa County; Schedel Gardens & Arboretum; and Victorian Inn.
“We are pleased to continue to be able to offer monetary support to such a large number of projects across the Shores & Islands Ohio region,” said Amanda Smith Rasnick, Shores & Islands Ohio destination engagement director, in the release. “We look forward to seeing these projects come to life and can’t wait to see the benefits to their operations, their communities and the region.”
For more information on this grant program, contact Smith Rasnick at [email protected].
