BY PC MAYOR MIKE SNIDER

Each year around May 1, a trickle explodes into a torrent of humanity flocking to this region for seasonal employment and a slice of American Culture. I’m speaking, of course, about the BridgeUSA Program (specifically the Summer Work & Travel USA component) enacted by the US Congress in 1961 and administered by the US Department of State.

While it’s probably no surprise that Sandusky and Cedar Point recruits in excess of 2,200 college-aged students from around the world to work at the amusement park, water parks and other attractions, restaurants and hotels in Erie County, most people are surprised to learn that Port Clinton, Catawba, Marblehead and Put-in-Bay are expected to employ over 650 of these kids this summer – 60% on the island and 40% on the mainland.

This program has been a lifeline to not only sustain our local economy during the busy summer season but has allowed our region to grow to meet the increasing demand for service sector jobs.

However, it’s not just the summer months when these Exchange Visitors come to the area. This past winter an estimated 44 Exchange Visitors worked for a half-dozen employers on the Ottawa County mainland. There are actually three seasons offered through the Work & Travel Program: Summer (May/Sept), Winter (Dec/Feb) & Spring (March/May). An employer can participate in two of the three seasons in any given calendar year.

In my day job, we’ve been working with this program since 1999. This year we’ll have six kids: 3 from Thailand, 1 Taiwan, 1 Turkey & 1 Malaysia. In Ottawa County, no fewer than 50 countries will be represented from five continents.

These kids live, work and spend some of their hard-earned money in our community. They are all well-educated and highly motivated. So motivated, in fact, nearly all of them will seek out a second or even third job while in the area.

They all love to speak English. So, if you should cross paths with an Exchange Visitor (they are very easy to spot) I encourage you to take a moment and say hello. Ask them how their summer is going and anything else you’d like to know about them or their home country. Trust me, the smile you get back in return for your questions will be well worth the effort.

On Monday, July 28, from 5-9 p.m. at the Stage in the District, the Port Clinton Community will host our 3rd annual Exchange Visitor Welcome Event. Music, fun, games and food for the kids will be offered. Many of our area churches will be providing side dishes and desserts to ensure these kids experience American cuisine beyond fast food. Check with your church leadership to learn more about how you can participate. Additionally, please stop down, grab something from a downtown restaurant, and join in on this multi-cultural event where the world comes to Port Clinton!