Shores & Islands Ohio, the tourism marketing organization for Ottawa and Erie counties, has announced a second round of awards in the organization’s Destination Development Grant Program launched earlier this year. The grant program is a major component of Shores & Islands’ new strategic plan that focuses on promoting the region as a visitor destination, and enhance it for visitors and residents alike.

A committee evaluated all applications and determined recipients and award amounts based on a project’s ability to attract and engage visitors, serve regional tourism partners, and foster additional economic growth for their communities and the region.

This round’s total award investment for 19 Ottawa County-based recipients is $98,400 with each recipient contributing an equal or greater amount to their project as the grant provides. Funding is budgeted through and approved by the Ottawa County Visitors Bureau Board of Trustees.

The Ottawa County recipients represent a variety of projects in Put-in-Bay, Genoa, Oak Harbor, and Port Clinton.

Receiving grants are: AB Cart Rental – exterior upgrades; AB Lodging – signage; Cameo Pizza Put-in-Bay – mural; Clinton House – signage; Fairfield Inn – exterior guest enhancements; Gold Gorilla Media – building revitalization; Island House Condo Association – infrastructure improvements;

Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center – new/updated exhibits; Libations on the Lake – new tourism product; Massie Cliffside Preserve – access improvements/signage; Miller Boat Line – signage; Meals on Madison – signage; Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto – access improvements; Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce – signage/marketing;

Put-in-Bay Watercraft Rentals – new tourism product; Portage River Arts/Recreation Corridor – infrastructure improvements; Portage River Paddling Co. – restoration; PutinBay.com – new cooperative marketing plan; and Village of Put-in-Bay – playground upgrades.

“We are excited to begin the process again in Erie County soon and anticipate another round for Ottawa County in the new year as well.”

For more information on this grant program or the Shores & Islands Conference & Event or Sponsorship grant programs, contact Destination Development Director Amanda Smith Rasnick at amanda@shoresandislands.com.