Attend award ceremony

ERIE TWP. — Those with the Ottawa County Improvement Corp. invite the public to attend its annual Business and Industry Awards, taking place March 5 at the Camp Perry Lodging & Conference Center in the Port Clinton area. The event "recognizes outstanding companies and individuals that have demonstrated success in business and have contributed to the growth and vitality of Ottawa County," according to an organizational statement. Awards are presented in five categories: • The Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit of an emerging small business owner who embraces innovation and development of new products and/or services in order to become a viable, competitive business. — Brooke Hensley of The Gristmill won this award in 2024. • The Economic Development Partner of the Year Award recognizes the efforts of a business/individual for their contribution to the economic development profession, including workforce investment, redevelopment strategies and creating a positive change/outlook within the community. — The Park District of Ottawa County won this award in 2024. • The Bill Mack Business Leader Award remembers the late Bill Mack, a local businessman and community leader. This award recognizes an individual business leader for his/her dedication to the improvement and support of their community, business and well-being of Ottawa County. — Jack and Lorraine Zimmerman of Hopfinger Zimmerman Memorial Park won this award in 2024. • The Business of the Year Award recognizes Ottawa County's most dynamic business that shares a commitment to the economic growth and quality of life in Ottawa County and whose practices and professional excellence contribute to a sense of cooperation within the entire business community. — LogistiQ won this award in 2024. • The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an individual who demonstrated leadership and dedicated his/her time to assist the corporation's mission in relation to business retention and expansion, workforce development initiatives, business attraction and community growth. — Clay Finken of the Erie-Ottawa International Airport won this award in 2024. People can sign up and learn more about the event by visiting ocic.org/awards.