Businesses 'destined' to receive grants

SANDUSKY — Those at Shores & Islands Ohio recently announced the latest recipients of its Destination Development grant program. This year, grants will benefit nearly 40 businesses, governments and organizations across Erie and Ottawa counties. Now in its fifth year, "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 also on supporting efforts to enhance it for visitors and, therefore, residents as well," according to a statement from the tourism bureau. "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 alike," it added. Committees in each county evaluated more than 70 applications. Members determined recipients and award amounts based on a project's: • Ability to attract and engage visitors • Serve and educate regional tourism partners • Generate economic growth for their communities through travel and tourism development For Erie County-based businesses, there were 27 recipients with a total investment of $500,000. In Erie County, about $2.6 million in private dollars is being invested and paired with these projects. For Ottawa County, there were 11 Ottawa County-based recipients with a total investment of about $75,000. Additionally, almost $367,000 in private dollars is being invested and paired with these projects. In total, $575,000 in grant funds will help benefit 38 projects. And those overseeing the projects intend to pledge an additional $3 million to further invest in these projects and, thus, the region. 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 Erie County grant recipients represent businesses and organizations in Bay View, Huron, Kelleys Island, Sandusky, Vermilion and Vickery. They are: • Bullis Properties, doing business as Rum Runners Cove Inn/Bay Harbor Marina • Casino Marina • Cedar Micro Resort • Christmas Market Foundation • City of Vermilion • Crystal Rock Campground • Driftwood Farms • Harbourtown Fine Arts Center • Jax Bar • Jet Express • KI AdvenTours • KI Hospitality • Lagoon Deer Park • Linwood Park Co. • M&M Birding • Marconi's Italian Restaurant • Marketplace Downtown/H2 Properties • Merry-Go-Round Museum • Mikey's Sweet Spot • Phil P's • Sandusky Bay Lodging • Sandusky Book Bar • Sora & Oak • Trabel's Bagels • Village Peddler • Wine Vault Ottawa County Ottawa County grant recipients represent a variety of projects in Elmore, Lakeside-Marblehead, Oak Harbor, Put-in-Bay, and Port Clinton. They are: • BackYard Pickleball & Social Club • Hope Properties • Inspiration Inn Bloom • Jet Expres • Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society • Ottawa County Museum • Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce • Put-in-Bay Parks District doing business as Duff Vineyard Preserve • Rooted Souls Wellness Sanctuary • Tibbles Marina • Village of Put-in-Bay "We are proud to continue investing in projects that strengthen our region's appeal for both visitors and residents," said Amanda Smith Rasnick, Shores & Islands Ohio's destination engagement director. "These grants represent a long-term investment in the vitality of our communities: supporting meaningful improvements, enhancing local experiences and helping drive economic growth across the Shores & Islands Ohio region."