Working Together for Success

Local Organizations Bring Expertise to the Table to Market Region

Sarah Ross, Erie County Economic Development Corporation

Lake Erie Shores & Islands, Ohio (Oct. 8, 2019) – You’ve read the headlines and seen the stories about the recent successes in Erie and Ottawa Counties. From new investments into the region by companies like Mucci Farms and Northern Manufacturing, to mainstays like Quarry Hill Orchards, “business is booming” in the Shores & Islands region. But do you know the stories behind those successes? Why did those businesses choose this area? What caused them to stay and expand? The answers may surprise you.

Three organizations that in their own way help drive some of that success – Lake Erie Shores & Islands, Erie County Economic Development Corporation, and Ottawa County Improvement Corporation collaborated with local filmmaker Joey Cassel from New Departure Films on an awareness campaign that highlights the positive aspects of the region as not only a great place to visit, but to live, work, invest in, and eventually retire to.

“Start, Stay, Grow” is a new digital marketing campaign that dives deeper into the headlines. In this six-part video series, viewers will hear the stories behind the success of businesses and owners that have chosen the Shores & Islands region as home.

“These videos are a testament that the infrastructure and quality of life aspects of our region can attract and retain residents and businesses,” stated Larry Fletcher, President of Lake Erie Shores & Islands. “The companies featured represent the diversity of business types and sizes that can thrive in our area.

The first video in the series launched last week via the social media channels of the three organizations and featured the story of Quarry Hill Orchards, a family-run farm in Berlin Heights that has seen the younger generations step in to continue a legacy that began in 1931.

“Our work in economic development takes us inside the region’s most creative businesses, alongside their forward-looking leaders,” said Abbey Bemis, Executive Director of Erie County Economic Development Corporation.  “We are excited to share this inside look with area residents, visitors, and investors.”

Additional videos will be released in the coming weeks. And while the number of success stories continues to grow in the region, this unique partnership between Shores & Islands, ECEDC, and OCIC wants to see even more!

“We are excited to be partnering with Lake Erie Shores & Islands and Erie County Economic Development Corporation on this endeavor to share perspectives from area companies and their stories about living and working in our region,” stated Jamie Beier Grant, Director of Ottawa County Improvement Corporation. “This truly is a great place to be.”

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