Huron Township, OH – On Thursday, October 3rd the Greater Sandusky Partnership (GSP) held its Annual Meeting at Sawmill Creek Resort, welcoming over 400 business leaders, local officials, and community stakeholders. The event highlighted the partnership’s strategic vision for the future and recognized several leaders with awards.
One of the key highlights of the evening was the recognition of a regional collaboration that secured a $24.5 million RAISE grant to improve infrastructure on Route 6 and expand the Sandusky Bay Pathway. In recognition of this achievement, the Regional Collaboration Award was presented to Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Erie County, the City of Sandusky, the City of Huron, and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). Accepting the award on behalf of their respective teams were Congresswoman Kaptur, Erie County Commissioner Pat Shenigo, Sandusky City Commissioner Dick Brady, Huron City Manager Matt Lasko, Mayor of Huron Monty Tapp, and ODOT’s Matt Walter and Kenny Knapp.
GSP also recognized outstanding local leaders who have made significant contributions to the region:
- Visionary Leadership Award: Abbey Bemis, COO of Payne Nickles & Company, for her contributions in economic development. This award is presented to a leader whose visionary contributions have broken social, political or economic barriers, thereby opening doors and setting a new course for the region. Bemis previously served as Executive Director of the Erie County Economic Development Corporation, an entity which integrated with the partnership in 2023.
- Transformational Impact Award: Brian Shanle, General Manager of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, for his career-long dedication to fostering a vibrant region through his work at the waterpark. This award is presented to an advocate who has made extraordinary contributions toward the vision of a vibrant region over the course of their career. They have exemplified dedication, integrity and honorable service to the community.
- Talon Floor Young Professional of the Year Award: Mary Giles, Realtor at North Bay Realty, for her outstanding engagement and commitment to the Sandusky community. This award recognizes an individual whose contributions have led to a brighter future for the region.
GSP Chairman Duff Milkie and CEO Eric Wobser led the program, presenting the partnership’s new strategic plan, which sets the stage for the region’s economic growth and community vibrancy. Key speakers included Janotta & Herner CFO Ben Moncher, Team NEO’s Steve Fritsch, and JobsOhio’s Andrew Cooper.
The event featured significant contributions from local businesses, including Great Lakes Audio Visual, Sweet Pea Flower Truck, musician Alex Dominish, Violet Pineapple Balloons, Tom’s Trophy Shop, Loris Printing, and OSupplies. Sawmill Creek Resort provided a wide selection of hors d’oeuvres, and each attendee was welcomed with a complimentary glass of champagne sponsored by Cypress.
The event’s sponsors, led by Janotta & Herner as the Presenting Sponsor, included Team NEO and JobsOhio as Award Sponsors, Waterstreet Financial | Raymond James, VacationLand Federal Credit Union, Contractors Design Engineering, and Second Harvest Food Bank as Refreshment Sponsors, and Cintas as the Entertainment Sponsor.
For more information about the Greater Sandusky Partnership’s strategic vision, visit the recent Sandusky Register article: A Vision for a Brighter Future.
