Our History

The Story So Far

Serving the Erie County business
community for 125 years

The creation of the Greater Sandusky Partnership represents the continued evolution of the region to address 21st century challenges and opportunities. Greater Sandusky Partnership is continuing the great work of organizations like the Erie County Chamber of Commerce, Huron Chamber of Commerce, Erie County Economic Development Corporation including regional partnerships and programs like RISE and Firelands Forward.

The Erie County Chamber of Commerce traces its roots to the incorporation of the Sandusky Chamber of Commerce on June 29, 1899. It’s stated purpose was for “effecting an organization to be composed of the merchants, business men and others interested in the welfare, progress and growth of the City of Sandusky”, and “for securing the location of manufacturing plants and business enterprises within the city or on lands adjacent thereto.”

These organizations built the foundation for Greater Sandusky Partnership and their missions live on through the work we do today.

The Path To Here And Now

Our Timeline

1899

Sandusky Chamber of Commerce Incorporates

On June 29th, 1899, the Sandusky Chamber of Commerce incorporated. It’s stated purpose was for “effecting an organization to be composed of the merchants, businessmen and others interested in the welfare, progress and growth of the City of Sandusky”, and “for securing the location of manufacturing plants and business enterprises within the city or on lands adjacent thereto.”

1899

1949

Huron Chamber of Commerce Incorporates

On Christmas Eve in 1949, the Huron Chamber of Commerce Incorporated. Its purpose was “collecting and disseminating useful information relating to the manufacturing industrial and mercantile interests of the Village of Huron, Ohio.”

1949

1986

The Greater Erie County Marketing Group, Inc. (GEM) Incorporates

On May 5th, 1986, the Greater Erie County Marketing Group, Inc., also known as GEM, formed as a non-profit corporation. Its purpose was to promote the social welfare of the community of Erie County, Ohio by encouraging business associations to purchase and develop land and facilities in the community to establish new industries and thereby alleviate unemployment.

1986

2011

ECEDC Launches RISE Entrepreneurship Program

The Regional Incubator for Sustainability & Entrepreneurship (RISE), a program of which the objective is to grow jobs and spearhead economic development by linking business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to regional service providers who have expertise in business start-up, development and acceleration.

2011

2016

Firelands Regional Partnership forms as a way to work collaboratively across counties and agencies

The Firelands Partnership formed as a way to work collaboratively across counties and agencies in the region. It was comprised of business, education, and government leaders in north central Ohio that recognize a united region can be a powerful economic driver in a global economy with leveraging collaboration, local assets and the natural advantages of the area.

2016

2019

Firelands Forward Workforce Collaborative Launches

In an effort to think multi-county, the Firelands Partnership kicks off Firelands Forward, a program to address the workforce development needs of Erie, Huron and Ottawa Counties. Firelands Forward continues to be a tri-county collaborative leading strategic solutions to workforce challenges in the region.

2019

2021

ECEDC begins administering the Erie County Port Authority (ECPA)

The ECPA was organized in 2012 and is governed by a five-member Board. Effective in 2021, ECEDC began administering the ECPA. The ECPA is a separate, independent unit of government which is not a part of the County. The ECPA can own, lease, and finance land, buildings and equipment for credit-worthy companies. The funding flexibility of the Port can be beneficial in helping a variety of economic development activities.

2021

Greater Sandusky Partnership forms and integrates with the Erie County Chamber of Commerce

Local business leaders from various industries came together to form the Greater Sandusky Partnership in 2021. This initial collaboration aimed to make Sandusky and Erie County a better place, bringing more residents and businesses to the area and supporting initiatives to increase the area’s population. The leadership of the GSP and Erie County Chamber boards bring a powerful private sector voice to the future economic strategy of the county.

2021

2022

Greater Sandusky Partnership launches Destination Sandusky

Destination Sandusky, a program of GSP, aims to brand, activate and program the assets of Sandusky to attract more people and investment in the City of Sandusky.

2022

2023

ECEDC and GSP integrate

Both the GSP and ECEDC Boards voted to unify their existing activities into one parent organization in 2023. With Firelands Forward, RISE, the Erie County Port Authority, Erie County Chamber of Commerce and Destination Sandusky all under one aligned organization, a comprehensive vision for improving the economic competitiveness of the region can be realized.

2023

2024

Huron Chamber of Commerce and GSP integrate

In May of 2024, the Huron Chamber of Commerce, which served businesses in the City of Huron, integrated with GSP. The commitment to Huron remains through GSP in its new program, Destination Huron, that provides programming and events like those provided by the Huron Chamber.

2024

2025 & Beyond

One Regional Chamber

Greater Sandusky Partnership exists as the regional chamber delivering transformational economic development services to improve the quality of life and vibrancy of the Greater Sandusky Bay Region.

2025 & Beyond

Who We Are

Meet Our Team

Join Our Network

Membership

As a chamber delivering comprehensive economic development services, Greater Sandusky Partnership acts as the advocate and catalyst that drives economic growth and vitality across the Greater Sandusky Bay Region.  

Our History

The Story So Far

Serving the Erie County business
community for 125 years

The Path To Here And Now

Our Timeline