SANDUSKY, OH – Erie County Commissioners, Shores & Islands Ohio (S&IO), the Erie County Visitors and Convention Bureau (ECVCB), and the Greater Sandusky Partnership (GSP) announced a new strategic partnership to better align regional promotion and development, strengthen public–private collaboration, and ensure transparent and responsible stewardship of local lodging tax revenues.
Building on more than 20 years of joint marketing under the Shores & Islands destination brand for Erie and Ottawa Counties, which has driven tourism growth and increased lodging tax revenue, this effort will align resources to further strengthen the destination economy.
The Erie County Commissioners will enter into a new five-year agreement with the ECVCB. GSP will provide management services for ECVCB and S&IO and will continue discussions with Ottawa County Visitors Bureau (OCVB) about entering into a similar agreement. A regional S&IO Board will continue to guide joint marketing efforts in Erie and Ottawa County.
Eric Wobser, CEO of the Greater Sandusky Partnership, will lead the integrated organization. Larry Fletcher, President of Shores & Islands Ohio, will remain an important part of the organization and help lead the transition.
Erie County levies a four percent lodging tax, of which two percent are allocated to destination marketing through the ECVCB. In 2015, the third and fourth percent were added to support the development of both phases of the Cedar Point Sports Center.
The first and second percent of lodging tax will continue to support destination marketing through the ECVCB. The third and fourth percent of lodging tax will continue to support the Cedar Point Sports Center. The remaining balance from the third and fourth after paying debt service on the Cedar Point Sports Center will be managed by a new CVB created specifically to fund tourism-related projects related to Economic development, Public safety, Infrastructure, and Community (EPIC CVB). The scope of the new CVB will not duplicate the existing marketing efforts currently undertaken by S&IO.
The partnership will be implemented following the completion of related service and funding agreements. Additional updates will be shared as implementation progresses.
Partner Statements
"This agreement would not have been possible without months of hard work among the various stakeholders. We are enormously grateful to Senator Theresa Gavarone for her leadership at the Statehouse, which paved the way for this agreement. The change in law, which now permits lodging tax expenditures to include economic development, safety, and infrastructure, was the inspiration for the newly created EPIC CVB. Through EPIC, this agreement will lead to millions in meaningful investments that will benefit not just those who visit, but also those who reside in Erie County.”
“This agreement reflects the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission and creates a more transparent and responsible structure to safeguard taxpayer dollars.” said Erie County Commissioner Matt Old. “Through months of good faith conversations, we’ve created a structure that better aligns economic development and tourism promotion and prioritizes the safety and infrastructure needs of the county.”
“Shores & Islands Ohio has built a strong foundation over many years that helps drive the region’s multi-billion-dollar tourism economy. This partnership builds on that success. Thank you to all whose work in shaping this approach has created a plan that will ensure the regional brand remains strong while creating greater capacity to align tourism promotion with efforts to develop the broader vitality of our communities.”
“Our region is uniquely positioned. It is large enough to warrant a comprehensive, coordinated strategy and nimble enough to implement it. This partnership builds on models that are already working, combining promotion, development, and engagement efforts to create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.”
“Our joint marketing efforts have allowed us to present the region as the connected yet diverse and dynamic destination it is. I’m pleased this plan seeks to preserve the valuable marketing partnerships already in place as it adds GSP’s economic and destination development power. Under this new structure, we stand to gain scale to elevate the region’s shared assets and strengthen our position as a premier destination.”
Q & A
The partnership brings together Erie County, Shores & Islands Ohio, the Erie County Visitors and Convention Bureau (ECVCB), and the Greater Sandusky Partnership (GSP) to better coordinate destination marketing and economic development. The goal is to work together more effectively and create greater impact by aligning efforts at a regional scale.
Tourism activity and lodging tax revenues have grown in recent years, creating an opportunity to think more strategically about how those resources are used. At the same time, Erie County’s Blue Ribbon Efficiency Commission recommended finding ways to reduce duplication and improve coordination, particularly where tourism and economic development overlap. This partnership reflects those recommendations.
The Commission provided recommendations encouraging better coordination among entities focused on economic development to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This partnership aligns with those recommendations and builds on the successful management by GSP of the Erie County Huron Joint Port Authorities.
Erie County levies a four percent lodging tax. Nothing about the lodging tax rate changes.
- The first and second percent of the lodging tax will continue to support destination marketing through the Erie County Visitors and Convention Bureau (ECVCB).
- The third and fourth percent, originally created to support the Cedar Point Sports Center, will be managed by a new CVB called EIPC (Economic development, Public safety, Infrastructure and Community CVB) that will continue servicing those projects and can be used for tourism-related public safety, infrastructure, and economic development. GSP and ECVCB will be represented on this new CVB board.
All uses remain subject to Ohio law.
No. Officials have emphasized the intent is to avoid duplicating services. EPIC is intended to fund projects (tourism-related) that support both visitors and residents. EPIC will not market the destination.
The partnership improves coordination behind the scenes:
- GSP will provide management services for ECVCB and Shores & Islands Ohio.
- Shores & Islands Ohio continues to guide destination marketing through its board
- A Chief Marketing Officer will oversee coordinated regional marketing efforts.
Yes, Shores & Islands Ohio will continue to oversee destination marketing for the region through its board of directors.
The long-standing two-county partnership remains a priority. A formal agreement with Ottawa County is the next step following the MOU. The intent is continued collaboration for joint marketing.
GSP has experience managing complex public-private initiatives and supporting multiple boards and missions, including its role with the Erie County Port Authority. That capacity makes it well positioned to provide management support and help align regional efforts.
No. 2026 is a transition year. Current marketing initiatives, budgets, and programs will continue as planned while service and funding agreements are finalized. The updated structure is expected to be fully implemented in 2027.
- Reduces duplication
- Creates scale and efficiency
- Strengthens destination marketing
- Better connects destination marketing with development
The shared goal is a stronger destination economy, healthier communities, and responsible use of public resources.
