ERIE COUNTY O H I O A THRIVING COUNTY’S ECONOMIC FUTURE BEYOND TOURISM WWW.ERIECOUNTY.OH.GOV
ERIE COUNTY, OH A THRIVING COUN FUTURE BEYOND T AT A GLANCE ERIE COUNTY, OHIO WHAT: N orthern Ohio county transforming from a tourism-dependent economy into a diversified economic hub under the strategic guidance of the Greater Sandusky Partnership. WHERE: Ohio WEBSITE: www.eriecounty.oh.gov THIS COUNTY IS CAPITALIZING ON ITS NATURAL TO BUSINESS AND HOUSING GROWTH 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
NTY’S ECONOMIC TOURISM L ASSETS AND LOOKING Erie County, Ohio is located along Lake Erie’s southern shore, where 252 square miles of land meet 374 square miles of water. This northern Ohio county, home to approximately 73,000 residents, has long been synonymous with tourism, drawing millions annually to Cedar Point and Kalahari Resorts. But a fundamental shift is underway as the region repositions itself not merely as a place to visit, but as a community where people choose to build their lives. 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
The numbers support this evolution.The Erie County Port Authority, appointed by county commissioners and managed by the Greater Sandusky Partnership, has facilitated over half a billion dollars in capital investment into the region, with another billion dollars currently in development. Manufacturing employs 6,298 people in the county, making it the largest industry sector, followed by healthcare and retail trade. “If you look at the types of projects that are taking place, it’s a wide variety from hospitality to manufacturing expansions to a new data center being built in the community,” says Eric Wobser, CEO of the Greater Sandusky Partnership, an organization with roots stretching back 125 years through various Erie County entities.“And so, there’s just a lot going on in that respect, and we want to keep that momentum going in the future.” CAPITAL INVESTMENT DRIVING REGIONAL GROWTH The transformation of Erie County’s economic landscape becomes achievable through several major projects reshaping the region’s industrial footprint. “Align Data is in the midst of completing phase one on what will ultimately be a four phase billion-dollar investment in the area with four data center facilities,” Wobser explains.The project signals the county’s ability to attract technology-focused companies seeking strategic locations with robust infrastructure. Traditional industries are expanding alongside these new sectors. Grower’s Mineral Solutions, a producer of agricultural products, broke ground on a new headquarters along the Route 250 corridor. “That project was possible because the Erie County Commissioners supported a tax increment financing along that corridor that will bring needed water and sewer expansion,” Wobser notes. “And really that’s the first project along that stretch of Milan Road in the heart of the county where you’ll see a lot of investment because of that utility investment.” Meanwhile,Toft’s Dairy, Ohio’s oldest dairy operation, is investing $10 million in new cold storage facilities. The expansion received support from the Port Authority, JobsOhio, and the City of Sandusky. 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 ERIE COUNTY, OH
Founded over a century ago, the dairy produces milk and ice cream for the entire northern Ohio region while maintaining its headquarters in Sandusky. MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE AND BUSINESS EXPANSION While new sectors take root, Erie County’s manufacturing base remains the backbone of its economy, employing over 6,000 people across the region. LEWCO Manufacturing, a local company, recently completed a major expansion that added jobs and modernized its production capabilities. Ardagh Metal beverage just finished a 500 million dollar factory employing over 500 people.Scotts Miracle-Gro, another significant employer, continues to operate facilities in the region, benefiting from the county’s strategic location between the Ohio Turnpike and Route 2. These major arteries provide direct logistical connections that manufacturers require for efficient supply chain operations. “I still think a lot of our growth in the future is going to continue to be driven by the success and expansion of existing small to medium sized manufacturers like Toft’s, LEWCO Growers Mineral, and others,” Wobser says. “We’ve seen a lot of expansion supported by the county, by the local communities in those places, by the Port Authority and by JobsOhio. And I think that we’re going to see most of our growth through continuing to make sure those companies are successful in growing and adding jobs.” This focus on existing business expansion drives the county’s infrastructure strategy. The Route 250 corridor tax increment financing arrangement represents the first of what county leaders hope will be multiple investments in preparing land for development. “Let’s continue to invest in our major corridors because I think it’s along those major corridors, if they have the appropriate utilities, that you’ll see a lot of growth,”Wobser adds.The approach focuses on removing barriers to investment rather than waiting for development pressure to force infrastructure upgrades. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND TALENT ATTRACTION The county’s economic expansion plans hinge on 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
info@h2productions.co www.h2property.com Restoring And Preserving Sandusky For A Thriving Downtown. The Hogrefe Building, 152 Columbus Ave Sandusky, Ohio 44870 H2 Property Management is the commercial arm of H2 Property Holdings that manages the rental of all the residential and commercial spaces available in Sandusky, Ohio, and the Lodge at Bay View. Hogrefe Building POP-UP OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES MORE INFO
After a successful career as the Founder and CEO of Trilink Biotechnologies, Rick came home to Ohio. Selling Trilink in late 2016, Rick was way too young and ambitious to retire. Instead, he focused on investment where he grew up! Thus, H2 Property Management was founded in 2017 by Richard Hogrefe PhD. alongside his wife, Meghan Hogrefe. Our endeavors focus on community revitalization and maintaining a connection to local history. As we have seen, this not only enhances property values yet also strengthens community ties. Realized in some of our larger development projects such as The Schmidt Building and The Hogrefe Building, both blend history and modern living. A sense of both nostalgia and contemporary comfort for commercial and residential tenant life. As stewards of local history, we have a commitment to economic development and community well-being. As with investors before us and currently, this historical preservation enhances the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the community. The Marketplace Downtown is where you can find purveyors of food, retail shopping and entertainment! The Marketplace merges three downtown streets for a social and business connection. All entrance/exit connect to a unique block of business or entertainment in downtown. With a museum esthetic, the halls of this indoor marketplace are vibrantly designed.A rich historical timeline, from original State Theatre seats to an ice boat that crossed stunning Lake Erie, much to see! Preservation often involves restoring and reusing existing structures. Restored historical buildings can boost local economies by attracting tourists, residents, and new businesses seeking unique and authentic environments for their growing footprint. This is our goal! Our development concepts started with renovation however, one we could not restore, is The Cooke Building located on the corner of Columbus Ave and named after Jay Cooke, financier of the Civil War.After many emotional efforts to save this piece of history we made the tough decision to rebuild. A turbulent restoration project became a beautiful rebuild into the development of The Hogrefe Building. With commercial spaces on the street level and residential apartments above, The Hogrefe Building is a charming, modest to upscale living on a historical block with modern upgrades and a metropolitan lifestyle. Taking advantage of social connection, The Hogrefe Building is connected to The Marketplace Downtown. The investments have never been about acquiring property and making money, the mission is about preservation and economic vibrancy for future generations.
one fundamental challenge: attracting and retaining the workforce needed to fill both existing and future positions. Erie County’s median household income of $68,431 places it near the middle of Ohio counties, but housing affordability is a pressure point that could constrain growth. “Housing is obviously a problem, and affordability of housing is one of the things that everyone around Ohio is looking at right now,” says Patrick Shenigo, Erie County Commissioner. “And we’re hoping our state legislators come up with some solutions that are going to be helpful to the citizens of Erie County also.” While state-level solutions develop, local institutions address workforce preparedness. EHOVE Career Center provides training in manufacturing, healthcare, and other technical fields that align with the county’s employment needs. This connection between education and industry helps ensure that young people can find careers locally rather than leaving the region after completing their training. Building on this foundation, the Greater Sandusky Partnership recently launched the WorkAdvance program in collaboration with Reach Success, awarding certificates to ten Sandusky High School students who completed training focused on manufacturing sector career pathways. Programs like these address the practical skills gap while exposing students to opportunities they might not otherwise consider. “We want to continue to get sites with appropriate infrastructure to market because this is a great place and we do see a demand for investment,” Wobser explains. “But we must make sure the land that we 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 ERIE COUNTY, OH
do have available is ready to be developed. To Pat’s point, to make sure it stays affordable for those who are already here.” The balance between growth and maintaining quality of life for existing residents shapes policy decisions across multiple fronts. TOURISM ASSETS AND QUALITY OF LIFE Cell phone data uncovers a surprising fact about Erie County’s tourism hierarchy: “We just ran numbers on this for a community meeting that showed the largest attraction that we have in this area, a lot of people would assume it’s Cedar Point, and that is number two, but number one is Lake Erie,” Wobser says. “Based on cell phone data where we can see where people visit, actually being in the lake nearby or in the jurisdiction of Erie County is the number one visitor attraction that we have.” The lake’s draw shapes both the visitor economy and residents’ daily experience, creating a unique interplay between commercial tourism and quality of life. Cedar Point, the 364-acre amusement park that opened in 1870 and merged with Six Flags in July 2024, continues major infrastructure investments. The park’s parent company committed $40 to $50 million to completely rebuild the Cedar Point Causeway, extending the Sandusky Bay Pathway all the way to the park entrance. The project addresses aging electric and water utilities that previously forced occasional park closures. Kalahari Resorts invested $10.5 million in 2024, adding two new restaurants and the Dawn Breaker waterslide to its complex. The resort previously expanded its outdoor Zambezi Waterpark with a 15,000-square-foot pool holding 365,000 gallons of water. Six Flags also made major investments in their Sawmill Creek Resort in the city of Huron while 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
partnering with the county to build the Sports Force Parks complex, which attracts well over a million people annually and ranks as the region’s fourth largest attraction behind Cedar Point, Kalahari, and Lake Erie. “The city of Sandusky partnered with Six Flags where they donated 30 acres on the waterfront at the Sports Centre project, and in part through tax increment financing that was placed on the Cedar Point Sports Centre project, just broke ground on a $19 million Bayfront Park that the Sandusky Bay Pathway will run through,” Wobser notes. A Route 6 , 25 million dollar Federal Raise grant is improving connections to Cedar Point all along the Sandusky Bay Corridor. From downtown Vermillion to Huron’s riverfront to downtown Sandusky, investments in waterfront venues and the Sandusky Bay Pathway extend stays and enhance daily life for residents. “Those downtowns, the Sandusky Bay Pathway, the county, 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 ERIE COUNTY, OH
BRUMBAUGH LAW FIRM: HELPING SENIORS PROTECT THEIR FUTURE At Brumbaugh Law Firm, our vision is clear: to be the best-in-class law firm specializing in estate planning, elder law, and wealth protection through a comprehensive, holistic approach. Elder law is a crucial and growing field that addresses the unique needs of seniors, the fastestgrowing segment of the U.S. population. Our mission is to empower individuals through education and information, helping them make informed decisions that secure their future. With a focus on asset protection and aging in place, elder law blends aspects of long-term care planning, Medicaid planning, estate planning, and veterans’ benefits. Proper planning can help safeguard your assets from the high costs of nursing home care. With the right strategies, you may be able to stay in your own home, protect your life savings, and still provide for your loved ones—all without selling your home or leaving your spouse financially vulnerable. At Brumbaugh Law Firm, we offer free seminars and events, along with personalized legal services, to guide you through these complex issues. Let us help you get your “ducks in a row” so you can enjoy peace of mind for you and your family’s future. PLAN FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE. At Brumbaugh Law Firm, we donʼt just practice elder law, we live it. With a deep understanding in estate planning, Medicaid strategy, and long-term care protection, our team builds plans that truly reflect what matters most to you and your family. brumbaughelderlaw.com > team@brumbaughelderlaw.com > 419.871.5258
ourselves and others are working hard to get the State Theatre back on track, which is that $35 million restoration of that historic theatre,” Wobser adds. “Those are all examples of that real good interplay that we have between tourism and talent attraction, retention and quality of life.” AFFORDABILITY AND STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES Tourism revenue has funded substantial infrastructure improvements across Erie County, with hotel construction alone totaling nearly $200 million in recent years. The increase in hotel room inventory drives higher nightly rates, which in turn generates more bed tax revenue that flows back into community improvements.“I think we have been so blessed in our community with the tourism dollars, which has more than doubled our bed tax revenue in recent years” Shenigo says. “Those are folks that have allowed construction. We used to say $120 million, but I think it’s probably closer to a couple hundred million dollars in new Focused on Progress. Invested in You. Let’s build a stronger future together with Civista Whether you’re guiding city projects or growing a business, Civista offers trusted financial solutions to keep your goals on track. Grounded in community and committed to progress, we’re here to help you build what’s next. civista.bank 25CZN55 BusViewAd_3.6x4.9.indd 2 10/29/25 12:41 PM 11 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 ERIE COUNTY, OH
12 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
hotel construction that’s been done. You went from Erie County back in the day when you had your onestory motels along the roadside, and now everywhere you look, there’s a four-story new hotel going up.”The revenue supports low tax rates for residents while funding amenities a community of 75,000 could not otherwise afford. Converting this economic momentum into sustained growth requires strategic thinking about land use.The NASA Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility is perhaps the county’s most underutilized asset. Occupying 6,400 acres in southern Erie County, the facility houses the world’s largest space simulation vacuum chamber and most powerful spacecraft acoustic test chamber. The site has supported missions from SpaceX to NASA’s Artemis program since its establishment in the 1950s. “Our NASA facility is probably arguably the best large-scale testing facility in the world,” Shenigo explains.“Through the leadership of NASA‘s General David Stringer and his team the Neil Armstrong Test Facility has literally been rebuilt into the finest space equipment test facility in the world. There’s 1,200 acres outside the gate that fronts Route 250. We’ve struggled with the federal agencies to be able to get that land to market. I think that would be a huge investment for our community as well as Ohio if we could bring 1200 acres directly outside the gate of a NASA facility. Other NASA facilities around the country, such as Huntsville Alabama’s Marshall Flight Center have attracted billions of dollars of technology industry’s desire to be adjacent to a Nasa facility. The combination of prepared infrastructure, strategic location, and diversified economy positions Erie County to build on its tourism foundation while creating opportunities across multiple sectors. 13 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 ERIE COUNTY, OH
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n H2 Property Holdings LLC www.h2property.com H2 Property Management’s mission is to preserve Sandusky’s historic character while revitalizing its downtown and waterfront areas. By restoring landmark buildings, enhancing commercial and residential spaces, and supporting local businesses, H2 aims to create vibrant, sustainable environments where residents, visitors, and entrepreneurs can thrive and contribute to the city’s ongoing renewal. n Law Office of Michael Brumbaugh www.brumbaughelderlaw.com Brumbaugh Elder Law supports individuals and families through life’s most important planning decisions. We offer personalized estate planning, elder law, and long-term care guidance designed to protect assets, honor client wishes, and bring peace of mind with a caring, collaborative approach. n Civista Bank www.civista.bank Whether you’re managing city resources, overseeing public projects, or growing your business, Civista provides financial expertise and solutions to keep your goals moving forward. With deep community roots and a forwardthinking approach, we deliver the partnership you can rely on to fuel progress and strengthen tomorrow. 14 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
WWW.ERIECOUNTY.OH.GOV WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM AS FEATURED IN BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE Erie County OH
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx