The Greater Sandusky Partnership, an organization often referred to as new, builds on the foundation of several Erie County entities that have existed over the last 125 years.
One such entity is the Erie County Chamber of Commerce, which began as the Sandusky Chamber in 1899. Over the last 125 years of its existence, the chamber has undergone several evolutions to be where it is today: Greater Sandusky Partnership or GSP.
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This timeline shows the creation of the one organization, GSP, over the course of 125 years.
GSP, now known as the chamber, is a regional organization offering membership and economic development services across Greater Sandusky Bay. GSP’s mission is to be the advocate and catalyst that drives economic growth and vitality across the Greater Sandusky Bay Region. Its vision is a premier Great Lakes region, blending diverse industries, vibrant communities and a thriving destination economy.
On October 3, GSP launched its strategic vision for the remainder of the 20s – 2025-2029. This strategic plan outlined four main goals: alignment, growth, talent, and vibrancy.
Alignment: GSP aims to position the organization as a leading regional chamber and sustainable force in economic development, fostering collaboration and delivering transformational outcomes.
Up until its annual meeting, GSP was known as the umbrella entity for the Erie County Chamber, Huron Chamber of Commerce and the Erie County Economic Development Corporation. Moving forward, there will be one external organization – GSP. This alignment of operations and identity will help eliminate confusion and better equip the organization to support the business community.
The other three goals revolve around the mission-based work of GSP.
Growth: Build a diversified, resilient and innovative economy that catalyzes and sustains long-term prosperity for the region.
Talent: Attract, retain and develop and skilled workforce to sustain regional growth, connect businesses to talent and provide individuals with meaningful career opportunities.
Vibrancy: Build and activate communities to enhance the quality of life, attract and retain talent, stimulate investment and support local business.
The full strategic plan of GSP can be found
here.
The event on the third outlined the goals of the strategic plan but also recognized several of the region’s most critical leaders with an awards presentation. There were four awards given for Regional Collaboration, Visionary Leadership, Transformational Impact and Talon Flohr Young Professional.
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GSP’s mission is to be the advocate and catalyst that drives economic growth and vitality across the Greater Sandusky Bay Region.Regional Collaboration recognized the partnership behind the $24.5 million RAISE grant, which will transform infrastructure along Route 6 and expand the Sandusky Bay Pathway.
“This collaboration highlights what can be accomplished through bold, united action,” says GSP CEO Eric Wobser.
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, alongside Erie County, the City of Sandusky, the City of Huron, and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) were presented this award for their collaboration in securing the federal dollars.
The second award presented,
Visionary Leadership, went to Abbey Bemis, currently Chief Operating Officer for Payne Nickles & Co. Bemis previously was the executive director for the Erie County Economic Development Corp. She received this award for her visionary contributions, which have broken economic, social, and political barriers and presented opportunities for a prosperous region.
Brian Shanle, general manager for Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, received the
Transformational Impact award for his career-long dedication to fostering a vibrant region through his work in the company. This award is presented to an advocate who has made extraordinary contributions toward the vision of a vibrant region.
The last award, the
Talon Flohr Young Professional award was presented to Mary Giles, a Realtor at North Bay Realty. Giles was given the recognition for her outstanding engagement and commitment to her community. This award is given in honor of a young leader, Talon Flohr, who dedicated time and effort to making the Sandusky community a better place.
The rest of the event program included several members of the GSP team discussing their programs and initiatives, a presentation from the CEO Eric Wobser, a panel of GSP board members, and comments from the GSP Chairman Duff Milkie.
“This event truly captured the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines our region,” Milkie says. “The hard work of so many individuals and organizations is creating a foundation for long-term success. As we look to the future it’s inspiring to see the commitment to growth, resilience and community prosperity.”
Many local companies were instrumental in making this event possible through sponsorship including Janotta & Herner as the Presenting Sponsor, 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, Cintas as the Entertainment Sponsor and Cypress as the Champagne Sponsor.
Local vendors that made the event a success include Great Lakes Audio Visual, 1826 Photographic, Sweet Pea Flower Truck, Alex Dominish – musician, Violet Pineapple Balloons, Tom’s Trophy Shop, Loris Printing, OSupplies and Sawmill Creek Resort, where the event was hosted.
To learn more about GSP, visit greatersandusky.com, call 419-625-6421 or email
[email protected].