Lake County commissioners to increase funding for Grand River Valley wine region – News-Herald.com

The Grand River Valley, the wine grape-growing and destination region comprising portions of Lake, Ashtabula and Geauga counties, recently received support to the tune of $75,000 from the Lake County commissioners and the Lake County Clerk of Courts.

Thanks to excess title funds, the seed money, according to the county, will facilitate marketing initiatives and outreach efforts in promotion of the area. Commissioners John Hamercheck, Jerry Cirino and Ron Young presented Remarkable Lake County, OH Executive Director Neil Stein with the funds at the Ohio Wine Producers Associations Fire and Ice dinner on Jan. 24.

Lake and Ashtabula counties, and the Grand River Valley which runs through both, has for too long been one of the best kept secrets in the nation, Young said. Over the last 30 years, other wine regions such as Napa Valley, Willamette Valley (Oregon) and the Finger Lakes have gained great notoriety and profited as tourism destinations. This funding will allow our visitors bureaus to expand their mission to make Grand River Valley a premier attraction.

The goal is to draw new visitors from outside our immediate area," he added. "As more people discover the wonders that our valley holds, the more the area will develop. Of course, with development comes economic growth, jobs and opportunities to enjoy a better quality of life for all our citizens.

Stein recently noted that the Lake County Visitors Bureau rebranded as Remarkable Lake County, OH plans to work collaboratively with the Ashtabula County Visitors Bureau to increase economic impact through a unified, regional tourism brand.

This work will build upon the 2016 Grand River Branding Initiative, a private-public partnership with Lake and Ashtabula counties, to develop and help brand a shared identity for the Grand River Valley based on natural, social and economic development variables that exist in the region.

Hamercheck said today's tourists are not concerned with political boundaries when choosing where to visit and spend their time and money.

"Tourism and economic development go hand in hand, he added. Our goal is to increase activity in the region as a whole. This collaboration between Lake and Ashtabula counties is a model of how to leverage public and private resources for the continued growth of the Grand River Valley.

Stretching from Madison Township along the Grand River corridor through western Ashtabula County, the Grand River Valley is home to a plethora of wineries, distilleries, micro-brewers and fine dining opportunities. These destinations compliment the growing number of hotels, bed and breakfasts and cottages developing in the region.

"Our commercial winery businesses are a critical part of the Lake County economy, Cirino said. We are pleased to support their efforts to bring more visitors to our county to appreciate the many fine establishments. This is true economic development.

Last month, the commissioners partnered with the clerk of courts and the Certificate of Title Fund and County General Fund to support this regional marketing initiative.

Since the excess funds were generated from fees for motor vehicle, motorcycle and watercraft titles, I think it is apropos a portion be dedicated to the promotion of the Grand River Valley, said Clerk of Courts Maureen Kelly. I am proud to be able to contribute to the branding of this resource and support all it offers to both residents and visitors to our area.

The funds will be used to brand the region for not only the local market, but for regional and national audiences in order to increase overall travel to the region and drive foot traffic to local businesses, according to a news release.

While the wineries may beregarded as the anchor tenant, attractions such as the Lake Erie shoreline, covered bridges and local park systems will be incorporated into the long-term vision as well.

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Lake County commissioners to increase funding for Grand River Valley wine region - News-Herald.com