Here - Visit Lorain County

Activity Report
2015
reflections
Despite the ongoing challenges that the Visit Lorain County Tourist Information Center building has presented, the overall
picture and progress of the Visit Lorain County organization has thrived and marketing has flourished.
The past five years, the board and management of Visit Lorain County have addressed one of the organizations largest
outstanding issues — the repair of faulty design/build issues that caused the majority of the building’s exterior to deteriorate
and rot. This costly project involved a re-issuance of Lorain County Port Authority bonds. The original building was also financed
by the Lorain County Port Authority under the direction of then Board President Len DeLuca and Executive Director Pat Cano.
Not counting the $331,000 in repairs completed in 2014/15, the building will continue to absorb approximately 25% of the
organization’s yearly budget that goes back to the Lorain County Port Authority bonds and loan. Any amount received as a result
of litigation will go directly back to the Lorain County Port Authority to be applied to the bonds.
Now that the building is repaired and litigation that calls for accountability is well underway, we are optimistic that Visit Lorain
County will continue to move forward in a strengthened and positive way. All indicators point to a strong future. This report
shows that lodging tax soared in the past five years, right along with marketing success, social media, membership increases
and publicity efforts. All of Visit Lorain County’s marketing efforts have been created in-house by a hard-working and talented
staff, under the leadership of a diverse, all-volunteer board of directors who have fully dedicated themselves to furthering the
economic impact of tourism on beautiful Lorain County.
Nationally-recognized programming such as the Trail to Freedom Underground Railroad Trail, Back Roads and Beaches Bike
and Multi-sport Route and Waist High in Walleye - Central Basin fishing are now developed and Visit Lorain County is poised to
capitalize on the success of these and continue to grow in these specialized target markets.
organizational history
Visit Lorain County (VLC) was formed by the Lorain County Commissioners on October 27, 1983. Funding for VLC comes from a
3% Lodging Excise Tax or “Bed Tax.” Resolution 83-429, passed by the Commissioners on April 29, 1983, provides for the collection of these taxes.
Visit Lorain County is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization. The purpose of Visit Lorain County is to promote travel and
tourism in Lorain County. VLC is charged with the task of developing an image that will position Lorain County as a viable destination for sports events, meetings and visitors. VLC serves all components of the visitor industry including motels, restaurants,
meeting facilities, attractions, tour operators, and the commercial and retail resources that are important to the visitor. The Visitors Bureau is a community’s single most powerful marketing organization.
funding
VLC is funded through a 3% bed tax levied on visitors to Lorain County hotels and motels. No local taxes support Visit Lorain
County. Over 60 of Ohio’s 88 counties have visitors bureaus. Funding is made possible through a state law to invoke the lodging
tax. By law, the county lodging tax is dedicated to a county-wide visitors bureau. This is in keeping with the idea that a tax on a
specific industry should benefit and further that industry.
staff
Barb Bickel, Executive Director
Heather Fraelich, Special Projects
Pam Horvath, Office Manager
Sarah Orndorff, Marketing and Content Manager
Michelle VanWormer, Membership Services and
Sales Manager
board of directors
Marcia Ballinger, Provost, Lorain County Community College
Fran Baumann, Vermilion Valley Vineyards
Patti Rebman-Bellman, Rebman Recreation
Rex Engle, Oberlin Inn
Chuck Fye, Retired
Lee Goodman, Ferut Architects
Nancy Klingshirn, Klingshirn Winery Inc.
Howard Lane, Fauver, Keyse-Walker & Donovan
Matt Lundy, Lorain County Commissioner
Betsy Manderen, Firelands Assn. of Visual Arts
Dr. Noberto Marfori
Pat Metzger, Lorain County Port Authority
Rick Novak, Lorain Port Authority
Kiran Patel, Country Inn and Suites
Missy Timko, 5 Corners Bed & Breakfast
Patti Young, Wellington Implement
Mitch Zunich, Barnes Wendling
Red indicates voting members appointed by the
Lorain County Commissioners
Avon Lake
Sheffield
Lake
Lorain
Sheffield
Vermilion
North Ridgeville
Amherst
Elyria
South Amherst
Birmingham
Columbia Station
Oberlin
Kipton
Grafton
LaGrange
Wellington
Penfield
Rochester
geographical diversity of
vlc board members
(red dots indicate business location)
professional diversity of vlc board
Higher Education/University/College (2)
Accountant CPA (1)
Attorney (1)
Lodging/Managment: Hotel (2), B&B (1)
Winery/Vineyard/Agritourism (2)
Architect (1)
Main Street Organizations Board Members (3)
Avon
Elected Official-County Commissioner (1)
Lorain County Port Authority (1)
Arts (1)
Retail (1)
Recreation/Sports (1)
Lake Erie/Lakefront (1)
MD (1)
mission
The mission of Visit Lorain County is to increase tourism and its economic impact in Lorain County.
vision
Visit Lorain County works to establish Lorain County as a premier Lake Erie and outdoor destination among various markets of
travelers. Through excellence in marketing, providing authentic experiences, credibility and transparency, VLC leads the Lorain
County travel industry into the future with cutting edge marketing innovation.
“We truly appreciate the job Visit Lorain County does promoting Stocker and providing
marketing assistance at the trade shows you attend...Stocker Arts Center/LCCC is proud to
be a member of Visit Lorain County. It is membership money well spent.”
Janet Herman Barlow
Stocker Arts Center, LCCC
impact
TOTAL TOURISM IMPACT
LORAIN COUNTY, OH
Sales
Wages
Taxes
Employment
$499.4 Million
$154.1 Million
$66.1 Million
8,104
Lorain County
Source: “The Economic Impact of Tourism in Lorain County, Ohio
July 2014, by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company
600,000 500,000 400,000 300,000 200,000 Lodging tax revenue 100,000 0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Lodging tax revenue 2015 From 2010 to 2015 lodging taxes in Lorain County
show 47% growth.
Based on numbers so far, 2015 lodging tax collections are estimated to be $528,330
vlc online
website
250,000 200,000 150,000 Users Sessions 100,000 Pageviews 50,000 0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 From 2010 to 2015 the number of users and sessions for
www.visitloraincounty.com have TRIPLED. Pageviews have DOUBLED in that
same timeframe.
website
calendar of events
In 2015, VLC centralized all of our calendar management tools into a
single, interactive, user-friendly calendar management system. This new
calendar system allows smaller organizations to log on themselves, enter
all of their events and even create customized calendars they can freely
use on their own websites. Since launching the calendar in July, 2015 we
have 97 users representing Main Street organizations, historical societies, parks, events, arts organizations, theater and choral groups, sports
venues, local libraries, small businesses and wineries utilizing the system.
“We really enjoy all the perks of being a member of Visit Lorain County. We appreciate the promotion
you do for your members via social media and your website. Talk about expanding our reach! Your
website is easy to navigate and full of useful information. We also love the networking and training
opportunities available through Visit Lorain County. Thank you!”
Judy Recknagle, Owner: The Mermaids Tale
social media
Visit Lorain County maintains three separate Facebook pages
Visit Lorain County
Market: Leisure, local and regional travelers. Events
Lake Erie Fishing
Market: National, sportfishing
Back Roads and Beaches
Market: Regional cyclists and multi-sport travelers
National: Underground Railroad and Northern Tier cyclists
Total likes: 11,900
Update: 14,560, 22% increase so far for 2015
Visit Lorain County maintains two separate Twitter
accounts
Visit Lorain County
Market: Leisure, local and regional travelers. Events
Back Roads and Beaches
Market: Regional cyclists and multi-sport travelers
National: Underground Railroad and Northern Tier cyclists
Total followers: 2714
Update: 3292:
21% increase so far for 2015
print
lake erie is in our nature
Detroit•
CANADA
75
90
MICHIGAN
90
90
LAKE ERIE
2
•Cedar Point
90
2
PENNSYLVANIA
•Cleveland
INDIANA
Lake Erie
is in our nature.
77
OHIO
Fishing/Outdoor Market
75
71
•Pittsburgh
77
•Columbus
Lake Erie
and bring your appetite!
PLAN AN EXCITING, LONG WEEKEND
NORTH CENTRAL OHIO ADVENTURE
GET YOUR FREE
ADVENTURE AND VISITORS INFO GUIDE
BACK ROADS & BEACHES RECREATION MAP AND GUIDE
TRAIL TO FREEDOM UNDERGROUND RAILROAD GUIDE
visitloraincounty.com | backroadsandbeaches.com
800.334.1673
is in our nature.
71
•Dayton
No gear? No worries.
Our bike shops, kayak/paddleboard vendors and charter captains will hook you up with the perfect rental!
75
PLAN AN EXCITING, LONG WEEKEND
NORTH CENTRAL OHIO ADVENTURE
GET YOUR FREE
ADVENTURE AND VISITORS INFO GUIDE
BACK ROADS & BEACHES RECREATION MAP AND GUIDE
TRAIL TO FREEDOM UNDERGROUND RAILROAD GUIDE
For group tour information and itineraries contact:
visitloraincounty.com | backroadsandbeaches.com
800.334.1673
800.334.1673 | www.visitloraincounty.com
On the Trail to
Freedom is part of:
Convenient & Affordable ∙ Lakeside Dining
Unique Boutiques ∙ Motorcoach Parking
Visit Lorain County
visitloraincounty.com ∙ 800.334.1673
Visit Lorain County
77
Full Page-Leisure Market 2015
Full Page-Leisure Market- 2014
Group Tour/Heritage Print Ad
71
Group/Motorcoach Market
print advertising
Print ads are created in house for various markets. The 2015 budget for print advertising more than doubled over 2014.
The 2015 Leisure Market ad alone generated 3694 TRACKED responses from consumers
moved to request more information.
direct visitor inquiries/requests for printed
information
5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 Informa(on Requests 1,000 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Informa(on 2015 In 2015, Visit Lorain County’s advertising and marketing budget doubled. The response rate
more than doubled.
Direct visitor inquiries and requests increased
230% from 2010 to 2015
Bardwell House
(private)
EAST COLLEGE st
181 E.
Lorain
LAKE BREEZE RD
LEAR RD
French
Creek
Reservation
6
URR Site
Burrell
Homestead
EAST LORAIN st
6
PARSONS RD
oberlin
Metro Parks
ak Launch
Site
to
ry.
SPRING st
90
vlc-produced
printed
materials
City Map Key
Hotel/Motel
Restroom
Bed & Breakfast/
Lodges/Cabins
Bike Shop
Camping
Coin Laundry
Parking
Info Source/
Visitor Center
Dining
Ice Cream
Winery
Swimming Beach
or Pool
Hospital
Art Museum/
Gallery
Historical
Site/Museum
Hiking
Kayak,
Paddleboat, Canoe
or SUP Rental
The tour will take you through
several small towns and
cities in North Central Ohio.
Individually, each town is a
delightful visit. Combined in
a single tour, cyclists will
experience a memorable and
fulfilling environmental, cultural,
historical and recreational tour.
Hard-core athletes can jump on
Thorn Mountain Bike Trail
the trail and complete a multisport adventure that combines
cycling with mountain biking, swimming, trekking, kayaking,
roller blading or running through varied and scenic terrain.
Cycling tourists can take a leisurely spin through the route while
immersing themselves in the culture, arts and history of Oberlin,
the nautical charm and maritime history of Vermilion, or the
beautiful beaches and lake
views in Lorain, Sheffield Lake
and Avon Lake.
All printed materials are written, researched, designed and
produced in-house without using
outside marketing or design
firms.
lake erie paddler
Vermilion: The charm of the
New England style Historic
Harbour Town 1837 district is
complimented by waterfront
attractions along the scenic
Vermilion River and the shores
of Lake Erie. Interesting shops
and museums reflect the flavor
of this lakefront town. Take a
break, dine along the water and
watch the river traffic go by.
The Back Roads and Beaches Route is miles of rolling,
rural roads with beautiful scenery that ranges from farmland
and forest to the nautical flavor of the Lake Erie shoreline. The
route provides scenic and low-traffic routes that lead riders
through some of Ohio’s most spectacular landscape. It also
highlights some of the area’s most relevant history, culture and
arts. Of course, every touring cyclist always looks for great
food. You’ll find fast food along the route but Back Road and
Beaches highlights those eateries that feature locally grown
produce, organics, healthy choices and spectacular outdoor
views of our natural areas. The route is perfect for a two- or
three-day visit. You’ll find lodges, hotels, bed and breakfasts
and camping along the way. Some are a bit off the trail but can
be easily reached by bike. All lodging indicated on the map are
cyclist-friendly.
BACK ROAuDlSti&sp BEACHES
On the Trail to
FREEDOM
The Underground
BACK ROADS Railroad
& BEACHES
LorainA Lorain
County•Ohio
County Heritage Program
8025 Leavitt Rd. • Amherst, OH 44001
800.334.1673
www.backroadsandbeaches.com
For area travel information:
dying for
, I could
www.visitloraincounty.com
O
Avon Lake
83
Sheffield Lake
611
Freedom
301
611
611
611
Avon
254
90
58
wayarts
to and
thenatural
gallows
for his role
history, culture,
environment.
Lorain County
the Harper’s
Ferrytravel
insurrection
Heritage, Inc.inencourages
responsible
to and inside Lorain
County.
Sheffield
57
Lorain
6
Vermilion
rather die
254
North Ridgeville
113
2
80
Amherst
80
60
90
20
113
80
Elyria
113
10
Birmingham
58
20
82
Oberlin
Lorain: You will find one of
Lake Erie's finest beaches and
waterfront parks. Lakeview
Beach and Park in Lorain. Just
511
Grafton
Kipton
511
83
57
301
20
20
303
LaGrange
57
58
60
511
Wellington
18
Patchwork Trails:
Quilt Barn Tour of Lorain County
18
162
brochure
distribution totals
2015 Events Calendar
2013: 114,869
2014: 138,114
2015: 148,620
This includes both our’s and
members’ printed materials.
Distribution: through visitors to our
office, mailed as a result of online requests, ad leads, phone requests, travel/trade shows, ODOT, Ohio Turnpike,
Indiana Turnpike, racking companies
in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio. Locally at
libraries, businesses and government
offices.
L OH
I
6
Vermilion–
r
Lorain Wate
Trail
“If I am
not die for a better cause, I had
Lorain County Heritage than
is the non-profit
subsidiary
be a slave
!”of Visit Lorain
County. The mission of Lorain County Heritage, Inc. is to preserve,
−John
- on his
promote and
provide Copeland
education regarding
Lorain County’s unique
Thank you to the Lorain County Engineer's office who
fund and maintain the signage along the Back Roads and
Beaches Route.
CENTRA
Y *
LAKE ERIE
east of Lakeview, you can visit
the mouth of the Black River and
view the scenic Charles Berry
Bascule bridge.
Oberlin: The funky little City
of Oberlin is home to Oberlin
College. Oberlin is unique in
its ties to the Underground
Railroad. This is a bicyclefriendly community that loves
visiting cyclists. Several
eateries specialize and serve
locally-grown, organic, vegan
and vegetarian cuisine. Oberlin
is home to many fine museums
and galleries that welcome
cyclists.
o
m
bike and N O R T Hrt route
OUNT
IN C
A
LOR
·CHARTER FISHING
·PIER FISHING
·BAIT/TACKLE/GEAR
·KAYAKING
·PUBLIC ACCESS
PA L AC E
Walleye
Steelhead Trout
Smallmouth Bass
Yellow Perch
Penfield
vlc awards
National Association of Sports Commissions’
Excellence Award
Back Roads and Beaches Marketing Campaign
National Association of Sports Commissions’
Outstanding Locally Created Event/Program
Back Roads and Beaches
Numerous OACVB Middy Award
Back Road and Beaches Bike Map
Waist High in Walleye Campaign
Visitors Guide
Ohio Travel Association Ruby Award
Back Roads and Beaches Bike Map
1
Ruby Citation of Excellence
Trail to Freedom Underground Railroad Brochure
Social Media Campaign
Print Ad
Adventure Cycling Association
Pacesetter Award
Back Roads and Beaches
distribution
Distribution points for Visit Lorain County collateral materials (outside of Lorain County).
Red pins indicate an individual location. Green pins are highway rest areas and travel plazas
such as the Ohio Turnpike, PA Turnpike and Indiana Toll Roads. Map and pin detail can be
found online here: http://bit.ly/1QS0LqQ
local
(lorain county)
distribution
AMHERST
5 Corners Bed & Breakfast Amherst Historical Society Amherst Library Baskets of Blessings Bob Evans Bureau of Motor Vehicles City of Amherst City Salvage & Design Cork’s and Stubby’s Days Inn Don Mould’s Plantation Giuseppe’s Heartland Treasures Hoisting Steel Strength Training and Fitness
Club Hot Dog Heaven Jamie’s Flea Market, South Amherst
Kiedrowski’s Bakery LC Title & Passport Office Main Street Amherst Mercy Health and Recreation Center Metro Computer Resources Miller Orchards Miller’s Apple Hill Moosehead Grill Motel 6 – Amherst Olde Town Pizza House Quarry Stone Bed and Breakfast Sandstone Suite Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham
The Mermaid’s Tale Timber Ridge Campground Workshop Players, Inc AVON
Avon Heritage Duck Tape Festival Avon Historical Society Avon Library
Cambria Hotels & Suites City of Avon Countryside Antiques Fairfield Inn & Suites
Fitch’s Farm Market Lake Erie Crushers Professional Baseball Miller Nature Preserve Nemo Grille Olde Avon Village Sassy’s Strip, a Steakhouse
Tree House Gallery and Tea Room Two Bucks Value Place Wood & Wine AVON LAKE
Avon Lake Historical Society
Avon Lake Landmark Preservation Society
Avon Lake Library
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
City of Avon Lake
Fratello’s Girls Give Back - Summer Market
Independence Village of Avon Lake
John Christ Winery
Klingshirn Winery Inc
Martys Bike Shop North Coast Chamber of Commerce
Sapori Italian Grille
COLUMBIA STATION
Columbia Antique Gas Engine Show
& Flea Market Columbia Chamber of Commerce Columbia Historical Society Columbia Homecoming Festival Columbia Library Columbia Reservation Columbia Station Town Hall
Hickory Nut Golf Club Spooky Ranch/Rockin-R-Ranch Sundae Fundays GRAFTON/LAGRANGE
American Wilderness Campground
Grafton Library
LaGrange Library, LaGrange
LaGrange Town Hall
Lorain County Metro Parks
Our Little World Alpacas
Synergy Woods
The Unicorn Restaurant & Pub
Village of Grafton
ELYRIA
AAA Midway Mall Best Western Inn Buffalo Wild Wings Bureau of Motor Vehicles Camelot Inn City of Elyria Mayor’s Office City of Elyria Parks & Recreation Department Community Foundation of Lorain County Country Inn & Suites,
Elyria
Discover Aviation Center Donald A. Schuster Greenhouse Dragon Ranch Golf Club Elyria Apple Festival Elyria Arts Council Elyria Motel Elyria Public Library - West River & Washington Follow the Fish Art and Adventure Trails Forest Hills Golf Course Grobe Fruit Farm Ltd. Hampton Inn & Suites Hauntville Ilene’s Dog ‘n Suds Invest Elyria John A. Spitzer Conference Center Journey Inn First Community Interfaith Institute LC Auditor LC Clerk of Courts - Title office LC Commissioners LC Engineers Office LC Growth Partnership LC Recorder LC Treasurer Leadership Lorain County Lorain County Administration Bldg – lobby Lorain County Airport/MRK Aviation Lorain County Chamber of Commerce Lorain County Clerk of Courts - Justice Ctr. Lorain County Community College Lorain County Historical Society Lorain County Sacred Landmarks Initiative Lorain County Solid Waste Management
Lorain County Speedway Main Street Elyria Molnar Outdoor Motel 9 Murray Ridge Production Center Nicole Kay’s Boutique Port of Lorain Foundation, Inc. Quality Inn Ramada Red Roof Inn & Suites Silver Wheels Cycling Club, Inc. Small Business Solutions Centers Smitty’s Place Stocker Arts Center Stubby’s Pub & Grub Super 8 Motel Team LC Wesleyan Senior Living LORAIN
A Hoy Sara J Sportfishing Charter Fleet Beaver Park Marina Castillo Mexicano Mexican Restaurant Charleston Coffee House City of Lorain
(Lobby & Mayors Office on 7th floor) Copper Kettle Marina DeLuca’s Place in the Park Fligner’s Market George’s Bait & Carryout Great Lakes Kayaking/Grumpy’s Bait Bucket Jackalope Lakeside K-Cream Korner Lake Erie Paddler Lake Screen Printing Inc. Lakeview Park/ Rose Café LoCo ‘Yaks Lorain Arts Council Lorain Community Music Theater Lorain County Ironmen Lorain Growth Corporation Lorain Historical Society Lorain International Association Lorain Palace Civic Center Lorain Port Authority Lorain Public Library System
Lost Nation Sports Park West My Bonnie Fishing Charter Neff Brothers RV Rentals & Service Northcoast Grapevine Tours LLC. Port of Lorain Foundation, Inc Pozzie’s Lakeside Bait & Tackle Rebman Recreation Inc. Reel Thrill Sportfishing Charters Rockin’ on the River Shoreway Motel & Trailer Park Spitzer Marina The 530 Shop
The Beacon B & B Tight Line Charters NORTH RIDGEVILLE
Aut-O-Rama Drive-In Theatre Bistro 83 City of North Ridgeville Don Mould’s Plantation, Inc LCCC - Ridgeville Branch LC Title Office Motel 6 - North Ridgeville North Ridgeville Corn Festival North Ridgeville Historical Society North Ridgeville Library North Ridgeville VB/Chamber of Commerce Olde Towne Hall Theatre Ridge Motel Sandy Ridge Reservation SportsVille Super 8 Motel Victory Park Ohio OBERLIN/WAKEMAN
1830 Hallauer House Bed & Breakfast Aladdin’s Eatery Allen Memorial Art Museum City of Oberlin Common Ground - The Cindy Nord Center for
Renewal Equine Differences Firelands Assn. for the Visual Arts (FAVA) Ginko Gallery & Studio Hall Auditorium Ivy Tree Inn and Garden Kendal at Oberlin L.D. Moore Bed & Breakfast Lorain County Joint Vocational School Lorenzo’s Pizzeria New Russia Twp Hall Northern Ohio Youth Orchestras Oberlin Back House Cottage Oberlin Business Partnership Oberlin College Oberlin College & Conservatory Conference
Services Oberlin College Conservatory of Music Oberlin Golf Club Oberlin Heritage Center Oberlin Inn Oberlin Library Ohio Dance Theatre Senior Center Shurtleff Cottage Splash Zone Sterk’s of Oberlin Stockyard Express Sunset Motel Swerve Bike Shop The Buckeye and the Frog Bed and Breakfast The Feve The Tuck Shop Treehuggers Café Wild Goose Gardens & Inn Matus Winery
Riverdog Retreat/Riverdog Gallery
Vermilion Valley Vineyards
SHEFFIELD LAKE/SHEFFIELD VILLAGE
103rd O.V.I. Memorial Fund/
Civil War Museum City of Sheffield Lake
Domonkas Library Erie Outfitters
Homewood Suites Lake Breeze Inn Lorain County Association of Realtors Quaker Steak & Lube - Sheffield Village Sorrento Ristorante & Pizzeria French Creek Res/TrueNorth Cultural Arts Village of Sheffield VERMILION
Bad Boy Bait, Tackle & Archery Bicycle Bill’s Friends of Harbour Town 1837/ Ship Shoppe Granny Joe’s Ice Creamatorium Harbourtown Travel Holiday Inn Express Krieg’s It’z the Berries Frozen Custard Krieg’s Strawberry Farm & Market Lakeland Lodges LakeShore Electric Boating Linwood Park Lucky Duck Sport Fishing Charters Main Street Vermilion Malt Shop Martino’s International Café Mystic Belle Papa Joes Pizza Paper Moon Vineyards Quaker Steak & Lube Riverview RV Park and Marina Romp’s Marina/Dairy Dock Shore Thing Sunoco Station Vermilion Chamber of Commerce Vermilion Family YMCA Vermilion Library Vermilion News Print Shop Museum Village Inn & Efficiencies West River Paddle Sports WELLINGTON
Bonnie Brae Farm Tours, Ltd. Bread-N-Brew Bureau of Motor Vehicles Clare-Mar Lakes Campground & RV Sales Days of Yore Herb & Flower Farm Findley State Park Fort’s Tavern Friends of Herrick Memorial Library/Wellington
Harvest of the Arts Fun Country Soaring Lettuce Heads Farm LCCC Branch Lorain County Fair Main Street Wellington Office on Aging Pittsfield Township Historical Society Pop-Up Rentals Inc Rhythm of Life Festival Rustic Lakes Campgrounds Inc. Spirit of ‘76 Museum Spreng Haus Guest Lodging Village of Wellington Wellington Chamber of Commerce Wellington Country Inn Bed and Breakfast Wellington Implement Wellington Reservation LOCAL GROUP REQUESTS/VLC PRESENTATIONS/SPECIAL EVENTS
African American Coalition 2015 Convention
Air Biscuit Anniversary Bendix- (new recruit information) Best of Lorain County - VLC table Cathedral of Praise - conference
County Commissioners Assoc. of Ohio Conference, Columbus
Dill family wedding guests
Elyria Rotary - VLC presentation
Ernest Battle Family Reunion
FireFish Festival
Friends of Findley - Car Show Girls Night Out -Miller Nature Preserve Glorious Faith Tabernacle- church group
Vintage car group Lorain County
Holy Mackerel Fishing Tackle Flea Market Johnson Family reunion
Kiwanis VLC presentation
LC Auditors Office – (for adding to bags for
events)
LCCC- International Students
Leadership LC intern graduation Leadership LC presentation Lorain County Computer Club Lorain High Class Reunion Lorain International Princesses welcome bags Lorain Rotary VLC presentation Lorain Wheelmen Bicycling Club - Red Flannel
Ride Main Street Meeting- VLC host, Amherst
Mt Zion Baptist Church- conference Murray Ridge Center - bags for group visit Nativity Church event Nonprofit Communicators Meeting
Oberlin College - Parents Weekend Oberlin Community and Culture Fest Oberlin Rotary - conference Presentation at Lorain Library RNC Meeting, VLC, Amherst
RNC Summer Meeting- Cleveland
Rockin’ on the River concerts
Victory Park – tournaments TRADE SHOWS
AAA Expo, Columbus
Breakaway Travel Show - Newcastle PA
Cincinnati Bike & Touring Expo
Cleveland Boat Show
Cleveland Outdoor Show
Lorain County Fair Neo Cycle show- Cleveland
ODNR- Ohio State Fair, Columbus
Ohio Travel Pavilion- Erie Show, Erie PA
Ohio Travel Pavilion -Ohio St Fair, Columbus
Ohio Travel Pavilion Home School Show,
Cincinnati
BROCHURE RACKING DISTRIBUTION
Getaways on Display - Western PA 71 Locations Indiana Turnpike
ODOT Travel Centers - (Ad-Rack) Ohio Turnpike Plazas
Pennsylvania on Display – PA Turnpike media relations
$150,000 $100,000 $50,000 Value $0 2011 2012 2013 2014 Value 2015 Unpaid media coverage has been steadily increasing through cultivated relationship building with media, outdoor writers and freelance journalists.
In 2011, unpaid media value was estimated at $23,400. In 2015: $117,600.
A 400% increase.
Value is estimated using an average price per column inch and airtime rates for advertising.
branding & marketing
customizable
logo
The Visit Lorain County logo comes
with multiple icons that can be
swapped in or out as needed, depending on the usage. The tag line
“Lake Erie is in our nature,” is also
customizable. For instance: “The arts
are in our nature.” “Events are in our
nature.” “Cycling is in our nature.”
Back Roads and Beaches has it’s own
identity and mark. It is used online, in
print and on the route signage.
Waist High in Walleye is now the
branding that is synonomous with
Lake Erie Central Basin walleye fishing.
Back Roads and Beaches
Waist High in Walleye
focused target
markets
leisure/outdoor
travel
General Lake Erie
Boating
Cycling/Kayaking
Arts
Culinary/Wine
heritage travelers
Underground Railroad
Nature (Waterfalls/
Parks)
Lake Erie History
Fishing
Birding
Agritourism
sports
Adult and Youth Field
Events
Cycling/Triathlon/Running
Mountain Biking
Bowling
Misc other events as
suitable
meetings/events
Small business meetings
Weddings
Reunions
group tour
Underground Railroad
Fresh Ohio/Lake Erie
Culinary and Wine
Church/Faith-Based
Tours
trade shows
In 2014-15, Visit Lorain County either attended or was represented
at the following:
• Heartland Travel Showcase (Group Tour)
• American Bus Assn. ABA (Group Tour)
• African American Travel Conference (Heritage/Group)
• Ontario Motorcoach Assn (Group Tour)
• Going on Faith (Group Tour)
• National Tour Association NTA (Group Tour)
• Student Youth Travel Association (Student/Group Tour)
• Boomers in Group (Boomer Group Travel)
• Cleveland Outdoor Adventure Show (Fishing Market)
• Cleveland Boat Show (Leisure Market)
• Outdoorama Outdoor Show-Detroit (Fishing/Outdoors)
• Erie Outdoor Adventure Show (Fishing/Outdoors)
• Ohio State Fair-Ohio Pavilion and in the
ODNR Pavilion (Leisure Market)
• Kayaking Symposium (Leisure Market)
• Lorain County Fair (Local)
• AAA Travel Show, Columbus (Leisure Market)
• NEOCycle (Outdoor and Cycling Market)
• Bicycle Tour and Travel Expo (Outdoor/Cycling Market)
• Breakaway Travel Show - Newcastle PA (Group/Leisure Market)
• Home School Show, Cincinnati (Youth/Heritage Market)
membership
300 200 100 Members 0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Members FROM 2010 TO 2015, MEMBERSHIPS HAVE INCREASED 81%
Business memberships have been steadily increasing
Membership consists of lodging facilities, parks, wineries, restaurants, historical and arts organizations, museums, recreational
venues and facilities, shopping, fishing charters, outdoor recreation vendors, farmers markets, events, spectator sports, non
profit organizations and municipalities.
“I can’t say enough about the Visit Lorain County membership program. As a member
business, I feel it’s by far the best bang for my buck.”
Capt. Marc Bottone
My Bonnie Charter
members 2015
Arts & Culture
Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin
Firelands Association for the Visual Arts (FAVA),
Oberlin
Follow the Fish Art and Adventure Trails, Elyria
Frank Lloyd Wright Weltzheimer/Johnson House, Oberlin
Lorain Arts Council, Lorain
Lorain Community Music Theater, Elyria
Lorain County Sacred Landmarks, Elyria
Northern Ohio Youth Orchestras, Oberlin
Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, Oberlin
Ohio Dance Theatre, Oberlin
Olde Towne Hall Museum, North Ridgeville
Olde Towne Hall Theatre, North Ridgeville
Stocker Arts Center, Elyria
Sweet Adelines InternationalLake Ridge Chorus, Elyria
TrueNorth Cultural Arts, Sheffield Village
Whet Your Palette, Amherst
Workshop Players, Inc., Amherst
Community Organizations
Columbia Chamber of Commerce,
Columbia Station
Elyria Public Library, Elyria
Independence Village of Avon Lake, Avon Lake
Invest Elyria, Elyria
Kendal at Oberlin, Oberlin
Leadership Lorain County, Elyria
Lorain County Association of Realtors,
Sheffield Village
Lorain County Chamber of Commerce, Elyria
Lorain County Clerk of Courts, Elyria
Lorain County Community College, Elyria
Lorain County Growth Partnership, Elyria
Lorain County Joint Vocational School, Oberlin
Lorain County Solid Waste Management, Elyria
Lorain Growth Corporation, Lorain
Lorain Port Authority, Lorain
Lorain Public Library System, Lorain
Lorain Wheelmen Bicycling Club, Amherst
Main Street Amherst, Amherst
Main Street Elyria, Elyria
Main Street Vermilion, Vermilion
Main Street Wellington, Wellington
Maranatha Spring & Shrine, Elyria
Metro Computer ResourcesAmherst
North Coast Chamber of Commerce,
Avon Lake
North Ridgeville VB/Chamber of Commerce,
North Ridgeville
Oberlin Business Partnership, Oberlin
Oberlin College, Oberlin
Silver Wheels Cycling Club, Inc., Elyria
Small Business Solutions Centers, Elyria
Stein Hospice, Sandusky
Vermilion Chamber of Commerce, Vermilion
Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Wellington
Wesleyan Senior Living, Elyria
Events
Avon Heritage Duck Tape Festival, Avon
Columbia Antique Gas Engine Show &
Flea Market, Columbia Station
Columbia Homecoming Festival,
Columbia Station
Country Tour Group, Wellington
Discover Aviation Center, Elyria
Elyria Apple Festival, Elyria
Falls River Concerts/Rockin’ on the River, Lorain
Friends of Herrick Memorial Library/Wellington
Harvest of the Arts, Wellington
Girls Give Back, Avon Lake
Hauntville, Elyria
Holy Mackerel Fishing Tackle Flea Market,
Oberlin
LaGrange Engine Club, Inc.,Wellington
Lorain County Fair, Wellington
Lorain International Association, Lorain
Murray Ridge Production Center, Elyria
North Ridgeville Corn Festival, North Ridgeville
Rhythm of Life Festival, New London
Scottish America Cultural Society of Ohio/
Ohio Scottish Games, Wellington
Spooky Ranch/Rockin-R-Ranch,
Columbia Station
Fishing
A Hoy Sara J Sportfishing Charter Fleet, Lorain
Bad Boy Bait, Tackle & Archery, Vermilion
Beaver Park Marina, Lorain
Copper Kettle Marina, Lorain
Erie Outfitters, Sheffield Lake
George’s Hook n Gun, Lorain
Lucky Duck Sport Fishing Charters, Vermilion
My Bonnie Fishing Charter, Lorain
Pozzie’s Lakeside Bait & Tackle, Lorain
Reel Thrill Sportfishing Charters, Lorain
Riverview RV Park and Marina, Vermilion
Romp’s Marina/Dairy Dock, Vermilion
Spitzer Marinas, Lorain
Tight Line Charters, Lorain
History
103rd O.V.I. Memorial Foundation/
Civil War Museum, Sheffield Lake
Amherst Historical Society, Amherst
Avon Historical Society, Avon
Avon Lake Historical Society, Avon Lake
Avon Lake Landmark Preservation Society,
Avon Lake
Columbia Historical Society, Columbia Station
Kanisa House and the Dred Scott Garden c/o
First Community Interfaith Institute, Elyria
Lorain County Historical Society, Elyria
Lorain Historical Society, Lorain
North Ridgeville Historical Society,
North Ridgeville
Oberlin Heritage Center, Oberlin
One-Room Schoolhouse, North Ridgeville
Peter Miller House Museum, Avon Lake
Pittsfield Township Historical Society,
Wellington
Port of Lorain Foundation, Inc., Lorain
Spirit of ‘76 Museum, Wellington
Vermilion News Print Shop Museum, Vermilion
Lodging
1830 Hallauer House Bed & Breakfast, Oberlin
Arbor Lights, Lorain
Arlington Suites Carefree Inn, Elyria
The Beacon B & B, Lorain
Best Western Inn, Elyria
Buckeye & the Frog Bed & Breakfast, Oberlin
Cambria Hotels & Suites, Avon
Camelot Inn, Elyria
Country Inn & Suites, Elyria
Days Inn, Amherst
Dog and Cat Bed & Breakfast, Oberlin
Elyria Motel, Elyria
End O’ Way Bed and Breakfast, Vermilion
Fairfield Inn & Suites, Avon
Hampton Inn & Suites, Elyria
Homewood Suites, Sheffield Village
Ivy Tree Inn & Garden, Oberlin
Journey Inn, Elyria
Lake Breeze Inn, Sheffield Lake
Lakeland Lodges, Vermilion
Lodging Industry, Inc., Elyria
Motel 6, Amherst
Motel 6, North Ridgeville
Motel 9, Elyria
Oberlin Back House Cottage, Oberlin
Oberlin Inn, Oberlin
Quality Inn, Elyria
Quarry Stone Bed and Breakfast, Amherst
Ramada Elyria, Elyria
Red Roof Inn & Suites, Elyria
Residence Inn, Avon
Ridge Motel, North Ridgeville
Riverdog Retreat/Riverdog Gallery, Wakeman
Sandstone Suite, Amherst
Shurtleff Cottage, Oberlin
Spreng Haus Guest Lodging, Wellington
Sunset Motel, Oberlin
Super 8 Motel, Elyria
Super 8 Motel, North Ridgeville
The Hotel at Oberlin, Oberlin
Value Place, Avon
Village Inn & Efficiencies, Vermilion
Wellington Country Inn Bed and Breakfast,
Wellington
Wild Goose Gardens & Inn, Oberlin
Municipalities
City of Avon
City of Avon Lake
City of Elyria Parks & Recreation Department
City of Lorain
City of North Ridgeville
City of Oberlin
City of Sheffield Lake
Village of Grafton
Village of Sheffield
Village of Wellington
Parks/Camping
American Wilderness Campground &
Event Center, Grafton
Clare-Mar Lakes Campground & RV Sales,
Wellington
Findley State Park, Wellington
Lakeview Park, Lorain
Lorain County Metro Parks, LaGrange
Miller Nature Preserve, Avon
Neff Brothers RV Rentals & Service, Lorain
Pop-Up Rentals Inc., Wellington
Rustic Lakes Campgrounds Inc., Sullivan
Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham
Timber Ridge CampgroundAmherst
Recreation
Aut-O-Rama Drive-In Theatre, North Ridgeville
Bicycle Bill’s, LLC, Vermilion
Bonnie Brae Farm Tours, Ltd., Wellington
Cedar Point, Sandusky
Common Ground, Oberlin
Equine Differences, Oberlin
Forest Hills, Elyria
Fun Country Soaring, Wellington
Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, Sandusky
Great Lakes Kayaking/Grumpy’s Bait Bucket,
Lorain
Hickory Nut Golf Club, Columbia Station
Hoisting Steel Strength Training, Amherst
The Jet Express, Lorain
Lake Erie Crushers Professional Baseball, Avon
Lake Erie Paddler, Lorain
LakeShore Electric Boating, Vermilion
Lettuce Heads Farm, Wellington
Linwood Park, Vermilion
LoCo ‘Yaks, Lorain
Lorain County Ironmen, Lorain
Lorain County Speedway, Amherst
Lost Nation, Lorain
Mercy Health and Recreation Center, Amherst
Miller Boat Line, Put-in-Bay
Miller Orchards LTD., Amherst
MRK Aviation, Elyria
Mystic Belle, Vermilion
Oberlin Golf Club, Oberlin
Our Little World Alpacas, Grafton
Rebman Recreation Inc., Lorain
Splash Zone, Oberlin
SportsVille, North Ridgeville
Synergy Woods, Grafton
West River Paddle Sports, Vermilion
Vermilion Family YMCA, Vermilion
Restaurant/Food
Aladdin’s Eatery, Oberlin
Bistro 83, North Ridgeville
Bob Evans Restaurant, Amherst
Bootleggers Grill, Columbia Station
Bread-N-Brew, Wellington
Buffalo Wild Wings, Elyria
Castillo Real, Lorain
Charleston Coffee House, Lorain
Cork’s and Stubby’s, Amherst
The Depot at Union Station, LaGrange
The Feve, Oberlin
Fort’s Tavern, Wellington
Fratello’s, Avon Lake
Hot Dog Heaven, Amherst
Ilene’s Dog ‘n Suds, Elyria
Jackalope Lakeside, Lorain
K-Cream Korner, Lorain
Kiedrowski’s Bakery, Amherst
Krieg’s It’z the Berries Frozen Custard,
S. Amherst
Lorenzo’s Pizzeria, Oberlin
Martino’s International Café, Vermilion
Moosehead Grill, Amherst
Nemo Grille, Avon
Olde Town Pizza House, Amherst
Orchid Café, Avon
Papa Joe’s Pizza and Granny Joe’s Ice
Creamatorium, Vermilion
Quaker Steak & Lube, Sheffield Village
Quaker Steak & Lube, Vermilion
Rose Café, Lorain
Sapori Italian Grille, Avon Lake
Smitty’s Place, Elyria
Sorrento Ristorante & Pizzeria, Sheffield Village
Sterk’s of Oberlin Restaurant & Tavern, Oberlin
Strip, a Steakhouse, Avon
Stubby’s Pub & Grub, Elyria
Sundae Funday’s, Columbia Station
Tree House Gallery and Tea Room, Avon
Treehuggers Café, Oberlin
Two Bucks, Avon
The Unicorn Restaurant & Pub, Grafton
Wood & Wine, Avon
Retail
The 530 Shop, Lorain
Baskets of Blessings Country Store, Amherst
City Salvage and Design, Amherst
Countryside Antiques, Avon
Days of Yore Herb & Flower Farm, Wellington
Don Mould’s Plantation, Inc., North Ridgeville
Donald A. Schuster Greenhouse, Elyria
Elyria Arts Council/Elyria Art Works, Elyria
Fitch’s Farm Market, Avon
Fligner’s Market, Lorain
Friends of Harbour Town 1837, Vermilion
Ginko Gallery & Studio, ltd., Oberlin
Giuseppe’s, Amherst
Grand Pacific Junction Merchants Association,
Olmsted Falls
Grobe Fruit Farm Ltd., Elyria
Jamie’s Flea Market, S. Amherst
Krieg’s Strawberry Farm & Market, Vermilion
Lake Screen Printing Inc., Lorain
Lolipop’s, Lorain
LRG Designs, Bags, Beer and Beyond, Lorain
The Mermaid’s Tale, Amherst
Miller’s Apple Hill LTD., Amherst
Molnar Outdoor, Elyria
The Music Box, Olmsted Falls
Nicole Kay’s Boutique, Elyria
Olde Avon Village, Avon
Sassy’s, Avon
Stockyard Express, Oberlin
Swerve Bike Shop, Oberlin
The Tuck Shop, LLC, Oberlin
Uncommon Objects Gallery Store, Oberlin
Wellington Implement, Wellington
Transportation
Northcoast Grapevine Tours LLC., Lorain
Scarlet Transportation & Adventure Tours, Avon
Venues
The Clifton, Avon
DeLuca’s Place in the Park, Lorain
Emerald Event Center, Avon
John A. Spitzer Conference Center, Elyria
Lorain County Transportation & Community
Center, Elyria
Lorain Palace Civic Center, Lorain
Oberlin College & Conservatory Conference
Services, Oberlin
Victory Park Ohio, North Ridgeville
Wineries
D & D Smith Winery, Norwalk
Firelands Winery, Sandusky
Heineman’s Winery, Put-in-Bay
John Christ Winery, Avon
Klingshirn Winery Inc., Avon Lake
Matus Winery, Wakeman
Ohio Wine Producers Association, Geneva
Paper Moon Vineyards, Vermilion
Vermilion Valley Vineyards, Henrietta Township
members services
• Inclusion in the annual Official Adventure and Visitors
Guide to Lorain County – members are listed in one or more
categories. Members can also choose to advertise and over
70,000 are printed and distributed throughout Ohio and the
surrounding states.
• Individualized web page on the Visit Lorain County web site
that includes photos and descriptions.
• Brochure display at the Tourist Information Center – Members can provide rack cards, business cards, or flyers to
distribute in the Tourist Information Center and 24 hour
information vestibule.
• Referrals, Recommendations and Leads – VLC shares leads
received via phone or email from class or family reunion
groups, churches, tour groups, leisure travelers, etc.
• Publicity/Media – VLC provides member information and
high resolution photos to fulfull media requests.
• Event Listings on Calendar of Events – VLC maintains an
extensive online calendar of events and a yearly printed
calendar. Additionally, VLC submits events to Discover Ohio,
Destination Cleveland, and Adventures in Northeast Ohio for
inclusion in their event calendars which lightens members’
workloads and broadens marketing reach.
• Member Only Meetings & Networking – VLC facilitates
member meetings at the Tourist Information Center that
provide education, news and industry updates. VLC conducts
Tourism Connects meetings which are typically hosted by a
member. These are networking events that introduce members to another tourism industry business and provides an
opportunity to exchange ideas and explore partnerships.
• Social Media – VLC uses several social media platforms
to push out member information. Social media is tracked
and coordinated messages to give all members exposure.
Themed blogs provide content and itineraries and links back
to member information.
• Trade & Consumer show representation – Lorain County
exhibits at trade and industry shows to promote outdoor recreation, history, lodging, attractions and group tour opportunities. Appropriate member materials,Visitors Guides and
other brochures are distributed as appropriate.
national organization memberships:
Adventures in Northeast Ohio
Destination Marketing Association International
Fresh Ohio
National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC)
Ohio Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (OACVB)
Ohio Has It!
Ohio Outdoor Writers Association
Ohio Society of Association Executives (OSAE)
Ohio Travel Association (OTA)
Ohio Wine Producers Association
Outdoor Writers Association of America
vlc has been actively involved in the following efforts
through either a high level of direct participation or
financial support.
Common Ground Center Zipline Effort
Community Foundation Patchwork Trails of Lorain County
Follow the Fish
Oberlin Underground Railroad Center Implementation Team
Ohio Police and Fire Games 2013
Rockin the River Concert Series, Lorain