Business Attraction - OCIC | Ottawa County, Ohio

Business Attraction

WHERE BUSINESS MEETS OPPORTUNITY

Ottawa County, Ohio, connects you to markets, resources, and growth.

Production is just the beginning. The next step is ensuring your products reach your customers. When you bring your business to Ottawa County, Ohio, you’ll gain access to major cities and Canada via road, rail, air, and even water. Ottawa County is highly proactive in business attraction, leveraging its strategic location along Lake Erie, a vibrant tourism industry, and strong community partnerships to create unparalleled opportunities for businesses of all sizes.

IDEAL HUB FOR TRANSPORATION

Ottawa County boasts a comprehensive highway system spanning approximately 150 lane miles, offering direct connections to major east/west and north/south interstate corridors. A network of well-maintained state routes (2, 19, 51, 53, 105, 163, 269, and 590) serves as vital connectors for residents and businesses in rural areas.

State Highways (Rural) / 131.42 miles
State Highways (Municipal) / 13.72 miles
County Highways / 161.45 miles
Township Highways / 309.43 miles
City and Village / 67.48 miles

Located centrally between major cities, Ottawa County is perfectly positioned for transportation, logistics, and business development.

Ottawa County Road Map | Ohio Map Tools

ACCESS TO FRESH WATER

Lake Erie is vital to northern Ohio’s economy, supporting industries such as power generation, aerospace, and manufacturing, with water serving as a key resource for cooling and production. The lake’s vibrant tourism industry attracts millions of visitors annually, supporting local businesses and creating jobs. Ottawa County benefits from high-quality water, offering a competitive advantage for businesses. The region’s economy is further strengthened by companies like Miller Boat Line and Jet Express, which enhance transportation to the Lake Erie Islands, boosting tourism and regional connectivity. Maintaining Lake Erie’s health is crucial for sustaining these economic benefits.

INNOVATION TAKES FLIGHT

Ottawa County is home to several airports and airstrips that cater to general aviation, regional flights, and specialized uses.

Ottawa County’s island airports play a vital role in connecting residents and visitors to the Lake Erie Islands. Put-in-Bay Airport on South Bass Island offers general aviation services with two runways (asphalt and turf), supporting private flights and seasonal air tours. Middle Bass Island Airport and North Bass Island Airport, each with a single turf runway, provide essential access for their respective communities, ensuring reliable transportation to these scenic and remote destinations.

As the largest airport between Cleveland and Toledo, the Erie-Ottawa International Airport is popular with all types of pilots. With its 5,000 ft./ 4,000 ft. crossing runways, the airport can accommodate virtually any type of aircraft from private planes to large business jets. Located in the heart of Ohio’s vacationland, the Erie-Ottawa International Airport is 3.5 miles east of Port Clinton, OH, and only minutes away from popular activities such as fishing, golf, amusement parks, wineries and the Lake Erie islands.

ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY

AAM is an innovative approach to transportation that leverages next-generation aircraft, such as drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, to move people and goods efficiently. The EOIA is a key player in advancing drone technology through its certification pilot program, developed in partnership with local organizations. This program promotes the use of drones for various applications and aligns with Advanced Air Mobility efforts, which focus on next-generation technologies to enhance the movement of people and cargo. EOIA’s commitment to innovation strengthens its role as a leader in both regional connectivity and technological advancement.

Operation Lollipop Drop took place on Friday, August 16, departing the Catawba Island State Park, across Lake Erie landing at the South Bass Island Lighthouse. From departure to the landing, the demonstration took 17 minutes and 17 seconds to complete.

The OCIC and EOIA spoke at XPONENTIAL 2024 about integrating Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Port Clinton, highlighting the city’s vision, Community ConOps, and and how these initiatives align with ongoing AAM efforts across the State of Ohio.

At the 2023 Ohio Air Mobility Symposium, Ottawa County partnered with All Azimuth Solutions to establish an agreement for developing a Concept of Operations aimed at integrating Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) vehicles within the county.

By incorporating cutting-edge technologies, AAM aims to improve logistics, reduce congestion, and create sustainable transportation solutions for both rural and urban areas.

Contact

8200 W. State Route 163

Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449

(419) 898-6242

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