WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

RELATIONSHIPS ARE AT THE CORE
OF EVERY SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

Our ECEDC staff , and our board of directors all live, work, and are deeply involved here in Erie County. We care about the community from the small start-up to big industry looking to expand, relocate, or develop new markets. Business is about people, and relationships and that's what we're here for. If you need business assistance, training, have questions, or are looking to find resources and information, we're ready and willing to help you. We'll take the time to figure out exactly what it is you need and connect you to the right people. Just give us a call or send us a message!

2021 Annual Report

OUR STAFF

Join Our Team!

WE'RE HIRING

Our staff loves our diverse client base, flexible work environment, and the chance to make a positive difference in our community! We currently have three positions available supporting our various business and workforce development initiatives. Learn more about each at the links:

Coordinator, RISE - First review of applications September 15th

CONTACT:

jobs@eriecountyedc.org

Executive Director

Abbey Bemis

Abbey works with the Board of Directors to set the strategic vision for the organization, designing and aligning programs and activities with the economic needs of Erie County. This includes extensive business and community outreach and collaboration with public and private organizations who contribute to the region’s economic and community development ecology. Abbey has a Master’s in Business Administration from Duke University. Abbey has family roots in north central Ohio and has been a resident of downtown Sandusky for 8 years.

CONTACT:

abbey@eriecountyedc.org

Office Manager

Lindsey Hoke

Lindsey joined ECEDC in March 2019. In this role, Lindsey’s primary duties include Marketing and Accounting support as well as special projects. Lindsey has an Associates of Applied Business Degree specializing in Marketing and Sales. Her past work experience includes working for small businesses in Erie County. Lindsey and her husband Dan reside in Perkins Township with their two daughters.

CONTACT:

office@eriecountyedc.org

Coordinator, Business Development

Nico Samaniego

Nico joined the team in 2021 as a Coordinator for Business Development. He will assist in businesses retention and expansion efforts as well as site selection presentations for new businesses. Nico grew up in Huron, Ohio and graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in Business Administration. During his time at Bowling Green State University, Nico started and sold his own small business and continues today to find ways to support the community outside of his role at ECEDC.

CONTACT:

nico@eriecountyedc.org

Director: Firelands Forward

Dave White

Dave White grew up in Toledo and joined the Army in 2003. He recently retired from the Army after 18 years in the Special Operations Community. Dave is wrapping up his Executive MBA at Ohio State. He is excited to join the Firelands Forward Team and work with Regional leaders to address local workforce challenges.

CONTACT:

david@firelandsforward.com

Manager, Business Services & Communications: Firelands Forward

Makenna Laser

Makenna joined the team in 2021. In her role, she works with businesses in Erie, Huron, and Ottawa Counties to suppor their talent needs. Her goal is to face workforce issues head-on, utilizing her skills in human resources, marketing, and communications. Makenna is a graduate of Norwalk St. Paul High School. She worked for her family’s business, Dave’s Food Mart Norwalk & Avery, before taking this role. She lives in Norwalk with her husband Joshua, a concrete finisher. Together they have two dogs – June and May.

CONTACT:

makenna@firelandsforward.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

WE HAVE A STRONG BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FULL OF QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS

LEADING THE COUNTY

President:

Ted Kastor
Janotta & Herner, Inc.

Vice President:

Stuart Wells

Parallax Lighting

Secretary:

Mary Jane Hill

Randolph & Estelle Dorn Foundation

Treasurer:

Daniel Moncher

Firelands Regional Medical Center

Gary Boyle

Perkins Township

Darlene Crooks

Label Aid

Larry Fletcher

Lake Erie Shores & Islands

Mayor Jim Forthofer

City of Vermilion

Dan Frederick

Erie County Township Association

Troy Fronzaglio

CertainTeed Corporation

Kula Hoty Lynch

Hoty Enterprises

Paul Koch

Civista Bank

Andrew Kurtz

BGSU Firelands

Matt Lasko

City of Huron

Jason McClure

Cedar Point

Chris McCully

EHOVE Career Center

Swasita Saigal

Exsurco Medical

Patrick Shenigo

Erie County

Ron Waite

Sandusky Register

Dave Weisenberger

Tusing Builders

Eric Wobser

City of Sandusky

James O. Miller

Civista Bank (ex-officio)

Tessa Steinemann

NCYP (ex-officio)

WHAT WE DO

OUR CONNECTIONS
ARE YOUR CONNECTIONS

Our role is to link you with local, regional and state resources that will streamline your development and allow your business to grow and succeed.

Learn More

INVESTORS

FORWARD THINKING COMMUNITIES
& PRIVATE INDUSTRY

Erie County Economic Development Corporation is a private not-for-profit supported by community-minded local governments, private industry, foundations and individuals. ECEDC Investors recognize that a growing economy will positively impact their bottom line and increase opportunities and quality of life for their employees and families alike. With this generous support, ECEDC is able to provide its services and support free-of-charge to local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community initiatives.

To learn more about how you can support ECEDC, please contact Abbey Bemis, Executive Director.

Support Us

Thank you to the businesses and community leaders below for their vision, support and commitment to Erie County:

Current Investors