CVB Director visits NB NK Rotary

 Donna Grube, Executive Director of the Auglaize-Mercer County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) paid a visit to the New Bremen-New Knoxville Rotary Club to talk about the state of tourism in the region.  “Ours is the only 2 county CVB in Ohio ,” Grube said.  “We’re a non profit group, not a government entity, and the CVB is funded by the state lodging tax, the 3% charge to hotel room fees.”  The CVB markets the region at travel and tourism shows, with the www.seemore.org website, and various brochures, books and printed marketing materials. 

 Grube listed Grand Lake St. Marys as the #1 attraction in the area due to the outstanding fishing, boating and outdoor recreation available on and around the lake.  “Fort Recovery, “the land of the cross tipped churches,” the Holy Relic Shrine, the Miami and Erie canal, the Armstrong Air and Space Museum are just a few of the other major attractions to our region,” Grube said.  “Other CVB professionals tell me at trade shows and conventions how lucky we are to have all of these wonderful attractions that draw people from all around.”

 “2009 was a lousy year for tourism due to the economy, and with the challenges at Grand Lake St. Marys,” Grube said.  “You never appreciate what you have until it’s gone and last year with the lake advisory, we really learned that lesson.”  The region experienced a 16% drop in revenue last year, with visitors contributing $43 million to the local economy, supporting roughly2100 jobs.

 “2010 will depend upon the economy and weather but all in all, we’re pretty positive on travel and tourism,” Grube said.  The water quality advisory was lifted last month and the current toxin level in the lake is 0.9, well below the level of concern at 20.  “I’m so positive that the combination of (restoration) efforts is going to make a difference,” Grube said.  “It will take time, but I know we’ll see an improvement in water quality, and this will produce results on down the road.”

 The Armstrong Air and Space museum is open again along I-75 in Wapakoneta.  This past year, a non-profit organization came together from all over Auglaize County , and took over operations of the museum.  At the Holy Relic Shrine in Maria Stein, they’ve decided to create an advisory board and hire a director in order to keep the facility open to visitors once the Sisters retire.

 “People visiting the CVB often ask about the canal,” Grube said.  “We’re really looking forward to the Lockkeeper’s House opening this summer.”  Fort Recovery has updated its museum and is ready for a busy summer season.  In Celina they’ve constructed a new walkway on the West Bank and added a dog park.  “The dog park has become very popular with visitors and locals alike,” Grube said.  “Pet-friendly parks are a growing trend in the tourism business.” 

Hosting Rotarian: Scott Frey