Ottawa County Business Advisory Council

08/21/2026

Our instructors are ready for a new year!

After a busy but successful first week for the instructors, we’re excited to see what the year ahead has in store! With their knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm, Melinda Hernandez, Ron Clark, and Meghan Knieriem are ready to make a positive impact in the classroom and inspire their students.

Here’s to a great year ahead!

08/17/2026

The Ottawa County Workforce Hub is proud to welcome Ron Clark to the team as our new Skilled Trades Instructor!

With almost 40 years of management experience, Ron has a wealth of real-world knowledge to bring to the classroom. He is looking forward to sharing what he has learned throughout his career and giving students a firsthand look at the skills, opportunities, and expectations that come with a career in the skilled trades.

We’re excited to have Ron join the Ottawa County Workforce Hub and look forward to the impact he’ll make with our students!

08/11/2026

The Ottawa County Workforce Hub is excited to welcome Meghan Knieriem as the new Hospitality and Tourism Instructor!👏

Meghan’s background in hospitality, event management, catering, and restaurant operations gives her a unique perspective to bring into the classroom. Her experience working with major venues and events throughout the region will help students see firsthand the wide range of career paths available in the hospitality industry.

We’re looking forward to seeing Meghan inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals and connect students with the skills and experiences they need to succeed in the industry.

Welcome to the Hospitality and Tourism Academy, Meghan! We’re excited to have you on board!🎉

07/22/2026

Katherine recently attended the Business Advisory Council Town Hall, where she joined education and industry leaders for breakout sessions focused on strengthening partnerships, increasing employer engagement, and connecting students to meaningful career pathways.

The event also celebrated the North Point Regional Business Advisory Council, which was recognized as a 4-Star Business Advisory Council with Excellence for the fifth consecutive year.

We're proud to be part of this outstanding regional partnership and its continued commitment to student success and workforce development!

| North Point Educational Service Center, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce |

07/20/2026

Congratulations to the North Point Regional Business Advisory Council on once again earning the 4-Star Business Advisory Council with Excellence designation! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We’re honored to be part of this incredible partnership and celebrate this achievement alongside our regional partners for the fifth consecutive year.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Congratulations to the North Point Regional Business Advisory Council for earning recognition for the 5th year in a row! This year once again the Council received a Four Star designation with Excellence. The outstanding collaboration throughout the region is what continues this incredibly important work.

07/04/2026

As we celebrate Independence Day, we also recognize America’s 250th birthday—a milestone honoring 250 years of freedom, resilience, and opportunity.

The Ottawa County Business Advisory Council is proud to join our community in reflecting on the values that have shaped our nation and continue to guide our local businesses, schools, and workforce.

07/01/2026

Katherine Adams spoke at the Oak Harbor Rotary's monthly meeting this morning. She shared the history and impact of the Business Advisory Council, highlighting its initiatives to connect education and industry. She also discussed this summer's Teacher Boot Camp and the importance of exposing students to the many career opportunities available in Ottawa County, including the hospitality and tourism industry.

She then provided an update on the Ottawa County Workforce Hub, the career academies offered through the Hub, and the exciting addition of a fourth academy focused on Advanced Air Mobility launching this fall.

Thank you to the Oak Harbor Rotary Club for the warm welcome and the opportunity to share how we're working together to prepare the next generation for successful careers in Ottawa County.

06/17/2026

Woohoo! Welcome Kenzie! 😊

The North Point Regional Business Advisory Council (BAC) is thrilled to welcome Kenzie Blumensaadt to the council! She will represent the Hospitality and Tourism aspect of this career exploration work as she is the co-owner of The Orchard in Port Clinton, OH (Catawba).
Welcome Kenzie and THANK YOU for your willingness to serve !

06/12/2026

Today marked the final day of Teacher Business Boot Camp, and participants wrapped up with outstanding presentations! 🎉

We’re so proud of the educators for their engagement and enthusiasm throughout this week.

| North Point Educational Service Center |

06/12/2026

The Ottawa County Business Advisory Council was honored to be among this year’s grant recipients.

We are grateful for this support and for the continued partnership with OCCF and our community partners as we work together to strengthen opportunities across Ottawa County!

WHAT A MORNING! Today, OCCF awarded 37 grants totaling $138,551 at our Annual Grants Breakfast—the largest grant distribution in Foundation history!

We're grateful to the nonprofit organizations and community groups that are making a difference across Ottawa County every day. From serving children and families to supporting seniors, education, the arts, and community well-being, these organizations make an impact in the lives of so many. OCCF is honored to support their efforts.
-Bayshore Bayshore Counseling Services
-Cancer Services
-Concerned Citizens for Oak Harbor Area
-Cultivate the Clover of Ottawa County (OSU Ottawa County 4-H)
-Diabetes Youth Services
-Family & Child Abuse Prevention Center
-Firelands Symphony Orchestra
-Friends of Perry's Victory & Int'l Peace Memorial
-Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County
-Joyful Connections
-Lake Erie Islands Conservancy
-Lake Erie Island Nature & Wildlife Center
-Luther Home of Mercy
-Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society
-Middle Bass Island Historical Society
-Musical Arts Series Port Clinton
-Oak House/Polly's Place
-Ottawa County Family Advocacy Center
-Ottawa County Holiday Bureau
-Ottawa County Task Force on Aging
-Otterbein North Shore
-Port Clinton Area Heritage Foundation
-Port Clinton Firefighters Association
-Port Clinton Soccer Club
-Put-in-Bay Community Swim & Sail
-Schedel Arboretum and Gardens
-Sleep in Heavenly Peace-Oak Harbor
-St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
-The Parkvue Commuity on Catawba Island
-The Salvation Army
-Trinity United Methodist Church Thrift Shoppe
-United Way of Ottawa County
-Walk in My Shoes
-Ottawa County Business Advisory Council - Skilled Trades Center
-OSU Stone Lab

Stay tuned next week as we highlight more about this year's grant recipients!