In June, the Consortium launched its 12 Counties in 12 Months Board program to foster a better understanding of assets, successes and challenges across the region. Our board meeting today in Ashtabula County marks the NEOSCC’s fifth travelling board meeting. These day-long visits feature tours focused on economic, transportation, housing and environmental issues as well as discussions on best practices that are being employed. The host county is also able to share its quality connected places and the assets that make each county in Northeast Ohio unique.
Today in Ashtabula County, we will be meeting at the Spire Institute. Located in Geneva, Ohio, the Institute is one of the largest indoor, multi-sport, training and competition complexes in the world. The board will also be touring a variety of locations throughout Ashtabula during the morning.
For those unfamiliar with the largest county in Ohio, here is some background from the Visit Ashtabula County site:
We are located along Lake Erie and the Pennsylvania border in Northeastern Ohio. Ashtabula County is Ohio’s largest county. Perched atop the remnants of glacial beaches and covered with vines planted over generations, the Lake Erie and Grand River Valley grape growing regions are the largest in Ohio. Ashtabula County is home to a microclimate which grows 65% of all grapes in Ohio! Rolling hills lined with Viniferas and French/American Hybrids give this unique growing region the feel of Napa Valley.
The Spire Institute
Ashtabula County is home to America’s longest and shortest covered bridges! The longest, Smolen Gulf Covered Bridge is 613 feet long spanning the Ashtabula River. The shortest, West Liberty Street Covered Bridge is a mere 18 feet long over Cowles Creek. Tour the remaining 16 covered bridges while immersing yourself in our Western Reserve Architecture and Midwestern Charm. Experience shopping and street festivals in our historic downtowns, bike ride on our 26 mile Greenway Trail, visit one of our 19 unique museums or cast your line for a record steelhead trout in one of our two Wild and Scenic Rivers. We are the Steelhead capital of Ohio! In Lake Erie and Pymatuning Lake you are can cast your rods for walleye, musky, bass and other fish. Boating and camping opportunities abound.
The City of Ashtabula
All of our meetings are open to the public. Our next travelling meeting will take place in Summit County on November 27th. Find out more about upcoming events.
