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| By Mark Todd, Star Beacon, Ashtabula,
OhioMcClatchy-Tribune Regional News
Dec. 16, 2011--JEFFERSON -- County commissioners received a double dose of good news Thursday morning regarding the Lodge and Convention Center at Geneva-on-the-Lake. Members learned the county-owned facility made more revenue and net profit than had been projected for 2011, and also was named one of the top 10 wine country inns in the United States. Jeannette Petrolia, the lodge's general manager, discussed the lodge at a work session that preceded the commissioners' regular meeting. Revenue exceeded expectations by $81,000 (or 2 percent), while net profit bested estimates by $25,000 (or 25 percent) "We're very pleased with the report and the progress," said Daniel Claypool, board president. Commissioner Peggy Carlo agreed. "They're doing a good job out there," she said. "We're happy." Operating profit does not take into account debt payments on the lodge, which exceed $1 million annually. The bigger numbers at the end of the year reflect strong business in November and early December that was projected a few weeks ago. At that meeting of the Convention Facilities Authority, members were told the lodge could make an operating profit of at least $120,000 in 2012, commissioners learned. Commissioner Joe Moroski said the county is urging lodge operators to work toward bringing operating projects in line with the management fee. Also in Petrolia's report: n The lobby, nine guest rooms and all rest room are scheduled for a facelift in January n Thanks to a large number of group bookings, revenue should top estimates by $7,000 in February and $2,000 in March. January's numbers should meet expectations. Also, commissioners were excited to learn the Lodge and Convention Center was named one of FoxNews.com's top 10 wine country inns in the nation. The lodge is the only entry from Ohio. The website praised the lodge's views of Lake Erie and access to the "off-the-beaten-path Ohio wine country." The county's many covered bridges also get a mention in the article. ___ (c)2011 the Star Beacon (Ashtabula, Ohio) Visit the Star Beacon (Ashtabula, Ohio) at www.starbeacon.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |