In 2024, the Otsego Community Foundation (OCF) revitalized our approach to partnering with local businesses. We redesigned the Corporate Partner Program to make an even greater impact in Otsego County. Originally launched as an event sponsorship for Extreevaganza, the program now extends throughout the year, giving corporate partners ongoing opportunities to be part of OCF’s mission to activate generosity for a stronger community.
Our corporate partners are highlighted at a variety of OCF initiatives, including on our website, in our monthly e-newsletter, at events like Extreevaganza and 100+ Women Who Care, and in our annual report. By displaying the OCF Corporate Partner logo, these businesses show their support and dedication to Otsego County. This partnership enhances OCF programming such as the Nonprofit Exchange (NPX), the Community Grant Program, Youth Advisory Committee efforts, and local housing initiatives, giving partners deeper insight into community needs and allowing them to make a lasting difference.
We’re excited to introduce one of our inaugural corporate partners, the Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau. Its mission is to promote Gaylord as an attractive four-season destination. This organization promotes the idea that a vibrant community attracts both residents and visitors and is committed to helping create it. They know that establishing a strong, appealing community benefits everyone—whether you’re a long-time resident or experiencing Gaylord for the first time.
The Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau has been committed to local philanthropy and is an established philanthropic partner with the OCF. In 2023, they established the Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau Fund of the OCF, a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). Earlier this year, through the Community Grant Program, the Tourism Bureau learned that the local swim club, the Gaylord Gators, submitted a grant request for new timing pads. The Tourism Bureau funded their request, which enables the club to host larger meets and brings business to the area’s hotels and restaurants. This benefits the young athletes in our area as well. It is a winning program for everyone and consistent with the Tourism Bureau’s message that creating a community where people want to live will also be a place people want to visit.
It is no surprise that they chose to become an OCF corporate partner given their commitment to strengthening Otsego County. According to Christy Walcott, Director of Marketing and Communications, one of the major benefits of being an OCF Corporate Partner is knowing that their sponsorship will go toward addressing the greatest opportunities and most immediate needs of our community. This organization has been involved in local projects such as funding new turf for the GHS football stadium and recently helped fund the creation of a more accessible elk-viewing area. The Tourism Bureau has demonstrated its dedication to enhancements that enrich the community for all.
The Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau is thrilled to join us as a corporate partner, recognizing the difference they can make in Otsego County through this partnership. We’re excited to see all that we can accomplish together for the community we love and look forward to a long-lasting collaboration with the Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau!