About Us
Supporting facilities that strengthen tourism, grow the local economy, and elevate the visitor experience.
Our Mission
The ACCFA uses lodging tax revenue to help finance projects designed to create economic growth throughout the county by attracting tourism and private investment to the area.
Our Vision
Our vision is to stimulate economic development through venues for conventions, public meetings, and exhibitions that would not otherwise be possible without collaborative leadership between local leaders and private investors, capitalizing on the lakefront, lakes, and natural resources that make Ashtabula County a premium destination for tourism.
Our Purpose
ACCFA provides leadership, structure, and countywide coordination to ensure Ashtabula has the facilities needed to attract visitors, support local businesses, and grow long-term economic opportunity.
Why ACCFA
Ashtabula County has unique natural assets and rising visitor demand. A Convention Facilities Authority helps align those strengths with modern facilities, strategic planning, and collaboration across communities.
How We Work
We take a countywide, strategic approach grounded in:
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Collaboration with public and private partners
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Long-term planning
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Responsible stewardship of lodging tax resources
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Transparent evaluation of opportunities
Our Commitment
To support thoughtful, visitor-driven development that enhances quality of life, encourages investment, and helps Ashtabula County grow.
The Ashtabula County Convention Facilities Authority (ACCFA) was established in 2002 by resolution of the Board of Ashtabula County, Ohio, Commissioners according to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 351.
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Additional County Commissioner resolutions created a special lodging tax levied upon transient guests in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 5739.09(D)(2).
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The use of lodging tax revenue is overseen by a Board of Directors who are authorized to promote tourism and the convention trade within the county by paying the costs of constructing, expanding, maintaining, operating, or promoting one or more convention centers.
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A project meeting the narrow definition of a convention center is any structure expressly designed and constructed for the purposes of presenting conventions, public meetings, and exhibitions, including sporting events and entertainment. The eligible convention center project allows the CFA to issue revenue bonds and pay costs associated with ancillary amenities, such as trails, boardwalks, art, and amenities to serve the convention facility.
Our Board
Toni R.
Armeni
Board Secretary
Conneaut
Dwayne M.
Bennett
Board Vice Chair
Toni
Carlisle
Board Member
Ashtabula
Christine
Claypoole
Board Member
Andover
Chris
Digiacomo
Board Member
Ashtabula
Meeghan
​Humphrey
Board Member
Ashtabula
Holly
Mayernick
Board Chair
Roaming Shores
Jim
Pearson
Board Member
Saybrook
Linda
Profant
Board Member
Trumbull Township
Lara
Reibold
Board Member
Andover
Donniella
Winchell
Board Member
Industry Representative