The July 15 Catawba Island Historical Society speaker series talk will feature James V. Stouffer, Jr. (Submitted photo)
CATAWBA ISLAND – James V. Stouffer, Jr., President of Lake Erie Foundation (LEF), will discuss that organization’s mission to “create and maintain a healthy Lake Erie now and forever” as part of the Catawba Island Historical Society’s speaker series on Wednesday July 15. The 45-minute presentation will begin at 6 p.m. at the Catawba Island Township Community Hall at 3307 Northwest Catawba Rd. It is free to the public.
Established in 2016, LEF is Lake Erie’s advocate for economic sustainability, legal defense, education, outreach, and innovative sustainable technology. Its major goal is to implement The Lake Erie Plan which is an integrated, inspirational, and comprehensive campaign to educate, empower, encourage, and hold accountable federal, state and local government officials, producers, and other involved stakeholders to implement the 40% nutrient reduction goals for Lake Erie.
In addition to LEF, Stouffer is President and CEO of Catawba Island Club, one of the largest private employers in Ottawa County. He has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 50 years. He also serves on the First National Bank of Bellevue board, the Firelands Health System board, Shores and Islands Ohio, and the Ottawa County Improvement Corporation.
“This area’s transition from agriculture to tourism can be primarily attributed to recreational opportunities offered by Lake Erie,” said David Wonnell, President of the Catawba Island Historical Society. “Activities like boating, fishing and swimming all became more popular as the quality of water improved. We are pleased to sponsor Jim Stouffer’s presentation about how far we’ve come to improve lake health and what tasks have yet to be accomplished.”