Put-in-Bay Gazette Online
Welcome to the Put-in-Bay Gazette Online, your destination for everything news related to Put-in-Bay and the Bass Islands. Here you’ll be able to explore our current issue online or take a look through our archives. You can also subscribe to the Put-in-Bay Gazette print edition, which is mailed to your mailbox every month.
FRONT PAGE NEWS
The third annual “Mrs. Roper Romp” drew its largest crowd yet on September 20th. Posing for their traditional group photo in front of the Round House Bar, participants showcased just how much the event has grown—what began in 2023 with only a dozen attendees has now swelled to hundreds, including Ropers who made the trip from as far away as Chicago and Los Angeles. Mark your calendars: the fourth annual romp is set for September 19th, 2026.
PIB Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Milestones, Marketing Wins and Leadership Transition
The Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce held its annual Fall Member Meeting on Monday, October 20th, at Frosty’s Bar & Family Pizza. The event brought together local business owners, board members, and community partners to review the 2025 season, reflect on the Chamber’s accomplishments since its rebrand, and discuss goals for 2026.
Chamber Director Wendy Chambers and Events Coordinator Patty Sulesky opened the meeting with organizational updates and a summary of the year’s major events. Marketing Coordinator Jordan Jenkins followed with the year-end marketing report, emphasizing the continued success of the Chamber’s Every Day Island Getaway brand—introduced in 2021 under the leadership of Chamber President Brian Cultice, who began his term in 2020.
Since that rebrand, the Chamber has achieved impressive growth and recognition. The organization has earned 15 statewide tourism marketing awards, including multiple first-place RUBY Awards and Citations of Excellence from the Ohio Travel Association, reinforcing Put-in-Bay’s reputation as one of Ohio’s premier destinations.
The Chamber’s iHeart Media campaign now reaches an estimated 6–8 million impressions across Ohio, expanding from its Cleveland roots into the Columbus and Cincinnati markets. Partnerships with Shores & Islands Ohio and Ohio, The Heart of It All have continued to maximize marketing impact while strengthening statewide visibility.
Digital engagement has also surged. Social media interactions have increased 160% since the rebrand, with annual Facebook reach exceeding 1.1 million and Instagram followers growing to more than 12,000. The Chamber’s award-winning visitor newsletter has expanded by 200%, now connecting with nearly 10,000 subscribers—a vital communication link for visitors and island partners alike.
This meeting also marked a leadership milestone. After years of dedicated service and guidance through a period of remarkable progress, Brian Cultice presided over his final meeting as Chamber President. During the session, he nominated Renee Fultz to serve as the next Chamber President, with an official board vote scheduled for December.
Director Wendy Chambers presented Cultice with a gift recognizing his leadership and lasting contributions to the Chamber’s success. Cultice will continue to serve the community as he pursues a seat as a Put-in-Bay Township Trustee.
Attendees also welcomed Officer Allred and K9 Officer Storm, who recently returned to the island. Their appearance highlighted the Chamber’s ongoing collaboration with local safety initiatives and community organizations.
As the Chamber looks ahead to 2026, it remains focused on strengthening the Every Day Island Getaway brand—expanding its reach, deepening partnerships, and celebrating the unique spirit that defines Put-in-Bay.