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The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake celebrates 20th anniversary

The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, located in Geneva, Ohio, last month celebrated its 20th anniversary with guests, team members and company and community leaders.


The resort, which Delaware North has operated for Ashtabula County since opening in 2004, invited guests to a celebration featuring live music and culinary offerings curated by Executive Chef Laura Bradek. Representatives of Delaware North and Ashtabula County provided thoughtful speeches on the property’s impact on the local community.


“Not only is the 20th anniversary of the lodge being celebrated, but also the vision that has come to fruition thanks to the efforts of the board of commissioners, Delaware North, Kent State University and the Ashtabula County Convention Facilities Authority,” said Kathryn Whittington, president of the Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners.


Over the last 20 years, Delaware North has made significant improvements to the property, including the addition of 25 Cape Cod-style cottages and enhancements to the outdoor pool and recreation area, solidifying its place as a destination for family vacations, celebrations, meetings and weddings.


Ashtabula County Commissioner J.P. Ducro reflected on how his wedding reception was the first-ever event at the lodge.


“Just weeks after the lodge opened, we were blessed to have the first full-scale wedding reception here on the premises,” Ducro said. “The Delaware North team did an amazing job then and has continued to excel ever since.

Several Delaware North team members were recognized for their tenure with the company during the ceremony, and General Manager Charlene Horgan and Dishwasher Eric Ogrodnichek were both presented with proclamations for their 20th anniversaries at the lodge.


Scott Socha, group president of Delaware North Parks and Resorts, Travel and Australia, spoke about attending a company leadership meeting at the lodge in 2004 and noted it will again host a gathering of company leaders this month.


“This is an amazing place. Thank you for coming tonight and celebrating the last 20 years and the next 20 years,” Socha said. “I want to thank Charlene Horgan and her entire staff for their tireless effort and commitment to always putting the guest first.”

Socha also thanked the county commissioners and other officials for their collaborative partnership, noting how the strength of the relationship was a key part of the lodge’s success throughout the years.”


Ashtabula County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski also praised Delaware North, saying, “I’ve attended many events at the lodge, and Delaware North never disappoints.”


Kozlowski said the county has pledged to put future lodge operating profits back into the property “to ensure the lodge is on sustainable path moving forward.” This investment from the county is possible due to the State of Ohio in 2023 relieving the remaining $13.9 million debt on the lodge’s construction and improvements over the years, allowing the county to use the funds that would have gone toward paying off that debt for other purposes.


Socha praised that announcement, noting that it is similar to the successful approach with Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which Delaware North has operated for NASA since 1995.


“Tonight’s celebration was not only about the lodge, but also the individuals who have played integral roles in its success throughout the last 20 years,” Horgan said. “We’ve built a solid foundation for the property, and I look forward to welcoming more guests to the property for years to come.”