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May 6, 2006- Kaptur Touts Ohio's "Bloom Coast" in Presentation of Flower of the Year

May 6, 2006

Kaptur has been strongly advocating an eco-tourism theme presenting LakeErie's coast as Ohio's"Bloom Coast"and has enlisted all stakeholders along the lakefront in that endeavor. TheCity of Vermilionand LorainCountyare also interested in being part of Ohio's"Bloom Coast."

"Our hope is to broaden tourism on Lake Erie's south coast and that thispartnership will grow into an annual effort, organized by Maumee Valley Growersand Lake Erie Coastal Ohio," said Kaptur. "Coastal Ohiois also working with Botanical Gardens, Metroparks, and growers of nativespecies to plan for native species being featured along scenic byways. Perhaps what will come of all this is native species highway plantings and achanging "Flower of Year" for municipalities along the byway."

Cedar Point attracts over 3 million visitors a year. Yet Lancaster, Pennsylvaniawith its rural and Amish character attracts over 7 million. Kapturcontinued "Lucas and LorainCountiesas Ohio'sFlower Capitals anchor opposite ends of Ohio's"Bloom Coast"counties with Cedar Point at the center. This holds enormous potential todraw visitors to and from Cedar Point to tourist lake-oriented experiences fromToledo to Cleveland, by showcasing the beauty of the "Bloom Coast"through annual, coordinated theme plantings."