It’s Official – Perrysburg is a Great Place to Live!
The 19,000 residents of Perrysburg can officially say “My hometown, is the best hometown,” thanks to the editors of Ohio Magazine who chose Perrysburg as one of Ohio’s Best Hometowns for 2009. Mayor Nelson Evans was notified of the award in a congratulatory letter from Ohio Magazine Editor and Publisher Richard Osborne.
“Your achievement is especially impressive in light of the fact that Ohio is home to many of the best hometowns in America,” wrote Mr. Osborne. “Only one town is chosen from each of the state’s five regions for this very special honor. This award recognizes that Perrysburg is among the best of the best.”
In the spring of this year, various city offices and organizations collaborated to develop and submit a comprehensive overview of Perrysburg to Ohio Magazine editors along with an application for the distinction of best hometown. The group included Rick Thielen, Perrysburg Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Administrator; Sandy Latchem, Executive Director of the Perrysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau and Perrysburg Area Chamber of Commerce; Christine Best, Executive Director of Perrysburg Main Street, Inc.; and Rick Finch, Director of Fort Meigs State Memorial Park. The hometown cities in the competition were judged in six areas: community spirit, education, entertainment, health and safety, business environment, and culture and heritage.
Perrysburg’s extensive portfolio submission was entitled, “A small town in the middle of everywhere.” The portfolio describes the city as an “enchanting town full of opportunity and rich American history, ranging from the 196-year-old Fort Meigs – the largest fully restored fort in North America – to O-I’s World Headquarters. Nestled on the southern shore of the Maumee River, Perrysburg is at the crossroads of America. The city offers the lifestyle of a small town with a twist of cosmopolitan character … and in the center of it all is a beautiful, historic downtown.”
On Saturday, September 6, Ilona Westfall, Assistant Editor for Ohio Magazine, visited Perrysburg to finalize the magazine’s best hometown decision. During her day-long visit, she made more than 90 stops including Fort Meigs, historic downtown, Levis Commons, the parks, schools, Way Library, HarborTown Place, neighborhoods and more. Mr. Thielen said that being selected as one of Ohio’s best hometowns is a tremendous honor and privilege. “We have a quality of life that is second to none and a community filled with spirit that celebrates its heritage, its small town culture with a keen eye on the future,” said Mr. Thielen. “The fact that we have enjoyed a Tree City USA designation for 25 years, recently were named a Main Street community, our school district has continuously received the top rank of ‘Excellent’ and now ‘Excellent with Distinction,’ our Way Library ranked fourth in the nation, and now this, only further distinguishes Perrysburg as a great place to call home.”
Perrysburg will be featured in the November issue of Ohio Magazine. The magazine’s staff will assist city officials in coordinating a “hometown celebration” to honor the designation. Ohio Magazine was founded in 1978 and is a monthly statewide travel and lifestyle publication. |