GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE — The county owned Geneva Lodge and Conference Center posted a 96 percent occupancy rate for August compared to 86 percent a year ago, according to general manager Jeannette Petrolia. With gross receipts of $700,000, it reflected a 10 percent increase from 2007 figures.

At a meeting with Ashtabula County commissioners in late August, Petrolia said July’s occupancy plus revenues from the food and beverage services was the “best ever.” She said the reservations trend for the next months is looking positive for the lodge.

The lodge is managed under contract for the county by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, based in Buffalo, New York. This is the fourth year for the $21 million lodge operations since it was constructed.

Petrolia said that group bookings, reunions, and weddings held at the Geneva Lodge have all helped in its success. Coming up in the next few months are special events including an Oktoberfest Beer Tasting package in October, culinary classes in October and November along with the popular Wine Country Getaway running through the end of December.

Petrolia reported that average occupancy in July for all state park lodges was 71.2 percent with Geneva Lodge posting the 94.7 percent occupancy. Geneva Lodge’s main competition is the Maumee Bay State Park Lodge, which had a 92 percent occupancy.

For September on Sundays the lodge is offering to Ashtabula County residents free passes to use the outdoor pool and winter passes for the indoor pool at the lodge. Commissioner Joe Moroski said he was glad the lodge management was making an effort to make the facility more local friendly with pool passes and the Kids Grape Camp.

“We’re pleased with the news. We hope people see that the lodge has become a catalyst for Ashtabula County’s growing tourism industry that we knew it could be,” Commissioner Dan Claypool. Recognizing there are still challenges concerning the lodge operations, Claypool said progress is being made.

Commissioner Peggy Carlo views the lodge as a wonderful county asset along with the wineries, Lake Erie and its covered bridges, which the management company advertises regionally to bring in visitors.

“Those advertising dollars they spend bring visitors for the lake, the wineries and the bridges and everything else we have,” Carlo said adding that visitors stay at other lodging places, spend money to eat at area restaurants, buy gas and shop at stores in the county.

DNC officials are projecting to make a $256,698 net income for the lodge by the end of 2008. Moroski said it will help address the $1.8 million annual debt obligation.

Ashtabula County Convention and Visitors Bureau director, Mark Winchell said that the recent growth in the county’s tourism growth can be attributed in part to the Geneva Lodge. Winchell said the Pymatuning State Park area in the southeast part of the county benefits.