GLC Contributors

Meet Mike Fornataro

Who are you?

Licking County resident since the age of 3, graduated from Newark High but spent much of my teen years at the family cottage on Buckeye Lake. Worked in marketing & management for 15 years for Thompson (later Gannett) newspapers. Nationally syndicated writer for the Motor News Media for over 15 years. Became involved in the marketing and management of drag racing, first for the “Super Chevy Show” series of national drag race and car show events, then nearly 15 years for the National Hot Rod Association, culminating as General Manager of National Trail Raceway. Joined what was to become The Buckeye Lake Region Corporation in 2017 as their first paid employee. Volunteer history includes Licking County Foundation Scholarship Committee, longtime trustee for the Buckeye Lake Region Chamber of Commerce, immediate past Board Chair of Explore Licking County, Creator and Chair of Buckeye Lake Winterfest. 

Currently resides on the North Shore of Buckeye Lake with wife, Ann.

How do you impact economic development in our community?  

The BLRC has brought hundreds of thousands of dollars of grant money to the region, funding infrastructure, water quality, amenity and “quality of life” initiatives.

How long have you been with the company?

I joined the “Buckeye Lake initiative” in April 2017, before the Buckeye Lake Region Corporation was even a thing. The BLRC was formed and seated its first board on September 19, 2017.                                                                                              

What is your role with this company/organization?

 Executive Director

What did you do before your current position here? 

Licking County resident since the age of 3, graduated from Newark High but spent much of his teen years at the family cottage on Buckeye Lake. Worked in marketing & management for 15 years for Thompson (later Gannett) newspapers. Nationally syndicated writer for the Motor News Media for over 15 years. Became involved in the marketing and management of drag racing, first for the “Super Chevy Show” series of national drag race and car show events, then nearly 15 years for the National Hot Rod Association, culminating as General Manager of National Trail Raceway. Joined what was to become The Buckeye Lake Region Corporation in 2017 as their first paid employee. 

What is your favorite part about this company/position? 

Working every day for the betterment of the Buckeye Lake Region.

Where do you see this company/organization in the future?

I hope that the BLRC continues to be a unifying force for the good of the region, and that it becomes a more recognized resource for all the communities in the region.

What has working with this company/organization taught you?

I have learned a new appreciation for the elected officials that represent the region, from the most local to the Federal level. The voters have made some very good choices and the region is very fortunate in that regard.  

Anything else you would like to share?

As in many things in life: If not now, when? If not you, who?