To our valued members of the HospitalityMaine community.

As I reflect on 2025, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for what we have accomplished together. This year was a testament to the resilience, innovation, and unwavering spirit of Maine’s hospitality industry. In the face of ongoing challenges, your dedication has not only kept our vibrant industry alive but has helped it thrive.

Our mission at HospitalityMaine is to advocate for, educate, and connect our members, and this past year, we delivered on that promise through proactive advocacy in Augusta, innovative new partnerships designed to save you money, and opportunities to connect and grow your businesses. From successfully defending the tip credit against new mandates, to launching essential health and wellness benefits, every initiative was driven by our commitment to your success.

The snapshot below highlights just a few of our collective achievements. None of this would be possible without your support and engagement.

Thank you for your membership, your partnership, and for everything you do to make Maine a welcoming destination.

Have a happy, healthy, safe, and prosperous holiday season.

See you in 2026.

Sincerely,

Becky Jacobson

Executive Director

Membership & Marketing Highlights

• Welcomed 100 new members to the HospitalityMaine community.
• Boosted member visibility through Winter Wednesday campaign in partnership with Visit Portland, the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Portland Downtown. Now expanded to Winter Weekdays.
• Launched a new partnership with RestaurantOwner.com, delivering expert insights, tools, and training for independent restaurant owners.
• Expanded health and wellness benefits, including ICHRA plans through Decisely and virtual and mental health care with HealthiestYou.
• Introduced a new partnership with Merchant Advocate, offering members a free review of credit card processing to cut costs and fix errors—no switching required.
• Delivered meaningful savings on essential services, including payroll, credit card processing, insurance, and ServSafe materials.
• Reached a new Hospitality for Habitat $50,578 record.

Government Affairs Impact

• Evaluated 2,000+ bills, tracking hundreds affecting restaurants and lodging, and provided testimony to stop harmful mandates and advance pro-business reforms.
• Prevented costly proposals that would have increased fees, limited pricing flexibility, or added unnecessary administrative burdens.
• Built strong, bipartisan relationships with legislators so hospitality issues are addressed early and thoughtfully.
• Activated a Legislative Committee of experienced operators to help set priorities and strengthen our advocacy.
• Worked directly with Maine’s Congressional Delegation on federal issues, including seasonal worker visas and franchise regulations.
• Coordinated comments and meetings with state agencies to reduce confusion and protect small operators during major rulemakings.
• Delivered regular government affairs updates so members stayed informed and prepared.
• Protected the tip credit at both the State House and in key municipal discussions.
• Launched the Legislative Champion Award to recognize lawmakers who support Maine’s hospitality industry.