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Industry-Interest Events
Tourism Day in Annapolis
February 3, 2012 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Miller Senate Office Building,
Annapolis
Stakeholders from across the state are invited to participate in a day for discussing the value of Maryland's tourism industry with state legislators. For information/to register email: mtc@mdassn.com
Leonardtown Business Association State of the Town Breakfast
February 10, 2012, 7:30 a.m.
(Doors open 7 a.m.)
St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown
Annual LBA members event with Leonardtown Town Council. To become an LBA member or for more information on the event contact LBA at: admin@thelba.org
Ongoing Industry Meetings
St. Mary's Chamber of Commerce Tourism Advisory Council Fourth Thursday of the Month 8 a.m. St. Mary's County Chamber of Commerce Office, California Council members meet to discuss industry issues. Contact Chamber Office for more information: 301-737-3001.
Leonardtown Business Association Meeting Second Friday of the Month 8:30 a.m. Various Leonardtown locations Businesses, organizations and other corporate entities located in Leonardtown meet to discuss ways to promote the Town. For membership and meeting information, contact admin@thelba.org
St. Mary's County Hotels Meeting Monthly, Date TBA 1:30 p.m. Location varies St. Mary's County hotels meet with SMCT to discuss industry topics, programs and marketing initiatives. Contact SMCT for meeting info and location at 301-475-4200 ext. 1404.
Calendar of Special Events To view the calendar of special events in St. Mary's County visit www.visitstmarysmd.com |
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This is the official Industry Bulletin produced by St. Mary's County Tourism (SMCT), a division of the Department of Economic and Community Development. | |
News You Can Use
National Park Service Star Spangled Banner Trail Extends into St. Mary's
The National Park Service Star Spangled Banner trail commemorating the War of 1812 comes to St. Mary's this June with outdoor kiosks planned for the Welcome Center in Charlotte Hall and Tudor Hall in Leonardtown, and wayside interpretive markers planned for the Leonardtown Wharf, Sotterley Plantation, and the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum. In addition, the Tourism Division, working with local partners, is creating two War of 1812 exhibits that delve deeper into St. Mary's War of 1812 story. http://www.nps.gov/stsp/index.htm
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Governor Proposes $1.35 Mil in Additional Funding for Point Lookout
On January 13, Governor O'Malley announced nearly $23 million in recommended state parks capital improvements in his FY 13 budget. This included $0.95 million for parking lot improvements and $.40 million for renovations to the Lighthouse complex at Point Lookout State Park. The Lighthouse was transferred to the State of Maryland from the U.S. Navy in 2006 and is open on a limited basis. An enhanced state park means good things for local tourism. The 2010 Maryland State Parks Economic Impact and Visitor Study reports the average amount spent in businesses located outside Southern Maryland's state parks is $83 for day users and $198 for overnight users.
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Friday February 3, is Tourism Day in Annapolis
If you want to be part of the tourism and hospitality industry's most important day of the year, there is still time. This is the day to meet with legislators, network with tourism colleagues and proclaim that TOURISM WORKS FOR MARYLAND. Contact the Maryland Tourism Council. mtc@mdassn.com
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New Coordinator Joins Division of Tourism
Rebecca Lira recently came on board as the Division's tourism coordinator. She has a background in public relations and will take on the Division's social media marketing and other digital programs. She replaces Rebecca Deprey who left in October to pursue career goals in Washington D.C. Wishing great success to both Rebeccas! Rebecca Lira may be reached at rebecca.lira@stmarysmd.com
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2012 Calendar of Events Now Available
Pick up the 2012 calendar at state and regional welcome centers and at local sites, attractions and businesses-or download it from the SMC tourism website. The calendar features over 50 of the county's signature annual festivals and events.
www.visistmarysmd.com
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St. Mary's, Calvert and Charles Receive Impact Marketing Award
St. Mary's, Calvert and Charles County tourism departments received the Maryland Tourism Council's 2011 Impact Award for their regional marketing efforts. The MTC award ceremony took place at the Maryland Tourism and Travel Summit held in November at College Park.
www.destinationsouthernmaryland.org
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Sweeping Up Wins in the Free State
St. Mary's County attractions and businesses take top spots in twenty-one Best in Region categories in Maryland Life Magazine's 2012 Free State's Finest readers' poll. Get your copy of the upcoming March/April issue to see who won! http://www.marylandlife.com/
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Island Inn Resort Becomes Part of Prestigious Ascend Collection
The St. George Island resort recently announced its affiliation with The Ascend Collection, a network of historic, boutique and unique hotels that combine an upscale atmosphere with an authentic, local experience. Each Ascend property is independently owned and associated with the Choice Hotels brand. Other Ascend hotels include the GEM Hotel, Chelsea, New York City and the Outrigger Luana Waikiki, Honolulu. Patrick Welton is the Director of Operations. www.AscendCollection.com and www.stgeorgeislandinnandsuites.com
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Home2 Suites Opens as First LEED Hotel in Southern Maryland
The extended-stay Marriott property located in Lexington Park opened its doors in December. Certified LEED platinum, the hotel features a host of green amenities, including: low-flow water systems, recycled surfacing, and the first underground parking garage in St. Mary's County, which decreases its overall footprint. It's also pet-friendly. Brian Norris, chief operating officer for Cherry Cove Hospitality, LLC which built the property notes, "The building is designed to be naturally and economically competitive...we know more and more consumers are paying attention to 'going green'." Stephen Kelly, formerly of the Fairfield Inn is general manager, Joan Rosati is director of sales. www.lexingtonpark.home2suites.com
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Landmark Scheilbles Gets New Owner
Parkway Hospitality Management has acquired Scheibles Motel, Restaurant and Marina, a local tourism landmark located at the county's southern tip. Over the next few years Parkway plans to transform the 150 seat restaurant and eight room motel into a larger resort. The marina will be used for charter fishing and other water activities. Michael Haynie, Chief Executive Officer of Parkway Hospitality Management stated, "We are truly excited to develop the resort at Scheibles. It is a beautiful property with many amenities that we believe will appeal to visitors and will contribute to the economic development of St. Mary's County." www.scheibles.homestead.com
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Historic Site to Manage Inn at Brome-Howard
Historic St. Mary's City has assumed management of The Inn at Brome Howard. The notable inn is an 1840s plantation house located on the grounds of the museum overlooking the St. Mary's River. Formerly known as the Brome Howard Inn, the venue will continue to serve as a wedding and event venue as well as a B&B. www.bromehoward.com
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Leonardtown Business Association to Host "State of the Town" Meeting
The LBA, in conjunction with the Town of Leonardtown, will hold its annual State of the Town breakfast meeting on February 10, at 7:30 a.m. at the St. Mary's Hospital. Doors open at 7:00 a.m. Contact the town offices for further information at 301-475-9791.
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SMC Chamber of Commerce Tourism Council Makes Changes
The Chamber's Tourism Advisory Council's role is to advise the Chamber on industry developments and provide positive leadership on tourism issues. New bylaws and a new nomination process are being instituted to increase the group's effectiveness and ensure adequate representation across the county's tourism and hospitality industry sectors. info@smcchamber.com
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Leonardtown's Chez Nous Offers Ultimate Indulgences
Jeweler Balbina Meyer recently moved her shop "Art In Wire," from Park Avenue to Fenwick Street, reopening as Chez Nous. In addition to her line of fine custom jewelry, Chez Nous offers European-style chocolates produced by Baltimore-based chocolatier Albert Kirchmayr.
240-538-4571
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Second Saturdays Plus a New Audio Tour at Sotterley
On the second Saturday of the month through April, the public will have the opportunity to experience distinct aspects of the plantation. Upcoming on February 11 is "To Live Enslaved." Watch for a new audio tour for visitors this spring. www.sotterley.org
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U.S. Colored Troops Civil War Memorial Monument Opens June 16
The collaborative project between the Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions and St. Mary's County Government is scheduled to open to the public just prior to the annual Juneteenth Celebration on June 16. To be located in John G. Lancaster Park in Lexington Park, the monument will further the development of Lexington Park as a visitor destination. The monument's central figure is being created by sculptor Gary Casteel. www.ucaconline.org
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WWOOFers - A New Breed at Allen's Homestead
Allen's Homestead is now a host farm of the Worldwide Workers on Organic Farms organization. "WWOOFers" from around the globe visit sites like Allen's Homestead to learn about organic farming and sustainable living. Christina Allen offers sustainability workshops at the farm which is also a popular destination along the Southern Maryland Trails. Allen's Articles Website
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Local Chef Takes Honors in the National Oyster Cook-Off
Chef Loic Jaffres, whose spinach-wrapped oysters took 1st place in the Hors d'oeuvre Category, also won Best Presentation, People's Choice, and then took the 2011 National Oyster Cook-off Grand Prize. The cook-off is part of the St. May's County Oyster Festival. Chef Loic, Academie Culinaire de France & Commanderie des Cordons Bleus de France, operates Leonardtown's Caf� des Artistes with his wife Karleen. cafedesartistes.ws
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SMC Treats Writers Right
Freelance writer Stephanie Citron on assignment for Baltimore Magazine accepts an early morning delivery of a stuffed ham sandwich from Island Inn & Suites director of operations, Patrick Welton. Stuffed ham is a unique county dish.
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State Tourism Offers Event Producers E-Calendar Opportunities
The Maryland Office of Tourism Web site, VisitMaryland.org accepts event postings directly from venues, event organizers and destinations through an on-line entry system at www.calendar.visitmaryland.org. Event representatives can also purchase ads on the site as well as enhance their calendar listings with upgrades, such as images and preferred placement.
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How to submit items
Provide us with news to share with industry partners in the SMCT Quarterly Industry Bulletin. SMCT also accepts items for its monthly Tourism e-Newsletter distributed to the general visitor. Submissions should be no more than 50 words and should contain a point of contact for more info. Submit to Rebecca.Lira@stmarysmd.com.
Contact SMCT Staff
Carolyn Laray, Tourism Manager
Carolyn.Laray@stmarysmd.com, 301-475-4200 ext. 1403
Rebecca Lira, Tourism Coordinator
Rebecca.Lira@stmarysmd.com, 301-475-4200 ext. 1404
This bulletin is produced by St. Mary's County Tourism, a Division of the Department of Economic and Community Development. For more information about St Mary's County Government, log on to www.stmarysmd.com. | |
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