TFA NEWS IN BRIEF
  MSAC Announces Departure of Executive Director Theresa Colvin

Legislative Wrap-Up

Register Now for IPW 2017 in Washington, D.C.; Sponsorship and Volunteer Opportunities Still Available

OTD Represents Maryland at the Tour Bus Marketplace

Jack Gerbes Promotes Maryland Film Industry at AFCI Locations & Global Finance Show

Maryland Tourism Delegation Attends Destination Capitol Hill

Terry Hasseltine Named Sport Tourism Executive of the Year

IN THE NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
 
MSAC Announces Departure of Executive Director Theresa Colvin
 
The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) has announced that Theresa Colvin, Executive Director, is stepping down from the role she has served in since 2001. Colvin is leaving her position in May to become the Executive Director of the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, based in Baltimore. “We applaud the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation for selecting such a dedicated arts professional as their leader and look forward to working with Theresa in her new position,” said Shelly Morhaim, Council Chair, MSAC. “The Maryland State Arts Council thanks Theresa for her years of service and for her conscientious efforts to improve the vitality of Maryland’s arts scene through expanded programs and funding. Under Theresa's leadership, Maryland has become known as a model in supporting and promoting the arts.”
 
Under Colvin’s leadership, the Maryland State Arts Council increased investment in flagship programs including Grants for Organizations and Community Arts, while spearheading new initiatives such as the Arts & Entertainment Districts program, the Maryland Public Art program, the Maryland Traditions program, and the Maryland Presenters Network and Touring Artist program. Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill has named Julie Madden to serve as MSAC Interim Executive Director, and the Department of Commerce has convened a selection committee to review candidates nationwide to fill the MSAC Executive Director position.
 
  TFA NEWS IN BRIEF
 
 
Legislative Wrap-Up
 
  Maryland State House
   
Governor Larry Hogan’s top legislative priorities have achieved final passage by the Maryland General Assembly, ensuring that the Governor’s proposals to create thousands of new jobs, restore integrity to state government, and move forward with dozens of critical transportation projects across the state will become law. These priority items included the More Jobs for Marylanders Act, the Public Integrity Act, and the Road Kill Bill Repeal.

“Today is a great day for the legislative process and a win for bipartisanship – but most importantly, it is a win for the people of Maryland, who deserve more jobs, improved roads, and the highest level of integrity from their elected officials,” said Governor Hogan. “Creating jobs, building roads, and ensuring ethical and transparent government will always be top priorities of our administration. I want to thank Senate President Mike Miller, Speaker of the House Mike Busch, and all of the members of the Maryland General Assembly who worked with us to achieve these tremendous results for the citizens of our great state.”

The Governor’s More Jobs for Marylanders Act continues the administration’s focus on creating jobs and improving the state’s economy. While more than 105,000 jobs have been created and employment reduced to 4.2 percent - the lowest in nearly a decade - since Governor Hogan took office, some regions of the state continue to experience higher unemployment. This legislation will target job creation to the areas that need it the most – such as Western Maryland, Baltimore City, and the Lower Eastern Shore – by incentivizing manufacturers to relocate and expand in these areas. The legislation provides major tax incentives for new manufacturing companies that move into these areas, as well as tax credits for any new jobs created by existing manufacturers.

 
 
 
Register Now for IPW 2017 in Washington, D.C.; Sponsorship and Volunteer Opportunities Still Available
 
 
   
IPW, the largest generator of travel to the U.S., is coming to Washington, D.C. and bringing more than 7,000 attendees, including domestic and international travel buyers. Participants will benefit from one-on-one appointments with buyers, meet with travel supplier organizations from every region in the U.S., and representatives from more than 75 countries, generating more than $4.7 billion in future travel.

In addition to registering for IPW, you and your colleagues may also volunteer to work at special events throughout the duration of the convention. To become a volunteer, log on to washington.org\ipw2017 and click on the triple bar download icon in the page header. All volunteers will receive training, passes, shirts, and the opportunity to participate in the country's most exciting international tourism event.

Sponsorship opportunities for Maryland's welcome event at National Harbor the evening of June 3 are still available. Please contact Cynthia Miller, Director, Strategic Partnerships, at 410-767-6266 or cynthiad.miller@maryland.gov for more information.

 
 
 
OTD Represents Maryland at the Tour Bus Marketplace
 
 
   
The Pennsylvania Bus Association (PBA) and Maryland Motorcoach Association (MMA) held back-to-back marketplaces last month in Manheim, PA, and Gettysburg, PA, respectively, and OTD was on hand to tout Maryland’s ample tourism resources. Along with OTD, the state was represented by dozens of industry partners at the events, which hosted more than 1,100 group leaders and motorcoach operators from up and down the East Coast.

“Marketplace benefits both motorcoach operators and our vendors,” said Al Spence, President of A.S. Midway Trailways and MMA. "Our group leaders had a great time. We thank everyone for making this event happen.” For information on the 2018 MMA Marketplace, contact Mary Presley at mpresley@marylandmotorcoach.org or Rich Gilbert at rgilbert@visitmaryland.org.

 
 
 
Jack Gerbes Promotes Maryland Film Industry
at AFCI Locations & Global Finance Show
 
 
   
The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) hosted their annual Locations & Global Finance Show, the preeminent marketplace for location marketing in the world. “It’s a chance to make new connections in the industry and strengthen ties with industry professionals we already have relationships with,” said Jack Gerbes, Director, Maryland Film Office, of the annual event which has been a catalyst for bringing productions to Maryland. Held this year in Burbank, CA, April 6-7, the event drew producers, location managers, studio executives and industry professionals from around the world. “Over the years, we have developed a reputation as a film-friendly state,” said Gerbes, who met with representatives from Absolute Power, HBO and Media Rights Capital, producers of House of Cards.

While in Los Angeles, Gerbes also attended the Location Managers Guild International Awards. Maryland location manager Patrick Burn won for Outstanding Commercial for his work on the Johnnie Walker spot, "This Land is Your Land," which was partially filmed in Maryland.

 
 
 
Maryland Tourism Delegation Attends Destination Capitol Hill
 
 
   
Maryland was well represented at the U.S. Travel Association's fifth annual Destination Capitol Hill, the travel industry's premier advocacy event held in Washington, D.C., on March 28-29. The event brought together more than 300 travel leaders from across the country to educate policymakers about the power of travel.

It was in this spirit that Maryland’s advocates met with members and staff from the offices of Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Anthony Brown, Elijah Cummings, John Delaney, Andy Harris, and John Sarbanes. Among the topics discussed with each office were the importance of travel to the U.S. economy, the modernization of air travel infrastructure, preserving the “Open Skies” to increase international travel, and maintaining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.

 
 
 
Terry Hasseltine Named Sport Tourism Executive of the Year
 
 
   
Terry Hasseltine, Executive Director, Maryland Sports, was named Sports Tourism Executive of the Year by the National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC). The NASC consists of more than 750 member organizations that promote sport tourism. Each year, the NASC honors successful leaders in sports commissions across the country who have inspired others, created successful events in their areas and are exemplary role models.

“The best word to describe Terry is innovative,” said James Simmons, Assistant Tourism Manager, Wicomico County. “He’s one of a kind when it comes to being able to take a step back and take a different approach to the situation to make sure it works for everybody. I cannot think of a more deserving person for Sports Tourism Executive of the Year.” In FY 2016, Maryland Sports, along with its TEAM Maryland partners, touched more than 300 events resulting in more than $176 million in direct spending for the state of Maryland.

 
 
 
 
 
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  IN THE NEWS
 
 
   
 
 
Maryland Minute
 
Each week, the Maryland Minute provides highlights and insights on this weekend’s events around the state. Maryland Minute is featured on CBS radio stations in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. and on Baltimore’s WBAL-AM 1090.
 
 
 
 
 
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  UPCOMING EVENTS
 
 
APR
14
 
Civil War Trails Annual Spring Meeting, Shepherdstown, WV
Receive program updates and plans for Civil War Trails, learn about becoming a Civil War Trails site and membership perks, network with other Civil War sites and tour Shepherdstown Battlefield. RSVP to 804-783-7423
 
 
APR
24
 
Behavioral Health Awareness Art Show, Annapolis
Hosted by First Lady Yumi Hogan, an exhibition featuring 20 Maryland artists using their art to challenge stigma surrounding behavioral health issues and raise public awareness in Maryland. For more information, visit http://behavioralhealthartshow.com/gallery/.
   
 
APR
26
 
MTC Legislative Wrap Up 2017, Annapolis
Join MTC and our association partners for a lively discussion led by state business leaders. Learn how decisions in Annapolis this year will impact our respective industry sectors and small businesses. MTC will discuss plans to effectively work together in support of our members for next year’s legislative session. For more information and to register, visit mdtourism.org.
 
 
MAY
3
 
Travel Information Center Workshop, Six Flags America
Be involved! Network with your peers and hear the Maryland Office of Tourism updates regarding upcoming events, marketing plans and other initiatives taking place throughout the state. Enjoy lunch on us and hear our industry partners discuss new products and upcoming events. There is no charge for this workshop. Click here to RSVP no later than April 19, 2017.
 
 
 
 
 
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