Governor Hogan and the legislature demonstrated their commitment to, and belief in the importance of TFA, by passing the budgets for the Maryland Office of Tourism and the Maryland State Arts Council above last year's mark while extending the state’s Film Tax Credit Program. “The positive outcome of the 2016 Legislative Session,” said Liz Fitzsimmons, managing director, Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts, “was a testament that the programs of Tourism, Film and the Arts have a positive impact on the state both economically and on our quality of life."

In addition to the budget, the legislature considered several other bills relevant to TFA. SB 377, Administration legislation which will enhance revenue distribution to fund Maryland State Arts Council programs, passed. HB 1349/SB 767 which would have established a post-Labor Day start for all Maryland public schools; HB 215/SB 49 and HB 419 which would have addressed controversial language in the Maryland state song and create new lyrics; and HB 1361/SB 776, or the so-called Airbnb bill, all failed to move forward.

OTD veteran staffer Liz Fitzsimmons has been appointed Managing Director of the Division of Tourism Film, and the Arts (TFA). Fitzsimmons, having spent more than two decades at OTD in various roles, most recently serving as executive director, is well known in Maryland tourism circles as a staunch advocate of Maryland’s tourism industry.

Fitzsimmons brings a keen insider's understanding to the inner workings of TFA, as well as bold visions for the division’s future; and it is that vision, and demonstrated leadership that has earned her the confidence of both her team and the administration. “TFA is in great hands with Liz,” says Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “She has long been a leader in our tourism office, and I for one cannot wait to see her bring all that experience to bear in her new role.”

The Maryland Film Festival in Baltimore is not only the state’s largest, but one of the biggest up-and-coming festivals in the nation. A star-studded affair that has featured luminary speakers ranging from filmmaker Barry Levinson and Senator Barbara Mikulski, to Olympic darling Dorothy Hamill and punk rock icon Henry Rollins, it’s no wonder the festival draws film fans from far and wide. “People are traveling to come to this,” says festival director Jed Dietz, when discussing last year’s record-setting attendance, drawing 25,000 moviegoers. “This number could double in the next five to 10 years easily. We’re a long way from stopping growing.”

This year’s festival presents more than 50 feature films, at least 75 shorts from around the world, workshops, Q&As and — of course — the infamous John Waters Pick. “We’ve become a place that’s known inside the film community as a place to be,” says Dietz, who is particularly proud of the Maryland Film Festival's welcoming and open atmosphere. “Every filmmaker talks about the friendliness of Baltimore, they talk about how good the Q&As are. They notice that. That’s our brand. It’s very unpretentious, very friendly, very much about the filmmaking." For more information on the festival or to purchase tickets, visit the festival's website, www.md-filmfest.com.

As part of OTD’s ongoing efforts to develop and promote stories of the Underground Railroad, Liz Fitzsimmons, managing director, TFA, addressed the 16th Annual Harriet Ross Tubman Day of Remembrance held on March 10th in Annapolis. During the presentation, Fitzsimmons shared a video greeting from Maryland’s Eastern Shore announcing the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park Visitors Center opening, scheduled for March 10th, 2017. The visitors center will join the James Webb Cabin, a site along the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, which is now open for visitors.

The program for the day also included a reading of Governor Hogan’s Harriet Ross Tubman Day Proclamation, and remarks by Senator Adelaide C. Eckardt and Dale Glenwood Greene, vice-chair, Maryland Commission of African-American History and Culture and assistant professor, Morgan State University School of Architecture and Planning. The program concluded as Ms. Janice C. Greene (pictured, seated at center, in Tubman garb) was awarded the Harriet Ross Tubman Lifetime Achievement Award for her 20 years of work as a dedicated African-American storyteller. Greene received a standing ovation from the attendees for her rousing and emotional portrayal of Harriet Tubman.

The Pennsylvania Bus Association (PBA) and Maryland Motorcoach Association (MMA) held back-to-back marketplaces last month in Lancaster, PA, 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 1100 group leaders and motorcoach operators from up and down the East Coast.

“Marketplace benefits both motorcoach operators and our vendors,” says Al Spence, President of A.S. Midway Trailways and MMA."Our group leaders had a great time and enjoyed the local sights. We thank everyone for making this event happen.” For information on the 2017 MMA Marketplace, contact Mary Presley at mpresley@marylandmotorcoach.org or Rich Gilbert at rgilbert@visitmaryland.org.

Pictured: Casey Keyfauver, supervisor, Mason Dixon Welcome Center, center; and Jennifer Jones, customer contact programs manager, OTD, right, welcome an attendee to the Maryland booth.

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.