To view online go to: http://www.visitmaryland.org/Newsletter/Insights/11.11.09/index.html


Gov. Martin O'Malley presented the Maryland Tourism Awards at the Tourism and Travel Summit in Ocean City, Nov. 5. (L to R) Christian S. Johansson, secretary, DBED; J. Matthew Neitzey, executive director, Prince George's County CVB; William R. Chambers, general manager, Show Place Arena and Prince George's Equestrian Center; John Jenkins, hotel manager, Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center; Gov. O'Malley; Greg Shockley, chair, Maryland Tourism Development Board; and Margot A. Amelia, executive director, Maryland Tourism Office. Prince George's County was the recipient of an Economic Engine Award.


NEWS IN BRIEF

State unveils Green Travel at tourism conference

The Tourism Office – in partnership with the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Maryland Tourism Council – has launched Maryland Green Travel, a new initiative that encourages environmentally-friendly practices in the state’s tourism industry while promoting Maryland as a “green” destination to eco-minded travelers.

"We believe Maryland Green Travel will prove to have great marketing value for individual properties and for the state's tourism industry overall," said Gov. Martin O’Malley. "Most properties will see cost savings through waste reduction, recycling and innovative approaches to energy and water conservation." The program is an extension of Gov. O'Malley's Smart, Green and Growing plan.

Winners of Tourism Awards named by Governor

Gov. Martin O'Malley announced the recipients of the 2009 Maryland Tourism Awards – selected by the Tourism Office and the Maryland Tourism Development Board – at the Tourism and Travel Summit last week in Ocean City.

The awards pay tribute to programs and groups that have significantly contributed to the Office's effort to boost jobs and economic impact in Maryland's tourism industry while enhancing the state as a travel destination.

Award categories and winners:
Green/Sustainable Tourism: Black Ankle Vineyards (Frederick County); Fairfield Inn and Suites (Baltimore City)
Visit Maryland: Host our Coast (Eastern Shore); Maryland Life magazine
Cultural Heritage Tourism: John Brown Anniversary Committee (Washington County)
Tourism Volunteer: The Pathfinders (BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport)
Economic Engine: Charles and Prince George's counties

Monthly spotlight turns to Bay-inspired art

Maryland's "Art of the Chesapeake" – carvings, sculpture, paintings and photographs that depict life on and around the Chesapeake Bay – is the Tourism Office's promotional focus for November.

"The Chesapeake Bay is not just the nation's largest estuary," said Gov. Martin O'Malley. "It defines Maryland's heritage, culture and lifestyle. And, as one of the state's premier attractions, it inspires art that our residents and visitors treasure."

Margot Amelia, executive director of the Tourism Office, said, "When you look at a wildfowl carving or at the vibrant colors in a painting of a lighthouse on the Bay at sunrise, you get a sense of what it's like to be in Chesapeake Bay Country."

MSAC director named to national group's board

Theresa Colvin, executive director of the Maryland State Arts Council since 2002, was elected to the board of directors of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA), Nov. 6. NASAA is an advocacy organization for 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies that serve the 50 states and six U.S. territories.

"State arts agencies play an integral role in advancing the arts in our nation and that is certainly the case here in Maryland," Colvin said. "I am honored to serve on the NASAA board and represent our state, while working to strengthen all state arts agencies and enhance awareness of their value.'

'Right-brain' advocate addresses arts education

Author Daniel Pink discussed the value of arts in public education, Nov. 10 at Annapolis High School. Gov. Martin O'Malley, Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent Kevin M. Maxwell and the Arts Education in Maryland Schools Alliance (AEMS) hosted the event. Pink wrote A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future. He has an upcoming book called Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us.

Federal grant awarded to regional tourism coalition

Capital Region USA (CRUSA) – a marketing partnership between the Maryland Tourism Office, the Virginia Tourism Corporation and Destination DC – recently received a $399,199 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

CRUSA will use the three-year grant to develop marketing promotions with tour operators in Western Europe, Mexico and Brazil. Matt Gaffney, president and CEO of CRUSA, said the federal support "will allow us to assist small and medium-sized tourism-related businesses across the region in exporting their services to inbound overseas travelers.'


DMOs salute Marci Ross at industry conference


Maryland Destination Marketing Organizations (MDMO) honored Marci Ross, assistant director for Product Development at the Maryland Tourism Office, during the Tourism and Travel Summit at Ocean City last week.

Ross has "supported DMOs in their initiatives with water trails, bicycle trails, Chesapeake Bay Gateway Network sites, in addition to paving the way for DMOs to build partnerships that were previously non-existent with local, state and federal agencies,' said Deb Turk, chair of the DMO association.





Add a stitch or photo to Watermen quilt before exhibition
Joan M. E. Gaither, a professor at the Maryland Institute College of Art, has invited public participation in the creation of a quilt that depicts the stories of African-Americans who were involved in Maryland's maritime history. Gaither plans to exhibit the quilt – Black Watermen of the Chesapeake – on a national tour. Public quilting sessions are set for Nov. 12 and Nov. 14 in Annapolis; Nov. 20 in Grasonville (Queen Anne's County) and Nov. 21 in Shady Side (Anne Arundel County). For details, contact Banneker-Douglass Museum, 410-216-6180.

Signature event showcases Chesapeake Bay art
Talbot County hosts 39th annual Waterfowl Festival, A Wildfowl Art and Sportsman's Expo, Nov. 13-15 in Easton. "Premiere Night Party' set for Nov. 12. Event features paintings, carvings, sculptures and photography, and more than 300 exhibitors. Sportsman's Pavilion has it all for outdoor enthusiasts.

Western Maryland artists host visitors
The second and closing weekend of the annual Mountain Maryland Artists Studio Tour is Nov. 14-15. Visitors can stop by the studios of 37 artists in Allegany and Washington counties and the surrounding areas. Hours are 10-5. Free tour guidebook available from Allegany Arts Council.


'Sotterley under siege' depicts British occupation in 1812
Visit Sotterley Plantation and get a glimpse of life during the War of 1812. Sottlerley presents its Holiday Candlelight Tours, Dec. 4-5, 6-10 p.m. Tours take place in the early 18th-century mansion. Sotterley is the only remaining Tidewater plantation in Maryland that is open to the public. Call 301-373-2280 for details.


Maryland State Arts Council events:

Beyond the studio and stage: engaging your community
Nov. 16
Professional development workshop for Maryland performing artists
Contact: Sharon Blake at Arts Council

Maryland Presenters Network
Nov. 23
Contact: Sharon Blake at Arts Council

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