The report also shows that tourism is the eighth largest private-industry employer in the state. During 2008, the industry supported 146,228 direct full-time equivalency jobs in leisure and hospitality, retail, transportation and other service sectors. These jobs generated $4 billion in wages and salaries. Approximately 95 percent of tourism-related enterprises are small businesses.
Online forum targets small-business success
Gov. Martin O’Malley joined radio host and technology expert Mario Armstrong in presenting an interactive town hall meeting Wednesday, Dec. 9. The economic forum, sponsored by DBED, addressed issues related to the success of small businesses in Maryland.
On Monday, Dec. 7, Gov. O'Malley outlined several key initiatives as part of an economic agenda designed to strengthen small business and create jobs in the state. These measures would:
• Give businesses a $3,000 tax credit for the hiring of every unemployed worker
• Streamline loan approvals and expand credit for small business
• Address rate increases to the Unemployment Trust Fund for small business
TFA invites collaboration at regional meetings
Representatives of the Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts (TFA) are participating in a series of meetings with partner organizations in the five regions of the state to present TFA's plans and invite collaboration for the upcoming fiscal year in light of current budgetary conditions.
Last week, Hannah Byron, assistant secretary for TFA; Bill Pencek, acting deputy assistant secretary for TFA; Margot Amelia, executive director of the Tourism Office; and Theresa Colvin, executive director of the Maryland State Arts Council, traveled to Calvert County for a meeting with Southern Maryland partners. The TFA contingent attended a meeting held by the TADD (Tourism, Arts and Downtown Development) coalition on Dec. 9. TADD groups represent networks of arts, business and heritage interests.
Civil War Trails elicit joint marketing effort
Tourism officials representing five states met recently in Leesburg, Va., to develop regional marketing strategies for promoting the Civil War Trails system in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the Civil War starting in 2011. Margot Amelia, executive director of the Maryland Tourism Office, joined representatives from Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, West Virginia and Gettysburg, Pa., at the meeting.
The group agreed that each jurisdiction will:
• Package historic locations, scenic drives, lodging and restaurants
• Highlight the accessibility of Civil War Trail sites
• Use the names of famous Civil War people, places and battles in promotions
• Tell personal stories of people who lived during the Civil War
• Promote Civil War Trail markers for both Civil War experts and those interested in learning about the era
Step back into history at Oxon Hill Farm
Explore the story of Oxon Cove Park – how it evolved from a plantation home during the War of 1812 to a hospital farm to its present status as a National Parks Service site in Oxon Hill. The park is also part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Ongoing program includes Saturday and Sunday sessions, Dec. 12, 13. Call Ray Whitacre for details, 301-839-1176.
Still time to volunteer at ABA Marketplace
The American Bus Association holds its 2010 Marketplace, Jan. 15-19, at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Prince George’s County. Marketplace is among the top business and networking events for the group-travel industry. Volunteer at Marketplace and get an opportunity to market your business. Fill out the form and submit. On-site volunteers are needed for Jan. 13-20. For more details, contact Rich Gilbert at the Tourism Office, 410-767-6288, or e-mail Margie Long at I-95 Welcome Center.
