TFA NEWS IN BRIEF
 

Arts Organizations & Arts Councils Benefit From $13.67 Million in Grants

Maryland Spotlights Religious History Ahead of Pope Francis's U.S. Visit

Bill Pencek to Receive Francis Scott Key Award

John Fieseler, Executive Director, Visit Frederick, Addresses U.S. Travel Association

Kelly Groff Receives Certified Destination Management Executive Designation

Gregory Pizzuto Named Executive Director of Visit Harford!​

2014 Numbers Show Record Tourism for Region's Cities

The Maryland State Fair Begins This Weekend

Now accepting ad reservations for Destination Maryland - Official 2016 Visitors Guide

Time to Make Your Nominations for the 2015 Tourism Awards

IN THE NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
 
DBED Secretary Mike Gill Joins Staff Members for Voluntary Day of Service with Baltimore City Students
 
As part of Governor Larry Hogan’s “Maryland Unites” program, Mike Gill, secretary, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED), and Bill Pencek, acting managing director, Maryland Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts, joined volunteering DBED staffers in a day of service at Holy Angels Catholic School in West Baltimore. The volunteers joined Holy Angels students in arts projects, reading exercises, and in building a plan to ensure this school year will be the best yet.

Governor Hogan created Maryland Unites as a resource for Marylanders wishing to react, respond and rebuild after the recent disturbances in Baltimore. As part of this program, Governor Hogan also created the “Maryland Unites: Day of Service,” an initiative for state employees to offer their time and talents to benefit our citizens through community service.

Pictured: Holy Angels students (front center) with (top from left) Maureen Kilcullen, Jennifer Cox, Greg Derwart, Mike Gill, Bradley Gillenwater, Bill Pencek, and Julia Cora

 
 
  TFA NEWS IN BRIEF
 
 
Arts Organizations & Arts Councils Benefit From $13.67 Million in Grants
 
 
   
Reaffirming the importance of Maryland's vibrant nonprofit arts sector, Governor Larry Hogan announced $13.67 million in Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) grant awards to 300 local arts organizations and arts councils. MSAC Grants for Organizations support the general operations of 300 arts organizations and programs while Community Arts Development grants support Maryland's 24 local arts councils. The Governor approved the matching grants based on the recommendations of the MSAC.

In addition, Governor Hogan approved $2 million in grant funding to be distributed among 11 arts and cultural organizations, including $790,000 to the Maryland State Arts Council, reversing a mid-year funding reduction imposed during the final days of the prior administration. “The First Lady and I are huge proponents of the arts, and I am excited that we have been able to restore this grant money," said Governor Hogan. "My administration is committed to providing full funding for the arts in a fiscally responsible manner." See awardees here.

Pictured: A young dancer with the Folkloric Group San José performing at the Common Ground on the Hill Festival at the Carroll County Farm Museum, a FY2016 GFO awardee. Photo by Pamela Zappardino

 
 
 
Maryland Spotlights Religious History Ahead of Pope Francis's U.S. Visit
 
 
   
Considered the birthplace of religious freedom in the Americas, “The Free State” was founded as a refuge for religious minorities fleeing England to escape persecution. "Maryland's history is rooted in the idea of religious freedom," said Liz Fitzsimmons, executive director, Maryland Office of Tourism. "The first settlers arrived in the 17th century seeking religious tolerance, and the multitude of worship sites across the state are a testament to those that sacrificed much to come to our shores in peaceful pursuit of their faith." As the nation prepares for Pope Francis’s first visit, Maryland is shining a spotlight on this unique religious heritage.

Maryland is home to many sights with significant historical and religious significance, including The Religious Freedom Byway which runs 189 miles along the Potomac River through Southern Maryland and explores the colonial roots of American religious freedom. For a guide to these sites throughout the state, click here.

Pictured: The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore

 
 
 
Bill Pencek to Receive Francis Scott Key Award
 
The Friends of Fort McHenry will honor Bill Pencek, acting managing director, Maryland Division of Tourism Film and the Arts, with its Francis Scott Key Award. The award recognizes Mr. Pencek’s efforts as the executive director of the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission. Through his work with the commission, Mr. Pencek was instrumental in building the organization that helmed commemorations across the state including the highly successful Star-Spangled Sailabration in 2012 and the Star-Spangled Spectacular in 2014. The events combined to generate an economic impact of $333 million, dramatically increased national awareness of Maryland’s unique history as the birthplace of the National Anthem, and helped develop lasting relationships with organizations like the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, who will be returning to Baltimore in 2016.

The Francis Scott Key Award will be presented to Mr. Pencek at the fort during the Star-Spangled Reception on September 12 as part of an evening that will include military demonstrations, a performance by the U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers Chorus, and a fireworks display. The Star-Spangled Reception is part of the three-day Defender’s Day Weekend celebration. For more information or to purchase tickets for the reception, visit www.friendsoffortmchenry.org.

 
 
 
John Fieseler, Executive Director, Visit Frederick, Addresses U.S. Travel Association
 
 
   
As tourism leaders from around the nation gathered in Portland, OR for the U.S. Travel Association’s annual Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO), John Fieseler, executive director, Visit Frederick, was tapped to sit on the “Big Bang for Small Bucks” panel. The panel focused on best practices for marshalling limited resources for maximum impact and included social media strategies, promotions, leveraging partnerships and more. Fieseler was a natural choice, having lead Frederick County’s tourism efforts since taking over as DMO in 1997 and he currently chairs the Research Committee of the Maryland Association of Destination Marketing Organizations. The panel also included the executive director of the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, the director of the Delaware Tourism Office and the commissioner of the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing. ESTO is the premier annual learning and knowledge-sharing forum for destination marketing professionals and was established to help destination professionals develop new tools and techniques and debate pressing issues affecting destinations.
 
 
 
Kelly Groff Receives Certified Destination Management Executive Designation
 
 
   
Kelly Groff, president and CEO, Visit Montgomery and the Maryland Travel Coalition’s 2014 Tourism Person of the Year, has earned the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation from the Destination Marketing Association International. CDME is the only integrated executive program specifically designed for the Destination Marketing industry. The focus of the program is on vision, leadership, productivity and the implementation of business strategies.

“I am grateful for the opportunity and support of the Visit Montgomery Board of Directors to complete this certification,” said Kelly Groff. “Interacting and learning with my peers from all over the country during the course work was invaluable.” The CDME program is designed to better prepare senior destination marketing organization executives and managers for increasing change and competition and to become more effective organizational and community leaders.

Pictured Above From Left: Liz Fitzsimmons, Executive Director, Maryland Office of Tourism; Kelly Groff, President & CEO, Visit Montgomery; and Matthew Neitzey, Executive Director, Prince George’s County CVB

 
 
 
Gregory Pizzuto Named Executive Director of Visit Harford!
 
 
   
The Maryland Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts is pleased to welcome Gregory Pizzuto as the new executive director of Visit Harford. “The Board is pleased to have Greg lead the organization, we are very excited to have him lead our tourism efforts,” stated Patricia Parker, president of the board, Visit Harford. “His enthusiasm for Harford County and his career experience fit well with the organization.”

“Harford County is a wonderful place to live and visit with so many events and attractions,” said Mr. Pizzuto, who most recently served as the General Manager for the APG Federal Credit Union Arena at Harford Community College. “I look forward to working with all of the entities to promote Harford County locally, regionally, and nationally.”

 
 
 
2014 Numbers Show Record Tourism for Region’s Cities
 
 
   
Tourists flocked to the Chesapeake region in 2014, with 20.2 million people visiting Washington, D.C. and even stronger numbers for Baltimore. “We welcomed 24.5 million domestic visitors who generated $5.2 billion in visitor spending,” said Tom Noonan, president and CEO, Visit Baltimore. Hospitality and tourism-supported employment also grew 2 percent to reach 82,000 jobs.”

In addition to Baltimore’s strong tourism infrastructure which includes the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center and other Inner Harbor attractions, the Harbor East development, the Station North Arts District, and traditional draws like Preakness and ArtScape, 2014 was buoyed by unique special events. The Baltimore Orioles made an extended playoff run, placing the city in the national spotlight, and international attention was focused on Baltimore as the city held its Star-Spangled Spectacular celebrating the bicentennial of the defense of the city and the penning of the National Anthem the battle inspired. The Spectacular alone drew 1.43 million visitors to Baltimore with an economic impact of $164.1 million.

Pictured: Fireworks ignite the sky over Baltimore Harbor during the Star-Spangled Spectacular

 
 
 
The Maryland State Fair Begins This Weekend
 
 
   
The 106th Maryland State Fair begins this Friday, August 28, at the Timonium Fairgrounds in Baltimore County. With great events like a concert by Fifth Harmony, the Latino Music Festival, barrel racing, bull riding, Goat Mountain and more, one day just isn’t enough for the fair. Livestock exhibits, the U-Learn Farm, horse racing and even pig racing bring excitement to this time honored event. Exhibitors offer traditional fair foods and Maryland eats from cotton candy to crab cakes, and this year’s rides promise to be bigger than ever. For a full slate of events, ticket information and more, visit www.marylandstatefair.com.

 
 
 
Now Accepting Ad Reservations for Destination Maryland - Official 2016 Visitors Guide
 
 
   
The all-new official Destination Maryland Guide presents our tourism partners with a unique, powerful platform. There is no comparable opportunity available that is 100 percent focused on visitation to Maryland—and there is no better time to speak to its large audience than when they are actively planning their visit to the state. Destination Maryland is sent by request directly to highly qualified travelers who are actively planning a Maryland vacation—most often a long one. In addition to 250,000 printed copies distributed, the Visitors Guide will also be available in both an interactive E-book and I-pad versions which click through to advertiser landing pages.

Contact Carly Stedman for rates and details: carly.stedman@milespartnership.com / 202-681-8169. Deadline to reserve space is October 7, 2015.

 
 
 
Time to Make Your Nominations for the 2015 Tourism Awards
 
 
   
Nominations for the 2015 Maryland Tourism Awards — as selected by the Maryland Office of Tourism Development and the Maryland Tourism Development Board (MTDB) — will be accepted until 5p.m. on August 31. Award categories are: Economic Engine; Tourism Partnership; Cultural Heritage, Sports & Culinary Tourism and Visit Maryland. A program overview and a nomination form are available online.

The awards pay tribute to individuals, organizations, businesses or governmental agencies that have significantly contributed to the efforts of the tourism office and board to boost jobs and economic impact in Maryland's tourism industry, and enhance the state's image to travelers. Winners will be announced at the Maryland Tourism and Travel Summit. For more information, call or e-mail Jennifer Jones, 410-767-6296.

 
 
 
 
 
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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
 
 
AUG, SEPT, OCT
 
26 & 28;
2 & 11; 2
 
MSAC Grants Information Sessions
The Maryland State Arts Council's FY2017 Grants for Organizations (GFO) program provides unrestricted operating support to arts organizations and arts programs through grant awards. For information on how to apply, please watch our instructional video and join the GFO staff for application information and Q&A sessions held across the state. For more information, and to find your nearest session, visit us at MSAC.org, call (410) 767-6555 or TTY (410) 333-4519.
 
AUG
 
29-30
 
Maryland Renaissance Festival Opening Weekend, Crownsville
One of the largest renaissance festivals in the nation opens for its 39th season. Step back into a 16th century English village replete with jousting, jugglers and, of course, turkey legs. For more information, visit www.rennfest.com/.
 
 
SEPT
 
4-6
 
National Hard Crab Derby, Crisfield
The fastest crustaceans in all the nation go head to, er, claw, as Crisfield hosts the National Hard Crab Derby. Other events include a carnival, music, beauty pageants, a parade, fireworks and more. For all the info, visit www.crisfieldevents.com.
 
 
SEPT
 
5-7
 
56th Annual Skipjack Races & Festival, Deal Island
Experience the “Real Deal” and witness Maryland’s living, working history, as rival crews pit the state’s fastest skipjacks against one another for bragging rights as the fastest in the fleet. Events also include a gospel concert, parade, car show, food, crafts and more. For more information, visit visitsomerset.com
 
 
SEPT
 
5-6
 
Defender’s Day Reenactments, Fort Howard
Relive the glory of Baltimore’s old defenders as reenactors transport you to the precarious fight that saved the city and inspired the National Anthem. Events include a recreated War of 1812 military camp and live battles featuring more than 90 reenactors. For all the info, visit www.dundalkhistory.org
 
 
 
SEPT
 
11-13
 
Defender’s Day Weekend, Fort McHenry
Fort McHenry celebrates the 201st anniversary of its most hallowed day with a weekend of festivities including military reenactors, period cooking demonstrations, performances by the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers Chorus, spectacular fireworks, and the hoisting of an enormous Star-Spangled Banner like the one that inspired Francis Scott Key to penn the National Anthem. For a full schedule of events, visit www.friendsoffortmchenry.org.
 
 
 
 
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