Legislative Session Ends on High Note for Tourism, Film and the Arts

Stakeholders and industry partners from across Maryland’s tourism, film and arts landscape gathered in support of legislation relevant to the industry, and their strong showing was instrumental this past legislative session. “The industry really came together,” said Deb Carter, President, Maryland Tourism Education Foundation. “It was a well organized, coordinated effort, and proved to be a very successful strategy.”

John Schratwieser, Executive Director, Maryland Citizens for the Arts agreed, saying, “It was an impressive showing by our partners. The supporters on hand represented a diverse cross section of the arts community from across the state.”

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 2015 Legislative Session,” said Bill Pencek, Acting Assistant Secretary, 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."

During the annual meeting of the Arts & Entertainment (A&E) District Managers, Salisbury A&E District was presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award by the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC). The award recognizes Salisbury A&E District’s commitment to ongoing revitalization through strategic partnerships, thriving arts centers, new businesses and popular events, which contributes to a vital community and growing economy. Bill Pencek, Acting Assistant Secretary, Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts, presented the award to Lee F. Whaley and Constance Strott, Co-Chairs of the Salisbury A&E District. “Salisbury’s A&E District’s renaissance is due to the exceptional work of district volunteers, stakeholders and the city’s support. Their collaboration generated 19 new businesses and five new restaurants, employing 54 people,” said Pencek. “With another 15 capital projects either in the works or completed, the numerous arts events, festivals, and new space for artists to thrive, have made this a vibrant community for residents, and an exciting destination for visitors and tourists alike. Congratulations on the great strides you have made in your community.”

On April 20, the MSAC received the National Planning Achievement Award for Economic Planning & Development from the American Planning Association (APA) in Seattle, WA. MSAC was one of only 12 recipients of the national award. The Maryland A&E Districts Program has become a model for states across the country that are interested in using metrics to demonstrate the economic impact of a thriving art and cultural scene in a community. For information on the program, contact Pamela Dunne, A&E District Program Director at 410-767-6555 or visit www.msac.org.

On the heels of the extremely successful Star-Spangled Spectacular, officers representing navies from around the world came to Baltimore for Sail Baltimore’s “Attache Day.” The officers met at Baltimore’s World Trade Center before touring Baltimore Harbor and the National Aquarium. Deputy Secretary Ben Wu of DBED was on hand to greet the international military leaders along with representatives of the State of Maryland, Baltimore City, the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard in the hopes of bringing “gray hulls” from around the world back to Maryland.

“The 2012 Sailabration and 2014 Star-Spangled Spectacular brought in roughly $330 million to the city, and most of the three million people who visited said it was the ships they enjoyed the most,” said Laura Stevenson, Executive Director, Sail Baltimore. Stevenson is confident that this firsthand visit will demonstrate not only the vitality of the port, but the vibrancy of the community and the trademark Maryland hospitality, assuring the visiting attaches that Baltimore and Maryland are an essential stop for their gray hulls showing their nation’s flags.