Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) Secretary Michael Gill will address Maryland hospitality and tourism industry leaders in Annapolis this Friday, February 13, for Maryland Tourism Day. The event, sponsored in part by the Maryland Tourism Coalition (MTC) and the Maryland Association of Destination Marketing Organizations, provides an opportunity for tourism advocates to meet with their representatives to discuss the importance of tourism to the Maryland economy.

“Tourism in Maryland is a $15.4 billion industry that directly employs more than 138,500 Marylanders,” says Kevin Atticks, president, Maryland Tourism Coalition (MTC). “Collectively, we are one of the Top Ten private sector employers in the state and generate more than $2.1 billion in State and local tax revenues,” Atticks continued. “These tourism revenues ease the tax burden on Marylanders to the tune of $970 per year, per household.”

It is not too late to register. Please visit the MTC’s website for details.

On Feb. 10 more than 400 arts advocates from across the state joined First Lady Yumi Hogan, pictured at right, and DBED Deputy Benjamin H. Wu, and elected officials for a sold out Arts Day in Annapolis. Maryland Citizens for the Arts co-founder Sue Hess was on hand to present Brooke Kidd, founder of Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mt. Rainier, with the Sue Hess Arts Advocate of the Year award.

After nearly eight years as Executive Director of the Maryland Office of Tourism Development (OTD), Margot Amelia has accepted a new position as the Senior Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer for the National Aquarium.

The Maryland Office of Tourism’s bi-annual report on Maryland lodging data shows lodging performance accelerated during Calendar Year 2014, with room demand statewide increasing 5.9 percent compared to Calendar Year 2013. Maryland’s growth outpaced the region’s (5.2 percent) and the nation’s(4.5 percent). Total room revenue for the state increased 7.6 percent, again outpacing the region, which saw only 6.8 percent growth. Occupancy rates, which reflect changes in supply and demand for rooms, averaged 63.5 percent, another gain of 5.5 percent over last year.

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Kimberly Renee Shirer, Director of Tourism Programs for Allegany County. Born and raised in Western Maryland, Kim was a gifted, grounded and passionate advocate for Allegany County tourism. “Kim's enthusiasm for the tourism industry, deep community roots and collaborative nature were a treasured resource for us,” said Margot Amelia, executive director, OTD. “Her dedication to Allegany County and Maryland was an inspiration, but more importantly, she was a trusted friend to us all.” Kim died peacefully in her home, February 1, surrounded by her beloved family. We at DBED are saddened by Kim’s passing and offer our deepest sympathies to Kim’s family and friends.

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.