The Friends of Fort McHenry honored Bill Pencek, acting managing director, Maryland Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts, with its Francis Scott Key Award. The Francis Scott Key Award was presented to Mr. Pencek at the fort during the Star-Spangled Reception on September 12 and includes one of the 15 metal stars salvaged from Fort McHenry’s original visitor center.

The award was presented in recognition of 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. Those 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.

Pictured from left: Lisa Hansen, executive director, Friends of Fort McHenry; Bill Pencek, acting managing director, Maryland Department of Tourism, Film and the Arts; Tina Cappetta, superintendent, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine ; and Congressman John Sarbanes

The Maryland Office of Tourism Development’s (OTD) new website, launched earlier this year, won the Web Marketing Association’s (WMA) 2015 Webaward for Outstanding Website. The site, which was developed by OTD in conjunction with its partner Miles Media Group, utilizes cutting edge responsive design to combine powerful and beautiful Maryland images with in-house content in a flexible, user friendly format.

“The new Visit Maryland site is another great tool for promoting the tourism resources we have here in Maryland,” said Liz Fitzsimmons, executive director, OTD. “With our ability to tailor messaging and develop new web content in house, we can quickly adapt to new trends and capitalize on unexpected opportunities in a constantly changing environment. Designing and implementing the new visitmaryland.org really pushed our team, and this award is more proof that their work paid off.”

Amtrak is expanding the availability of bike service on the Capitol Limited to allow more passengers the convenience of traveling with their bikes. This enhanced service began on Sept. 14 and provides passengers with a way to travel with their bicycles without the hassles of driving and parking. This service is available at all stations along the Capitol Limited route between Washington, D.C., and Chicago. Passengers will be able to roll their bikes along the platform and onto the train and secure their own bikes on a rack in the baggage cars. Amtrak partnered with Adventure Cycling Association and other bicycle and passenger rail groups to form an advisory bicycle task force to oversee this project to establish walk-on bike service on the Capitol Limited.

Pictured from left: Kathy McKinney, City of Cumberland; Jennifer Light, City of Cumberland; Liz Fitzsimmons, executive director, OTD; City of Cumberland Mayor Brian K. Grim; Barbara Buehl, director, Allegany County Tourism; and City of Cumberland Councilman Seth Bernard

Jack Gerbes, director, Maryland Film Office (MFO), addressed an enthusiastic crowd at the start of the Chesapeake Film Festival (CFF) in Easton. The festival, which is produced in part through funding provided by the MFO and the Maryland State Arts Council, included national and international films while highlighting the work of local film makers and projects made in Maryland such as “June, Adrift.” “'June, Adrift' is a lovely independent film about three millennial women who, while building a sailboat on the Chesapeake Bay, discover what is needed to reconcile their dreams with their realities,” said Gerbes. “The MFO was very pleased to assist the filmmakers while they were filming in Cecil County, and I was happy to join writer, producer, star, and Maryland native Amanda McCann at its screening at the CFF.”

In other MFO news, two series made in Maryland took home Emmys at this year’s awards. The thrilling political drama “House of Cards,” which is shot across the state, took home two Emmys, and “Veep,” which just concluded its final season of filming in Maryland, took home five. Included among the winners was Pat Moran, a Maryland-based casting director who won the Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series award for her work on “Veep.”

The National Park Service, National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom (NTF) Program presented its Robert G. Stanton Award to Marci Ross, assistant director, OTD, and Anne Kyle, product development manager, OTD. The award was presented on September 16 at a ceremony held at Arlington Cemetery. Diane Miller, national program coordinator, NTF, cited the vision and leadership of Ross and Kyle, and their integral work in developing interpretation and enhancing the visitor experience at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park.

The Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau’s (AAACCVB) held its 25th Anniversary and Scholarship Reception in the Akerson Tower at U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on Thursday, September 17. Maryland State Senator John Astle and Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh joined Connie Del Signore, President and CEO, AAACCVB and Erin McNaboe, board chairman, AAACCVB in presenting awards to businesses and organizations that have contributed to the destination’s growth; individuals positioned to play key roles in increasing the economic impact of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County tourism in the years ahead; and AAACCVB volunteer information specialists who have worked above and beyond the call of duty to ensure a stellar visitor experience, giving special thanks to volunteers who contribute more than 10,000 hours annually to the organization.

Deb Carter, president, Maryland Tourism Education Foundation (MTEF) also spoke, announcing that more than $16,000 had been raised for AAACCVB’s 25th Anniversary Scholarship Fund which helps Anne Arundel County residents jump start their careers in the travel and tourism industry. “Money spent helping our young people realize their dreams will come back to the community and our nation one hundredfold," said Del Signore.

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.

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.