Towson, Md. (December 12, 2008)—Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith today announced a new initiative to grow business and leisure tourism in Baltimore County. At a ceremony in Towson, he announced creation of a new Conference and Tourism Advisory Council. Hal Ashman, owner of Ultimate Watersports in Middle River and president of the Essex-Middle River-White Marsh Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed chair of the 16-member volunteer Advisory Council. "We recognize the potential of the travel and tourism sector, not only from an economic perspective, but as a way to enhance our quality of life," said County Executive Smith. "As we look for new places to discover close to home, Baltimore County offers a wealth of choices, for War of 1812 and Benjamin Banneker heritage sites to 175 miles of Chesapeake Bay waterfront, concerts at Oregon Ridge to award-winning wineries and international steeplechase racing." The Baltimore County Conference and Tourism Advisory Council, which has been established by Executive Order, includes representatives from the hotel, conference and hospitality sector, restaurant and retail, sports attractions, historic destinations, the arts, and agriculture. To enhance partnerships and regionalism, two members represent Baltimore City attractions. Over the past several months, Baltimore County's Department of Economic Development has transitioned the County's tourism program from the Baltimore County Conference and Visitors Bureau, a stand-alone non-profit organization, to a division within the county department. "We believe this new effort will maximize partnerships between the travel and tourism industry and other County businesses as well as benefit from existing programs in many county agencies including economic development, recreation and parks, and community conservation," added David S. Iannucci, Executive Director of the Baltimore County Department of Economic Development. The New staff members have been hired in the County Department of Economic Development to support the initiative. Jill Feinberg is director of conference and tourism with Marge Saunders serving as associate. About Jill Feinberg, Baltimore County Director of Conference and Tourism Jill Feinberg comes to Baltimore County from UMBC, where she most recently served as the Director of Advancement Communications supporting university leadership. Jill worked for Marriott International corporate headquarters for eight years in a series of marketing and communications positions. She received her Masters degree from the Cornell Hotel School. About Marge Saunders, Baltimore County Conference and Tourism Associate Marge Saunders served as Sales Manager for the former Baltimore County Conference & Visitors Bureau. Her career includes 25 years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing. Members of the Baltimore County Conference and Tourism Advisory Council Hal Ashman (Chair)
Ultimate Watersports | Beth Huber
Middle River Water Taxi | Joey Bivona
Peerces Plantation | Jesse Issa
Tonino's Restaurant | Rob Deford
Bordy Vineyards | Nick Mangione
Hilton Pikesville | Louis Diggs
Writer and Tour Guide
Historic African American Communities | Louise Miller
Towson University | Jim Dresher
Skye Hospitality | Gilbert Pascal
Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum | Maria Flores
El Nayar Restaurant | Terry Slade-Young
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore | Nancy Hafford
Towson Chamber of Commerce | Gay Vietzke
Hampton National Historical Site | Rebecca Hoffberger
American Visionary Arts Museum | Sherri Weaver
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Department of Economic Development
400 Washington Avenue Towson Maryland 21204
Phone 410-887-8000 For additional information contact businesshelp@baltimorecountymd.gov Revised July 20, 2009 | 
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