Baltimore County Announces New Travel and Tourism Initiative

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Baltimore County Announces New Travel and Tourism Initiative

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 Courtyard by Marriott