Contact: Lisa Simmons, MOTT
617-973-8508
Vicki Cimino, Connelly Partners
617-521-5428
For Immediate Release
The Big E Plays Host to the 25th Annual Event on Massachusetts Day
WEST SPRINGFIELD - September 20, 2012 - Thirteen awards honoring tourism businesses and individuals were presented this afternoon at the Massachusetts Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism. The conference, Massachusetts’ premier annual gathering of the Commonwealth’s tourism industry, celebrated its 25th year at the BIG E in West Springfield.
Coordinated by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT), the event featured remarks from Governor Deval Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, remarks from Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development Co-Chairs Sen. Eileen Donaghue and Rep. Sarah Peake, a presentation by Disney Institute Facilitator Jeff Noel, a special appearance by WCVB-TV’s “Chronicle” Anchor Anthony Everett, and a 2012-2013 Massachusetts tourism marketing preview.
“Massachusetts’ tourism industry has recognized incredible growth in 2012. Visitation, visitor spending, tax revenue, and tourism related jobs have increased over 2011,” said Betsy Wall, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “We’ll leverage this growth and expand programming both domestically and in key international origin and emerging markets.”
MOTT’s advertising agency, Connelly Partners, presented the 2012-2013 Massachusetts tourism marketing program. Highlighting key initiatives, Connelly Partners Senior Partner, Scott Madden, described the program as, “transforming a brand from a traditional advertising platform to a content publishing mechanism.”
Along with the Larry D. Meehan Awards given to 13 winners, awards were given to 23 tourism attractions designated as Massachusetts Premier Tourism Attraction. The Award winners are: Battleship Cove, Boston Duck Tours, Boston’s Chinatown, The BIG E, The Black Heritage Trail, Brimfield Fair, Cape Cod National Seashore, Fenway Park, The Freedom Trail, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum, Lowell Folk Festival, MASS MoCA, New Bedford Whaling Museum, Norman Rockwell Museum, Old Sturbridge Village, Plimoth Plantation, Salem’s Haunted Happenings, Six Flags New England, Steamship Authority, Tanglewood, Woodman’s of Essex, Yankee Candle, and Zoar Outdoor.
The Larry D. Meehan Awards were introduced at this year’s conference. Honoring Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau Vice President of Media Relations and Tourism Larry Meehan, the awards pay homage to those who have made major contributions to the expansion and vitality of Massachusetts’ tourism industry. In April, Meehan received a Governor’s commendation for his 32-year career in promoting the Commonwealth as a premiere vacation destination.
Larry D. Meehan individual award winners:
Greater Boston/North of Boston Award Recipients:
Mary Hayes, North of Boston – Having spent most of her professional life at MOTT, Mary Hayes has organized 20 Massachusetts Governor’s Conferences on Travel and Tourism, played a major role in two National Governors’ Association conferences, and developed a successful group tour program for the Commonwealth. Hayes retired from MOTT five years ago, but remains actively involved in tourism marketing initiatives.
Julie Paula Katz, TourMappers – Boston – Under the direction of Katz, Tourmappers is a full-service receptive operator specializing in the development of niche tours of New England for the international visitor. TourMappers was an early adopter of LGBT tourism marketing.
Thomas A. Kershaw, The Hampshire House/Cheers – Boston – In addition to the development and management of Cheers Beacon Hill, one of Boston’s most enduring tourism destinations, Kershaw has played leadership roles at the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Advisory Commission on Travel and Tourism, the National Restaurant Association, and the White House Conference on Travel & Tourism.
Rafael Andrés Torres, Don Quijote Tours – Quincy – Torres established Don Quijote Tours in 1991 as Boston’s sole Spanish-speaking tour company. Torres has since added programs in French, Italian, and Portuguese, providing international visitors with an authentic tour of Boston and beyond in their native language.
Plymouth/Cape/Islands Award Recipients:
Catania Hospitality Group – Hyannis/Plymouth – Walking in their father’s footsteps, Debra, Frank, and Bill Catania have maintained exemplary hospitality standards while conducting a major expansion of the company’s lodging and restaurant business. The Catania Hospitality resorts, restaurants and spas include: Cape Codder Resort & Spa, Cape Codder Residence Club, The Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa, John Carver Inn & Spa, and Hearth ‘n Kettle Restaurants.
Candice Collins-Boden, Provincetown Chamber of Commerce – Provincetown – Known as Candy, she is the great connector, linking natives and wash-ashores, gay and straight, old-timers and newcomers, and old and young. Candy has been the steady hand on the helm and the watchful eye, always working to keep Provincetown at the top of every visitor's list.
Katherine Knowles, Zeiterion Theatre – New Bedford – Affectionately known as the “Z,” Knowles has transformed the 1920’s vaudeville theater into a vibrant performing arts center that has become a cultural anchor of Southeastern Massachusetts.
Central MA/Greater Springfield Award Recipients:
Gregory B. Chiecko, Eastern States Exposition – The BIG E – Springfield – In addition to making the Eastern States Exposition a major tourism destination, Chiecko actively promotes the Pioneer Valley to develop its group tour business. Chiecko is actively involved with the American Bus Association, the National Tour Association, the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, and countless other organizations.
Sandra L. Dunn, DCU Center – Worcester – As general manager of the DCU Center, Sandy Dunn has put Worcester on the map as a major center for big-name entertainment, sports, conventions, meetings, and conferences. Dunn serves on the board of the Massachusetts Sports and Entertainment Commission.
Tom Meyers, Wachusett Mountain – Princeton – Charged with the marketing and promotion of Wachusett Mountain, Meyers ensures skiers of all skill levels enjoy the mountain. Meyers is admired for his devotion to promoting Massachusetts as a four-season destination.
Robert J. Schwarz, Peter Pan Bus Lines – Springfield – Peter Pan Bus Lines, the largest privately-owned intercity bus company in the United States, calls Springfield its home and Schwartz its biggest cheerleader. Schwartz is actively involved in the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
Berkshires Award Recipients:
Laurie Norton Moffatt, Norman Rockwell Museum – Stockbridge – Moffatt recently presented President Obama with the Norman Rockwell illustration, “The Problem We All Live With,” following her conviction that museums should create and foster a sense of community and engage in conversations. While the illustration is only a loaner, the gesture reinforced the Norman Rockwell Museum’s position as a cultural institution of national stature. Moffatt is also involved with the Berkshire Creative Economy Council and 1Berkshires.
Brian Butterworth, The Red Lion Inn – Stockbridge – Driving sales for the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, and maintaining a strong involvement in regional and state tourism marketing programs, Butterworth is respected as a thought leader in the Berkshires and beyond.
About MOTT
The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) is the state agency dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure-travel destination. An integral part of the state’s economy, tourism generates more than $915 million in state and local taxes and $14.4 billion in travel related expenditures and supports 121,500 in-state jobs. Web site: http://www.massvacation.com/
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