17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT NMC has held the Marketing Services Contract for the Maine Office of Tourism since 1993. We create and implement annual strategic marketing communications programs for the Office of Tourism which complement the advertising, research and Internet programs that are carried out by other subcontractors. Our primary goal for the Office is to reach out to the travel media in order to garner "unpaid" media coverage for Maine's tourism industry. We work closely with the industry and with the travel media to generate coverage. We send out monthly calendars of events, maintain the photo library, send out news releases on what's new in Maine, organize itineraries for travel journalists, and assist the Office of Tourism staff with everything from motor coach travel to special events and promotions. http://www.marshallpr.com/mot/index.php en BANGOR, Maine - Joseph Cyr, president of Cyr Bus Lines in Old Town, received the award for Commitment to Service Excellence during the Governor's Conference on Tourism held at the Bangor Civic Center February 12. The Maine Tourism Awards, which are sponsored by the Maine Office of Tourism and the Maine Tourism Commission, are presented to those whose service and dedication have enhanced the experience for visitors to Maine. 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://www.marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=311&abbrev=mot BANGOR, Maine - Fred Cook, executive director of DownEast and Acadia Regional Tourism, received the award for Tourism Excellence during a ceremony at the Governor's Conference on Tourism held at the Bangor Civic Center February 12. The Maine Tourism Awards, which are sponsored by the Maine Office of Tourism and the Maine Tourism Commission, are presented to those whose service and dedication have enhanced the experience for visitors to Maine. 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://www.marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=308&abbrev=mot BANGOR, Maine - Ed Palmer, general manager of the Marriot at Sable Oaks in South Portland, received the Maine Tourism Award for Commitment to Employees during a ceremony at the Governor's Conference on Tourism held at the Bangor Civic Center February 12. The awards, which are sponsored by the Maine Office of Tourism and the Maine Tourism Commission, are presented to those whose service and dedication have enhanced the experience for visitors to Maine. 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://www.marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=309&abbrev=mot BANGOR, Maine - Rocky and Lisa Freda, owners of Sun Valley Sports in Bethel, received the Maine Tourism Award for Commitment to Innovation in Tourism during a ceremony at the Governor's Conference on Tourism held at the Bangor Civic Center February 12. The awards, which are sponsored by the Maine Office of Tourism and the Maine Tourism Commission, are presented to those whose service and dedication have enhanced the experience for visitors to Maine. 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://www.marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=306&abbrev=mot BANGOR, Maine - Maureen Regan, owner of Seaside Vacation Rentals in York, received the award for Commitment to Tourism Growth during a ceremony at the Governor's Conference on Tourism held at the Bangor Civic Center February 12. The Maine Tourism Awards, which are sponsored by the Maine Office of Tourism and the Maine Tourism Commission, are presented to those whose service and dedication have enhanced the experience for visitors to Maine. 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://www.marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=307&abbrev=mot AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Office of Tourism will display its new touring pavilion at the Boston Globe Travel Show February 22-24 at Seaport World Trade Center in Boston. The 20' x 30' custom exhibit highlights the state's unique attractions, destinations, activities and touring routes. Visitors can learn about Maine lobster, lighthouses, wildlife watching and various exciting outdoor recreation opportunities. "We are eager to bring the new pavilion to Boston, and give folks in southern New England a taste of the state of Maine," said Maine Office of Tourism Director Patricia Eltman. "We'd like to encourage everyone to stop by and see us at the show." 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://www.marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=304&abbrev=mot BANGOR, Maine - More than 500 tourism and hospitality professionals gathered today at a sold-out Bangor Civic Center for the 2008 Governor's Conference on Tourism. It was the largest gathering of the annual event in a decade. The theme of the conference was "It's All Right Here," a celebration of all Maine has to offer as a place to live, work and visit. Attendees heard a keynote address from Dr. Laila Rach of New York University's Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management and took part in educational workshops, a tourism tradeshow, and the Maine Tourism Awards program. "Improvements to this year's conference allowed more people to attend and put an emphasis on the strength of local, regional and statewide partnerships among tourism operators," said Pat Eltman, director of the Maine Office of Tourism. 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://www.marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=305&abbrev=mot AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Office of Tourism will display its new touring pavilion at the Los Angeles Times Travel and Adventure Show February 9-10 at the Long Beach Convention Center. The 20' x 30' custom exhibit highlights the state's unique attractions, destinations, activities and touring routes. Visitors can learn about Maine lobster, lighthouses, wildlife watching and various exciting outdoor recreation opportunities. "We are eager to bring the new pavilion to California, and give folks on the west coast a taste of the state of Maine," said Maine Office of Tourism Director Patricia Eltman. "We'd like to encourage everyone to stop by and see us at the show." 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://www.marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=292&abbrev=mot AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Office of Tourism will debut its new travel show pavilion at the Adventures in Travel Expo January 12-13 at Pier 94 Convention Center in New York City. The traveling display will highlight the state's unique attractions, destinations, activities and touring routes. Visitors can learn about Maine lobster, lighthouses, wildlife watching, scenic byways, and the convenient ways to travel to Maine by air, rail, water and highway. "We are very excited that folks in the tri-state region will be first to have the opportunity to experience our new pavilion," said Patricia Eltman, director of the Maine Office of Tourism." We'd like to encourage everyone to stop by to see us at the Travel Expo." 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://www.marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=277&abbrev=mot AUGUSTA, Maine - Registration is now open for the Annual Governor's Conference on Tourism. This year's conference will be held at the Bangor Civic Center on Tuesday, February 12 with a continental breakfast beginning at 8:00 a.m. The conference theme is "It's all right here" and will focus on working collaboratively and forming partnerships to provide Maine's visitors with an unparalleled experience. "Our goal is to continue to grow the industry, particularly through strengthening strategic partnerships and alliances," said Patricia Eltman, Maine's tourism director. 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://www.marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=285&abbrev=mot AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Office of Tourism recently added in-depth content about the state's four-season fishing opportunities to its Web site Visitmaine.com. "The improvement was made because Maine's world class fisheries deserve the spotlight," said Office of Tourism Marketing Manager Steve Lyons. "We also know that fishing is one of the most-searched topics on the site, and the new layout will make it more convenient for anglers to plan their visit to Maine." 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://www.marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=321&abbrev=mot GREENVILLE, Maine - Maine Mountain Soap and Candle Company has been in business for 14 years. Owner Sandee Appaneal, former partner Gary Dethlefsen and a number of full and part-time employees worked over those years to carve out a successful niche in the world of natural products. Late in 2007 construction began to double the size of Appaneal's retail space and consolidate production under one roof at 17 Moosehead Lake Road. Appaneal, whose father is a carpenter, is working alongside family, friends and part-time staff to make the larger space a reality. She is excited about the new products that space will allow. 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://www.marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=324&abbrev=mot AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Office of Tourism will display its new touring pavilion at the Washington D.C. Adventures in Travel Expo March 29-30 at the Washington Convention Center. The 20' x 30' custom exhibit highlights the state's unique attractions, destinations, activities and touring routes. Visitors can learn about Maine lobster, lighthouses, wildlife watching and various exciting outdoor recreation opportunities. "We are eager to bring the new pavilion to Washington D.C., and give folks in the mid Atlantic a taste of the state of Maine," said Maine Office of Tourism Director Patricia Eltman. "We'd like to encourage everyone to stop by and see us at the show." 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://www.marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=330&abbrev=mot AUGUSTA, Maine - Spring in Maine is highlighted by the reawakening of nature - birds, animals, flowers, rivers and waterfalls. It's also a season full of "bests." Best time to spot a moose, best rates on ocean view rooms, best time to sample nature's sweetener fresh from a sugar shack, and best time to explore quaint villages without the crowds. These spring traditions and activities are sure to make classic Maine memories. 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://www.marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=331&abbrev=mot KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine - The 3rd Annual Barnstorming Maine Classic Car Road Tour will take place June 9-13 along the southern coast and the countryside of York County. The event, presented by the Maine Tourism Association, will feature international racing champion Brian Redman as on-board advisor. The tour welcomes classic and vintage automobiles built prior to 1975 and has attracted participants from Colorado, Florida, Ohio, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and Europe in its first two years. 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://www.marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=354&abbrev=mot PORTLAND, Maine - It has a new name, new owners and a gift shop in its carriage house, but 150 years after the groundbreaking of Ruggles Morse's Portland brownstone, the things that haven't changed make Victoria Mansion one of America's greatest surviving homes of its time. The mansion, now a house museum, is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a series of public events through the end of the year. 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://www.marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=359&abbrev=mot AUGUSTA, Maine - This Fourth of July, spend time at Maine's state parks and historic sites, which preserve the state's role in the American Revolution and offer recreation at coastal and inland locations. "Our friendly staff at more than 50 properties are looking forward to people 'taking it outside' on our national holiday," said Will Harris, director of Maine's Bureau of Parks and Lands. "It's the perfect time to come picnic, hike, swim, relax or explore our state's history and unique natural areas." 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://www.marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=370&abbrev=mot MAINE - There are many ways to enjoy the splendor of fall in Maine. Tour by car or bus, peddle a bicycle, walk a mountain trail, fill a bushel basket with apples, paddle a canoe or gaze from the basket of a hot air balloon. The dramatic change of foliage color from early September to late October seems to enhance any outdoor activity. Biologist and author Bernd Heinrich grew up in the state and wrote about the show of color in his book "A Year in the Maine Woods." "I go around gaping, as if I have never seen anything like it before. I could see this display every year and never grow tired of it, like seeing the flight of geese or hearing the bird songs in spring." 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://www.marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=394&abbrev=mot AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine's fall foliage season began today with the first foliage report from the state Department of Conservation. Officials are forecasting a colorful season based on the current health of Maine's forest. "With a few localized exceptions, the forest statewide is in good health, thanks to the abundant and relatively well-distributed rain we've had since spring," said Bill Ostrofsky, a forest pathologist with the Maine Forest Service. "The great majority of hardwood trees have carried a full complement of healthy foliage, and appear to be on typical schedule for changing. Overall, I expect leaf coloration to be magnificent once again for this season." 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=412&abbrev=mot AUGUSTA, Maine - The official start of autumn and recent evening frosts have helped speed the transformation of Maine's leaf color according to the Department of Conservation's third foliage report of the season. Forest rangers in far northern Maine are now observing high leaf color between 50 and 75 percent toward peak in western Aroostook County and the northern portions of Somerset and Piscataquis County. Moderate leaf color between 30 and 50 percent toward peak is being reported by rangers in eastern and southern Aroostook County, northern Penobscot County, and locations north of Rangeley in Franklin County. 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=415&abbrev=mot AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Office of Tourism and their Web site contractor, Portland Webworks, were recently honored by receiving three prestigious awards for the Office of Tourism's site, www.visitmaine.com . The Web site was a 2008 Official Honoree selection at The Webby Awards. The designation was achieved by fewer than 15 percent of the competition's 10,000 entries. The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the internet. Other honorees included Minnesota Department of Tourism, Idaho Department of Tourism and Great Britain 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=415&abbrev=mot AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine coast and the southern part of the state will have the best foliage viewing during the next week according to the Department of Conservation's fifth fall foliage report of the season. Forest rangers are observing high foliage color near 75 percent toward peak along the coastline from Kittery to Penobscot Bay. Color is also high in southern and central locations from Fryeburg to Sebago Lake and the Belgrade Lake region. Color in all of these areas is expected to reach peak during the next seven days, and leaf drop is now moderate, or less than 50 percent. 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=429&abbrev=mot AUGUSTA, Maine - The cavernous brick mills where tens of thousands of Maine people made their living from the mid 1800s to the mid 1900s now hum with a different kind of activity and purpose. Nearly all of the textile, shoe and masonry manufacturing operations that helped cities and towns like Biddeford, Lewiston, Brunswick and Camden grow during America's industrial revolution have closed. Today, mills throughout the state are filled with restaurants, gourmet markets, galleries, artist studios, specialty food makers, antiques dealers and small businesses making everything from guitars to porch swings and hooked rugs. 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=427&abbrev=mot AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Office of Tourism (MOT) and its Web site contractor, Portland Webworks, recently won four W3 Awards from the International Academy of the Visual Arts. The W3 Awards honor the world's best Web sites, Web marketing and Web video. The MOT Web site Visitmaine.com won Gold Awards in the Tourism, Structure and Navigation, and Visual Appeal categories. Other gold winners were Newsweek.com, TripAdvisor.com and Adobe.com. Visitmaine.com also won a Silver Award in the Homepage category. 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=432&abbrev=mot AUGUSTA, Maine - A blanket of snow turns the Maine outdoors into a different kind of playground during winter. Fields become scenic routes for cross country skiers and snowmobiles. Frozen lakes and ponds await skaters and dog sleds, and mountain summits become the starting point for thrilling ski trails. There's also plenty to do in coastal towns, mountain villages and cities where festivals and celebrations take place until the snow melts. Here's a sampling of opportunities for travelers in Maine this winter. 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=435&abbrev=mot AUGUSTA, Maine - Registration is now open for the Annual Governor's Conference on Tourism. The 2009 conference will be held February 10 at the Marriot at Sable Oaks in South Portland with a continental breakfast beginning at 8:00 a.m. The conference theme is "Navigating Change" and will focus on trends that are shaping Maine's future and attendees will hear how the Office of Tourism is using this information to market Maine creatively and aggressively. 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=440&abbrev=mot MAINE - This calendar was compiled in December 2008 and is current as of that date. All information is subject to change. For updates, visit the Maine Office of Tourism Web site at www.visitmaine.com. Present- Lynne Dexler-Painter Exhibit 03/01/2009 This exhibition of 50 works will present the first comprehensive overview of this early abstract painter from Monhegan Island. The colorful and vibrant works will include paintings, drawings, photographs and private collections from her estate. Location: Portland Museum of Art, Seven Congress Square, Portland. 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=441&abbrev=mot AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Office of Tourism will have exciting surprises at their trade show pavilion at this year's New York Times Travel Show, February 6-8. The show is the largest travel trade and consumer show in the United States, attracting over 500 exhibitors and 30,000 attendees. This year, Maine's traveling display pavilion which highlights the state's unique attractions, destinations, activities and touring routes will also provide entertainment. There will be a putting green contest with prizes and a chance to meet an authentic Maine lobsterman. An Acadian fiddler will play traditional Maine music and a member of the Penobscot Indian Tribe will be demonstrating stonecutting as well. 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=448&abbrev=mot SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine - More than 300 tourism and hospitality professionals gathered today at the Portland Marriot at Sable Oaks for the 2009 Governor's Conference on Tourism. The theme of the conference was "Navigating Change." Attendees heard keynote addresses from Reed Woodworth, vice president of PKF Consulting, Inc., and author and Internet marketing expert Susan Sweeney. Presentations included how to work with the international market, and the Maine Office of Tourism's approach to marketing Maine as a four-season must-see tourist destination. 17 Feb 2009 18:38:55 GMT http://marshallpr.com/releases/view_release.php?id=451&abbrev=mot