CVB Holds Annual Membership Meeting

The annual membership meeting of the Convention and Visitors Bureau was held at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center on Dec 2, 2004. Finances, public relations, membership, tourism and visitation statistics, and the proposed convention center were all topics of discussion. Incoming CVB Board Chairman Dennis Miller addressed the more than 50 attendees, and CVB President Tom Riford recapped 2004, and revealed planning for 2005. Accountant Jeffrey Yingling detailed the CVB's financial situation, and discussed the organization's debt. Occupancy and visitation to Washington County in 2004 was reported to be at record levels. During a subsequent meeting of the county commissioners, Washington County Board of County Commission President Greg Snook commended the CVB, regarding the organization's significant financial recovery efforts.

CVB Board Holds Joint Strategic Planning Session

The CVB Board of Directors and Advisory Board joined with the CVB's professional staff for an intense strategic planning session in November. New CVB Board Chairman Dennis Miller said, "This was the first time that the CVB got together like this for a planning session, since 1999. It's an important effort, and we're looking forward to new directions." Former Board Chairman Dick Trump was the session facilitator, and several CVB priorities were identified and have become goals for 2005 and beyond. Miller said, "The CVB has had a year of transition, and is moving forward in a very positive manner."

Maryland Office of Tourism Development Addresses Hagerstown Business Community

Marci Ross, Resources Development Manager for the Maryland Office of Tourism Development (OTD), spoke to more than 100 business and community leaders at a December meeting of the Hagerstown Rotary. Ross discussed the latest positive statistics for Maryland and Washington County's tourism efforts. Ms. Ross coordinates the process whereby Maryland's under-utilized resources are developed, enhanced and integrated into OTD's Marketing and Development objectives. Through the Destinations Resources Development Program, OTD has been the recipient of $2.9 million in funding awards to develop and market Maryland's tourism product. Ross reported that Maryland has broken tourism records, achieving more than 24 million visitors to the state during 2004.

New Maryland Life Magazine Features Hagerstown-Washington County CVB

Maryland Life magazine (www.maryland-life.com), a new bi-monthly statewide publication from Great State Publishing, LLC, is available now to subscribers and through select retail outlets. In addition to the nearly 2,000 households and businesses that subscribed prior to the magazine's launch, Maryland Life's first issue will also have a controlled circulation of 50,000 copies. CVB President Tom Riford was selected for the Maryland Board, an organization of Maryland community leaders representing each county and municipality providing guidance for Maryland Life magazine.

The inaugural issue includes 128 glossy pages, with a 60%-40% editorial to advertising ratio. It is filled with visually stunning photography and fascinating articles from some of Maryland's best writers and photographers. Contents include a beautiful photo essay on winter in Maryland by renowned photographer Middleton Evans; a feature on the best kept secrets from each of the state's counties and major municipalities; and a photo spread and article on the new Wye Oak desk for the Maryland Governor's office. Advertisers include many of Maryland's most celebrated businesses and organizations, including the Hagerstown-Washington County CVB. There's also an article featuring Washington County. A one-year, bi-monthly subscription to Maryland Life is $14.95. To register, visit www.maryland-life.com, or call 301-696-1060, or watch for the mailed subscription gift-offer.

New Fairchild Aircraft Documentary

Fairchild Aircraft is the subject of a new 80-minute documentary film, "Hagerstown - Remembering Our Aviation Heritage." At one time Fairchild was Hagerstown's largest employer with 10,000 employees. The documentary is based on an extensive collection of rare film, photos and interviews with former Fairchild workers. It is narrated by Kurtis Meyers, one of three employees of Vintage Video Productions in Greencastle, Pa.

The idea for the film was the brainchild of John Seburn, president and founder of the 15-year-old video company, and Meyers. The two aviation buffs met at a Fairchild Aircraft homecoming air show in 1995. Both had been collecting old photos, film and memorabilia of Fairchild Aircraft and other local aviation history. Seburn said the idea for a documentary stemmed from his and Meyers' interest in joining an effort to open a museum at Hagerstown Regional Airport on the history of Fairchild and local aviation. Meyers, a Greencastle native, said he has a penchant for the history of Fairchild and its long connection with the area's social and economic history. Meyers did much of the research for the film, wrote the script and serves as its narrator. He has a degree in history from Hood College in Frederick, Md.

The film is available at the Hagerstown Downtown Visitors Welcome center, or by calling Vintage Video Productions at 717-597-9695 or by e-mailing the company at vintagevideostore.com. The film, on videocassette or DVD, costs $29.95. Meyers is writing a self-published, 160-page book as a companion to the documentary.

Antietam's Maryland Monument Scheduled for Repairs

An estimated $285,000 in repairs could begin on the Maryland State Soldiers Monument at Antietam Battlefield as early as March 2005. The dome will be removed and the frame that holds the dome will be rebuilt. Work also will be performed on the Peace statue on top of the monument to increase ventilation. The project will be funded by the National Park Service, the State of Maryland, and private donors.

Forest Glen Commonwealth Hopes to Set Up Education and History Center

Forest Glen Commonwealth Inc. plans to convert a former schoolhouse in Cearfoss to a Regional Heritage Education and History Technology Center. The organization has asked the Washington County Commissioners for a $60,000 low-interest loan to help purchase the property but they must first apply to be one of the groups eligible to receive county money. The education center would offer a driving tour of the Confederate retreat of 13,000 wounded soldiers from Gettysburg, Pa. Offerings at the center would include tours, speakers, special annual events, weekend sutlery, preservation workshops and possible virtual tours of historic places. Forest Glen hopes to draw tourists visiting Gettysburg to the education center and if so, it could eventually grow to 75,000 visits a year, according to the organization. Forest Glen, founded in 1999, also works with local public and private schools by holding educational programs. The group has partnerships with the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, U.S. Library of Congress, Veterans Service Organizations and the Washington County Association of Museums and Historic Sites.

Jellystone Park Plans Multi-Million Dollar Expansion

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts near Williamsport is planning a multi-million dollar expansion that includes a water park, a water slide and 485 new guest accommodations. The proposed 10-year development plan has gained the backing of the Washington County CVB and the Economic Development Commission. Both organizations feel that the additions could only improve life in Washington County by contributing in numerous ways to the local economy. Jellystone Park, open year-round, is on 90 acres on Lappans Road near Williamsport. The park features hiking, biking, various types and sizes of cabins, an 18-hole mini-golf course, RV accommodations, volleyball and basketball courts, swimming, horseshoe pits and other amenities, according to its web site, www.jellystonemaryland.com.

Washington County Top-20 In Nation for Retail Opportunities

Washington County is one of the most shopping center-loaded regions per capita in the nation, according to recent statistics. The county ranked 17th out of more than 300 regions in a study by the Chicago-based National Research Bureau, which tracks the industry. The study showed Washington County to have 16 shopping centers and about 3.55 million square feet of gross, leasable shopping center space. Using a population estimate of 135,801, the National Research Bureau calculated that the county has 26.13 square feet of shopping center space per person.

The Myrtle Beach, S.C., market ranked as the most developed, at 43.22 square feet of gross, leasable shopping center space per person. Half of the top 20 markets were in the South, including six in Florida. The National Research Bureau is a division of Claritas, a San Diego-based company that compiles and supplies information about people, households and businesses.

In 2003, for the third year in a row, Prime Outlets at Hagerstown was the county's top tourist attraction. The CVB says that 90 percent of the outlet center's shoppers come from outside Washington County.

Suns Tickets On Sale Now

The Hagerstown Suns ticket prices will remain the same for the 2005 season, the Suns 25th Anniversary season. VIP Seats, which include wait service, remain at $8 each. General Admission seats will continue to be $6 for adults and $5 for children 12 & under and seniors 60 & over. Individual game tickets will go on sale in March. However, Suns season tickets, mini-plans and bonus books are now available. To reserve the best seats, fans are encouraged to contact the Suns soon as both renewing season tickets and new season ticket sales have already been brisk (perhaps the busiest in years!).

New for 2005, the Suns are offering "Pick 5" game plans. For $37.95, fans can choose any 5 games from a list of 12 of the Suns biggest nights including Opening Night, Fireworks games and any of the Suns 25th Anniversary commemorative cap, baseball or t-shirt giveaway nights. Fans who purchase a "Pick 5" game plan will receive a VIP reserved ticket to each of their 5 selected games along with a Suns 25th Anniversary Limited Edition t-shirt (a $50 value).

For more information on the 2005 season, or to inquire about Suns ticket packages or sponsorships, contact the Suns at 301.791.6266 or at info@hagerstownsuns.com. The Suns are owned by Mandalay Baseball Properties of Los Angeles, California.

Website: http://www.hagerstownsuns.com

German Embassy Visit

Members of the German Embassy visited Hagerstown in October. In the morning they took an in-depth tour of Antietam Battlefield. Then they enjoyed lunch at The Schmankerl Stube Bavarian Restaurant before touring downtown Hagerstown. In the afternoon, the embassy staff split up into small groups and visited either the Jonathan Hager House, the Washington County museum of Fine Arts or Prime Outlets. This visit was assisted by the CVB. Hagerstown, sister city to Wesel, Germany, was one of the very first U.S. towns ever to enter the international twin-city-program.

State of Maryland Preserving Land Adjacent to Antietam Battlefield

The State of Maryland has announced that it is committing $130,000 to help preserve 54 acres of rural landscape near the Antietam National Battlefield. Maryland's Board of Public Works approved the expenditure to buy development rights on 54 acres of the "Traska Farm" near the Civil War battlefield. The project includes forested and agricultural land, and 2,400 feet of stream bank along a Potomac River tributary.

The Antietam National Battlefield was the site of America's single-bloodiest day, Sep. 17, 1862. Today, the national park is known as the most pristine battlefield in the United States, and is a top-ten visitor attraction in the State of Maryland.

Wintry Evening Painting Commissioned - Hagerstown Square Featured

Benjamin Art Gallery recently commissioned locally renowned artist Rebecca Pearl to create a winter evening on the Hagerstown Square, circa 1929. This personal initiative of Benjamin Art Gallery owners was no only to promote the exceptional artistic talent of Rebecca Pearl, but also to enhance the nostalgia of downtown Hagerstown. Additionally, Benjamin Art Gallery teamed with the non-profit organization, Religious Effort to Assist and Care for the Homeless (REACH) by donating a portion of the proceeds from each print sold before January 1, 2005.

This painting entitled "Six-fifteen on the Square" is Rebecca's first-ever painting of Hagerstown and provides a historic view looking south on Potomac Street. The painting melds the progress of transportation during that time in our history by displaying a horse driven carriage, trolley, and automobile. The painting also reveals many established Hagerstown businesses and institutions that are present in those same locations today. To reserve a print for the holidays or for more information, please call Benjamin Art Gallery at 301-797-4775. The CVB is utilizing the scene as its on-line Holiday Card, see: http://www.marylandmemories.org/holiday_card/

Major Renovations Planned for the Venice

The Grand Venice Hotel in Hagerstown is under brand new ownership. The once-glittering jewel of Downtown Hagerstown is planning significant renovations and upgrades to become more competitive in the meeting and convention market. The majority of the hotel's rooms will be totally renovated, and meeting space and the ballrooms will be completely remodeled. Once the Venice has completed $3 million in renovations by June 1, 2005, the hotel-motel can fly the Best Western flag again.

For more information about the facility, see: http://www.grandvenicehotel.com.

Country Inn and Suites To Open

A new Country Inn and Suites hotel is opening in February in Washington County. The 85-room hotel has an indoor pool, meeting space for 150-people, Jacuzzi and spa rooms, and kitchenettes. The new hotel is completing construction, and is located next to the Valley Mall (at I-70 and I-81). Contact information for the hotel is: 800-456-4000, 301-582-5003, 17612 Valley Mall Road , Hagerstown , MD 21740

Website: http://www.countryinns.com

Welcome Centers Seminar / FAM Tour

The CVB is proud to announce that we will host the annual Seminar and FAM Tour for the travel counselor staff of the Maryland Welcome Centers from across the state in March 2005. This will be the first time that Washington County has hosted this event.

Each year the MD Office of Tourism sends their travel counselors to learn about and tour a Maryland county. While here they will visit many of our attractions, lodging facilities, restaurants and recreational venues. Many thanks go to those members who have donated their services. The soon-to-open Country Inn & Suites will host the group for three nights.

Recent Trade Shows

Betsy De Vore attended the CrossSphere Marketplace (formerly known as National Tour Association) in Toronto, Canada, on November 5-8, 2004. While there, she was able to network and meet one-on-one with 20 tour operators to promote Washington County as a tour destination. Many tour operators reported that the group tour business is revving up again, and they are getting lots of last-minute bookings. There was great interest expressed in visiting Washington County.

Conventions Hosted in the County

National Model Railroad Eastern Region: A model railroad group, with membership from states throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region, held its annual convention in Hagerstown from November 11th through 14th. The South Mountain Division was the host chapter of the convention and the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center Antietam Creek was the host hotel. This year's event included group tours to over 30 home layouts, and members attended more than 30 clinics covering a variety of modeling techniques. The conventioneers also toured the St. Lawrence Cement plant in Hagerstown. The CVB provided significant assistance for the event.

Maryland Association of Counties: The Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) held its annual Winter Conference at The Clarion Hotel and Conference Center Antietam Creek on December 1-3, 2004. It was an excellent opportunity to showcase Washington County to members and state officials who attended. Along with core sessions and educational seminars for its membership, the MACo Winter Conference included an Inaugural Banquet and Address by Lt. Governor Michael Steele. The CVB also provided assistance for the event.

Annual Fishing Convention Held in Hagerstown: Members of the Mid-Atlantic Council of Federation of Fly Fishers attended the organization's annual convention at Hagerstown's Plaza Hotel in November. The Mid-Atlantic region consists of Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Washington, D.C., and has about 900 members. It is one of just 14 such councils nationwide. The conference offered fishing education workshops and was a fund-raiser to support the council's youth fishing programs and community preservation projects. The nonprofit organization currently is working to rehabilitate Beaver Creek in Washington County. For more information on fly fishing lessons and other events, go to the council's Web site at www.macfff.org.

CVB Member - Power Marketing - Receives Top Award

Wining national acclaim for the second consecutive year, Power Marketing has positioned itself as an industry leader with its design and marketing capabilities. The Hagerstown, MD-based marketing and advertising company won two awards at the Building Systems Council's Showcase held November 1 - 4, in Austin, Texas. The Building Systems Council is a branch of the National Association of Home Builders.

Power Marketing earned one award for the company's custom design of a consumer brochure for Homeworks Custom Builders in the Carolinas. The brochure was a full-color piece with a custom dye-cut and embossed cover; it was designed as an information piece for consumers to better understand the new home purchase process. The second award was for the creation of an interactive CD-ROM that featured floor plans, elevations and a "How to" section showing the easy process of buying a new home. The CD-ROM allowed consumers to shop for a variety of home selections without having to go to a sales center.

Website: http://www.power-marketing.com

2005/2006 Vacation Value Pass Program

Attract Tourists and Convention Attendees to YOUR business! List your Special Offer or Discount in the 2005/2006 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE!

Each year in the Official Visitors Guide, we provide the opportunity for our members to participate in our Vacation Value Pass program. The inside of the back page of the Visitor’s Guide is reserved for this program – one of the most desirable of ad locations that we offer!

The Vacation Value Pass program was designed to attract tourism dollars to your business by offering visitors and convention delegates special offers or discounts at the participating member locations. Over 20 members participated in the 2004 Vacation Value Pass. Reach over 160,000 visitors and convention attendees who visit Washington County by participating in this program.

The Vacation Value Pass will also be available on our website which is visited by more than 70,000 potential customers each year. Your on-line coupons will also include a link to your web site.

Participating is easy. Simply offer a discount or special offer. Many merchants offer a 2 for 1, 10% or 20% off, and other creative incentives. This encourages visitors to patronize your business. Along with your offer include any restrictions, black out dates, etc. you deem necessary. We only request that your offer be valid through March 1, 2006.

The cost to participate is only $50 per coupon for the entire program.

To participate, or if you have any questions, please contact: Betsy DeVore by calling 301-791-3246 or email betsyd@marylandmemories.org.

Last Call for 2005 Visitors Guide Ad Space

The 2005/2006 Hagerstown-Washington County Visitors Guide is being completed! Washington County's award-winning tourism guide is used by more than 100,000 visitors. There are very few advertising spaces left, so please contact Jolene Thomas as soon as possible if you are interested. jolenet@marylandmemories.com.

The Suns will begin their 25th season in Hagerstown in 2005. As part of the team's Silver Anniversary celebration, the Suns unveiled today their 25th Anniversary logos.

The "25" logo will be placed on each of the team's official baseball caps, worn by the players both at home and away, embroidered onto the side of the cap. The "25th banner" logo will be used on all of the team's printed materials and will be integral in the Suns 2005 advertising campaign. Both logos, which use silver as the primary color, will be displayed on different promotional items, giveaways, team merchandise and other promotional materials throughout the Anniversary season.

In addition to the logos, the Suns will celebrate their silver anniversary all season long with special giveaways and promotions. The Suns will have three separate 25th Anniversary Commemorative cap giveaways over the 2005 season. Each cap will feature a different era from the Suns' 25-year history. The cap giveaways are scheduled to take place on May 21st, June 18th and July 23rd.

The team will also be distributing a Silver Anniversary limited edition t-shirt to the 1st 1,000 fans on June 25th and a Silver Anniversary limited edition baseball to the 1st 1,000 fans on August 20th. The Suns expect to add even more 25th Anniversary promotions when they announce the full promotional calendar in March.

Website: http://www.hagerstownsuns.com

Calendar of Events

Visit the CVB's online Calendar or Events for a complete list of events being held in Washington County. If you would like to receive a supply of the brochure-version, contact the Visitor Center at 301-791-3246. . Click Here For the Calendar.

CVB Staff On the Road

Betsy De Vore, Director of Sales

Religious Conference Managers Association
January 25-28, 2005, St. Louis, MO

American Bus Association
February 4-6, 2005, Chicago IL

Society of Government Meeting Professionals
February 7-8, 2005, Washington DC

Destinations Showcase
March 2-3, 2005, Washington DC

Extra! Extra!

Want to see your business or organization featured in the next newsletter? Do you have news to share, special events, staff changes or promotions? Contact Charissa Stanton, Newsletter Editor at charissa@marylandmemories.org or fax to 301-791-2601 to be included in the next edition!