Key Speaker

The Honorable Andy Harris

U.S. Representative (MD-01)

Discussion Summary

On December 16, 2024, U.S. Travel Association joined Rep. Andy Harris, the Maryland Tourism Coalition, Maryland Office of Tourism Development, Visit Harford, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County and other local leaders for a Travel Works Power Hour at the Dorchester County Economic Development Office in Cambridge, MD. The discussion focused on travel’s essential contributions to the region’s businesses, workforce and economy.

Several of the priorities addressed included H-2B visas, transportation funding for the rebuilding of the Key Bridge in Baltimore, the offshore wind project near Ocean City, the Chesapeake Bay Passenger Ferry Feasibility Consortium, as well as blue catfish processing, wind farms, and protecting local watermen and fisheries in the Chesapeake Bay area.

Attendees

  • Kevin Anderson, Secretary, Maryland Department of Commerce
  • Liz Fitzsimmons, Managing Director, Department of Commerce Office of Tourism and Film
  • Holly Gilpin, Dorchester County Department of Tourism
  • Susan Jones, Chair, Maryland Tourism Coalition
  • Matt Libber, Legislative Chair, Maryland Tourism Coalition
  • Kristen Pironis, Executive Director, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
  • April Plummer, Marketing & Destination Development Specialist, Queen Anne’s County
  • Ryan Propis, Vice President of Security and Facilitation, U.S. Travel Association
  • Amy Rohrer, President & CEO, Maryland Hotel & Lodging Association
  • Clint Sterling, Director, Somerset Trail Mix
  • Lindsay Thompson, Principal, Providence Strategies LLC
  • Heather Tinelli, Economic & Tourism Development Director, Queen Anne’s County
  • Ruth Toomey, Executive Director, Maryland Tourism Coalition
  • Cassandra Vanhooser, Director, Talbot County Economic Development
  • Gigi Windley, Executive Director, Kent Narrows Foundation
  • Tyler Zeisloft, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Visit Harford

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