Tourism boosters recognize award recipients at luncheon

MILLINOCKET – The Maine Tourism Association hosted its 82nd annual meeting and awards luncheon on May 14 at the River Drivers Restaurant.

The association is a nonprofit organization representing tourism-related businesses statewide.

It operates state visitor information centers in Calais, Fryeburg, Hampden, Houlton, Kittery and Yarmouth and also produces “Maine Invites You,” Maine’s official travel planner.

The featured speaker for the event was Norma Stewart of the St. Croix 2004 Coordinating Committee.

She discussed the many events that are planned in the coming year to celebrate the establishment of the first French settlement in the New World more than 400 years ago on St. Croix Island.

Regional award recipients included:

. Aroostook: Rita Canaan, executive director for Can Am Sled Dog competitions.

. Down East & Acadia: Mike and Pat McCabe, The Puffin Pines Country Gift Shop.

. Greater Portland and Casco Bay: Susan Abraham.

. Kennebec and Moose River Valleys: Scott Cowger, Maple Hill Farm Bed and Breakfast.

. Maine Lakes and Mountains: J. Harold McQuade, retired Rumford Travel Agency.

. Midcoast: Heather O’Bryan, Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce.

. Southern Maine Coast: Margaret, Maureen and Annette Regan, Seaside Vacation Rentals.

. Maine Highlands: John Holden, Eastern Maine Development Corp.

Best of Web award was presented to Lindsay Copeland with InnVisibility.

The Hospitality and Tourism Marketing award was presented to Donna Moreland-Fitchner with the Greater Bangor Convention and Visitors Bureau for her efforts with the National Folk Festival.

The Hall of Fame award was presented to Barbara Whitten, executive director for the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Greater Portland.

The Presidents award was presented to Vaughan Stinson, executive director for the Maine Tourism Association.