The Maine Tourism Association (MTA) held its 101st annual meeting on May 16, 2023, at Sebasco Harbor Resort in Phippsburg, where lobsters were on the agenda and the menu.

The annual meeting featured presentations about one of Maine’s most important tourism segments—lobster. Marianne Lacroix, executive director of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative, Curt Brown, marine biologist and lobsterman with Ready Seafood, and Patrice McCarron, policy director of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, were panelists.

A second panel on content marketing was led by Ric Tyler and Jessica Ward of Sutherland Weston Marketing Communications.

During the delicious lobster dinner at Sebasco Harbor Resort, MTA inducted Bob Meyers of Bath into the Association’s Hall of Fame. Meyers is a long-time, highly valued member of the Maine Tourism Association, and a past chair. He served at interim CEO of MTA from December 2019 through March 2020 and continues to serve as an on-call travel counselor for the Maine State Visitor Information Centers. He is also a Lifetime Honorary Board Member of MTA. Meyers served as executive director of the Maine Snowmobile Association from 1997 to 2019.

MTA’s Hall of Fame was created to recognize outstanding individuals who through their leadership, dedication, and professionalism have made significant and sustained contributions to the tourism industry in Maine. Every year one member of the Association is chosen to be inducted at MTA’s annual meeting.

“Bob is an enthusiastic champion of Maine,” said Rick Martin, chair of the MTA Board of Directors. “He is an outstanding leader and friend to the tourism industry. We are honored to have him in our Hall of Fame.”

MTA’s annual meeting also included the election of new board members LeRay Kinney, CEO of Ignite Presque Isle, and Erick Anderson, general manager of Bay View Collection. Lee Speronis, Husson University takes over duties as chair of the board from Rick Martin (Olympia Companies) who served for the past two years. Four board members renewed their three-year terms: Rick Martin (Olympia Companies), Steve Dobson (Steve’s Place), Dirk Gouwens (Ski Maine Association), and Rick Snow (Snow Enterprises, LLC.)

The Maine Tourism Association is the state’s largest advocate for all tourism-related businesses. Incorporated in 1922, MTA members include lodging, camps, restaurants, campgrounds, retail, outdoor recreation, guides, tour operators, amusements, and cultural and historical attractions. MTA also operates on behalf of the state seven State Visitor Information Centers from Kittery to Calais, and annually produces the state’s official travel planner, Maine Invites You.