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MAINE INNKEEPERS ASSOCIATION
Representing Maine’s Bed & Breakfasts, Camps, Cottages, Hotels, Inns, Motels & Resorts
Volume 594
September 2013
92ND ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD
IN SOUTH PORTLAND
The Maine Innkeepers Association
(MEIA) is pleased to announce that the
92nd Annual Meeting & Conference will
be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the
Maine Mall in South Portland. The Association has been serving Maine’s lodging properties since 1921! The conference begins
on Wednesday November 6 and wraps up
on Thursday November 7 with our Awards
Dinner. Information on attending the conference has already been sent to you. The
staff at the association and the Annual Conference Committee, chaired by Sue Ferrell
of Down East Village in Yarmouth, have
worked hard to keep the cost the same as
the last seven years and 20% less than it was
8 years ago to make it affordable for you to
attend the conference. 2013 has been a good
year to this point, but we understand the
need to keep your costs under control. The
Inside This Issue:
92Nd Annual Meeting To Be
Held In South Portland....................................... 1
Maine Innkeepers And Maine Restaurant
Association Collaborate In New Ways.................. 1
Once Again Hospitality For Habitat A Success...... 4
American Hotel & Lodging Assocation:
Launching A New Industry-Driven Powerhouse.... 5
Religious Discrimination in the Workplace........... 6
Scenes From The 9Th Annual
Tees & Textbooks............................................8-9
Royal River Trading, LLC Exclusive
Wholesaler Of Cuddledown............................... 10
Members In The News.................................12-13
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Sales and Meals & Lodging Tax Go Up on October 1
Effective October 1, 2013, the general sales tax goes to 5.5% and the meals and lodging
tax goes to 8%. Thanks to everyone for your efforts in speaking to your legislators to try
and stop this increase in the past legislative session. Though it is disappointing, it could
have been much worse. They were seriously considering a 10% meals and lodging tax and
it could have gone into effect this past summer. There is a sunset provision for both taxes
on June 30, 2015. We will have to work hard to have the taxes return to their current
levels and we will make every effort to do so.
2013 Meeting & Conference may be shorter
and less costly, but the amount of information and value provided will be greater than
ever. We have nationally known and recognized speakers and local and regional experts
on many issues and opportunities for lodging properties. All of this truly makes the
2013 Annual Meeting & Conference an
event not to be missed!
Wednesday will start with an update from
the Association’s Executive Director, Greg
Dugal on any new developments at the association, including our collaboration with
the Maine Restaurant Association. We will
then follow with the return of our Legislative Update with Legislative Chair, Peter
Daigle from Lafayette Hotels and Dugal
continued on page 3
MAINE INNKEEPERS AND MAINE
RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION
COLLABORATE IN NEW WAYS
In June, the Board of Directors of the
Maine Innkeepers Association (MEIA) and
the Maine Restaurant Association (MERA)
voted to create a new management company
headed by Greg Dugal to manage both associations. The two organizations will be operated as two SEPARATE associations. There
is NO merger. Both boards and existing line
level staff will operate in a separate manner
as they have in the past. At the June meeting, a search was launched to fill the position of Chief Operating Officer of the newly
formed management company, Hospitality
Association Management Services (HAMS).
More than 60 applications were received.
The Search Committee, comprised of
the top three officers of each Association,
worked with Dick Grotton and Dugal to
conduct 14 telephone interviews and 6 face
to face interviews to select two finalists for
in depth personal interviews.
The result of those final interviews led to
the selection of Christopher W. Jones as our
new COO effective October 14, 2013. Chris
Jones holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business
Administration from The State University of
New York at Albany and a Master’s Degree
in Business from the highly acclaimed Leon-
continued on page 3
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Chis Jones and his wife Jackie were married in Ogunquit in 1988. They have two
adult daughters, Christina and Abigail.
They have friends in Maine and have vacationed here for many years with an eye
toward moving to Maine to work and eventually retire here. Chris is an experienced
restaurant operations professional with an
extensive background in managing, problem solving, improving business processes,
educating, and influencing others.
He has a solid background in financial
analysis, strategic planning and resource
management. He was a District Manager
for Friendly’s for ten years responsible for
all operations and the financial success of 8
full service restaurants in upstate New York
and Vermont with sales of $10 million with
300 employees.
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with the New York Restaurant Association
in their ProStart Program. Chris is a Certified ServSafe Instructor and Proctor in
both Food and Alcohol.
The offices of the two Associations will
be combined at the MERA offices located
at 45 Melville Street in Augusta BY JUNE
2014.
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Maine Innkeepers Association 2
92ND ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD IN
SOUTH PORTLAND
providing you with insight on the 2014
election cycle and next year’s legislative session. This year’s session will provide more
time for Q&A. Also included in the afternoon sessions are a presentation by Craig
Gorris from the Maine Mall and Greg
Hughes from the Portland International
Jetport about new developments at both
landmarks. Jeanne Carpentier, our incoming President will continue the afternoon
session with a one hour best practices session dedicated to innkeepers sharing ideas
on marketing, operations, legislative issues
and any other ideas you may have. Add
presentations by Chris Hall of the Portland
Regional Chamber of Commerce and an
online marketing session from Rich Brooks
of Flyte New Media and you have the most
programming ever stuffed into the opening
day of an MEIA Annual Meeting & Conference.
The evening begins with an incredible
heavy hors d’oeuvres party featuring carved
items, pastas and sauces prepared to order
and tons of passed and hot hors d’ouevres.
The evening will culminate with a performance by American Idol participant and
current recording star, Paul MacDonald,
courtesy of BMI. Paul is an American
singer-songwriter born in Alabama. In
the spring of 2005, he and a few fellow
Auburn students formed the band Hightide Blues. They began touring small clubs
around the state of Alabama and throughout the southeast. After a limited edition
self-titled EP Hightide Blues in 2007, the
band released in 2008 a self-produced album, Love Come Easy, recorded in Nashville, Tennessee. From 2007 to 2010, the
band continued touring around the country, performing with musicians such as
the Zac Brown Band, Sarah Bareilles, and
the Black Crowes, and playing such festivals as Bonnaroo, Hangout Festival, and
Lynyrd Skynyrd Simple Man Cruise, to
name a few. In August 2010, after a band
name change, the group’s first album, entitled The Grand Magnolias, was released
in 2011. The album reached number 12 on
the Billboard charts due to Paul’s top ten
finish on American Idol.
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Thursday kicks off with a breakfast buffet
and our opening seminar featuring a representative from TripAdvisor. This seminar
will inform participants about using the
site to its full advantage and about reputation management. Morning breakouts will
include a presentation by Kevin Kriehn
on the preponderance of smart devices in
our lives and their effect on the travelling
public and a panel of innkeepers including
Dana Moos from The B&B Team providing guidance on coordinating flowers, table
settings & décor and all that goes into a
stellar breakfast presentation for small inns.
Lunch will feature Stephen Barth. Stephen, the author of Hospitality Law and
coauthor of Restaurant Law Basics, is an attorney, the founder of HospitalityLawyer.
com, the annual Hospitality Law Conference series, and the Global Congress on
Travel Risk Management. As a professor
at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel
and Restaurant Management, University of
Houston, he teaches courses in hospitality
law and leadership. In addition to legal and
risk management insight, Stephen specializes in communicating the importance of
Emotional Intelligence in leadership roles;
and has provided valuable insight to many
companies including The Methodist Hospital System, Wyndham Worldwide, Dine
Equity, Business Travel News and Aramark.
His fun, fast paced presentations provide
practical information and solutions to enhance your personal and professional life.
After lunch, we will conduct our annual
Allied event, which will consist of time
spent with our Allied Exhibitors. There
will be dessert, fun, door prizes and a grand
prize giveaway! Afternoon on Thursday
features four breakouts to include Stephen
Barth on Legal Compliance for Lodging
Properties. There will be an Insurance
Industry Supplier led seminar on changes
in health care insurance due to the Affordable Care Act and new developments in
the Property & Casualty insurances arena.
There will also be an Allied Cracker Barrel
session conducted on Thursday. These will
be followed by a seminar on “The Power Of
E-mail Marketing” sponsored and present-
ed by Constant Contact and a Customer
Service seminar presented by our very own
Chairman of the Board and owner of Highland Lake Resort, Woody Woodward.
The Annual Awards Dinner will feature
an exquisite dinner prepared by the chefs at
the DoubleTree featuring a choice of Gorgonzola-Crusted Filet Mignon with Butter Braised Lobster Tail, Grilled Ahi Tuna
with Ginger Pickled Onions or Stuffed
Zucchini, Baked with Risotto and Grilled
Vegetables. We will also be bestowing our
distinguished MEIA annual awards that
evening. The meeting wraps up after the
Awards Dinner. We will then look forward
to the 93rd annual meeting on November
5 and 6, 2014 at Point Lookout Resort and
Conference Center in Northport.
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Internet based information center for you
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Real time access to products and services
Customized Homepage for you
Useful links to industry-related websites
Cross is a full service brokerage committed
to responsive service. Understanding that
one size does not fit all, Cross is flexible to
meet your unique needs.
Put the power of the Internet at your fingertips, contact:
Mike Deschaine, President
T: 800.244.7717
C: 207.242.8586
[email protected]
Jane LeBrun,
Mgr. of Small Group Operations
T: 877.816.3411
[email protected]
3
ONCE AGAIN HOSPITALITY FOR
HABITAT A SUCCESS
Sue Inches from the Statewide Service Organization of Habitat
for Humanity Maine came to our Freeport offices to collect over
$15,284 of generous contributions from MEIA member properties and their guests. This program has grown in size and level of
giving every year it has been conducted and we are committed to
continuing this effort for many years to come. Once again thank
you for your efforts and the following was the press release sent to
the media earlier this summer to tout our successes!
Maine Innkeepers Association Reports Success for
10th Annual Fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity
Freeport, ME – July 9, 2013 – The 10th annual Hospitality for
Habitat fundraiser sponsored by the Maine Innkeepers Association
(MEIA) raised $15,284 for Habitat for Humanity announced Greg
Dugal, MEIA Executive Director. 100% of the funds raised for
Habitat for Humanity will be divided among the organizations’
chapters across the state to help build homes regionally for Maine
families.
The Maine Innkeepers Association has raised over $100,000 in
donation checks to help support building homes for deserving
Maine families since the program began. Hospitality for Habitat
is a program which entices visitors to Maine every spring, which
is traditionally a slow travel period, with 50% reductions in room
rates. The program offers guests at participating Maine Innkeepers’
properties the greatly reduced rates in exchange for a $35 dollar
donation check written out to Habitat for Humanity.
“Maine’s 10 Habitat affiliates helped twelve Maine families build
an affordable home this year,” stated Sue Inches, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Maine. “ With Maine Innkeeper’s
support, we are launching a weatherization and repair program in
the fall of 2013, which will help sixty Maine families to make ends
meet. We really appreciate the support from the Maine Innkeepers!”
The top three fundraisers for Hospitality for Habitat were the
Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, who raised $3535, the Village by the
Sea in Wells raised $2805, and the Beachmere in Ogunquit raised
$2215.
MEIA Hospitality for Habitat
“We are delighted that, once again, Maine Innkeepers and their
guests supported Hospitality for Habitat so generously,” stated Dugal. “The Association loves this program as each donation can make
a huge difference in a Maine family’s life, while the traveler benefits
from the opportunity to visit some of states’ finest Inns, hotels,
resorts and B&B’s at very low rates.”
Maine Innkeepers Association Photo: Sue Inches, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of
Maine, accepts donation checks for the Maine Innkeepers Association
(MEIA) Hospitality for Habitat fundraiser, from Greg Dugal, Executive
Director MEIA.
About the Maine Innkeepers Association
The Maine Innkeepers Association, a leading provider of tourism information to both Maine’s lodging industry and its visitors,
represents nearly 700 B&Bs, camps, cottages, hotels, inns, motels
and resorts across Maine, and their suppliers. Through communication, education, promotion and government affairs, the Association
helps its members achieve prosperity and deliver a quality product
to the consumer. Maine Innkeepers Association is located in Freeport, ME and can also be found at www.maineinns.com
About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity International, based in Americus, Ga., is
an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty
housing. Habitat has built more than 300,000 houses around the
world, providing more than 1.5 million people in more than 3,000
communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter, they helped build
and had bought with the assistance of no-profit, zero-interest mortgages. More information can be found online at www.habitat.org.
4
AMERICAN HOTEL & LODGING
ASSOCATION: LAUNCHING A NEW
INDUSTRY-DRIVEN POWERHOUSE
Starting January 1, 2014, if you’re an independent property
member, you can join the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) directly or via the Maine Innkeepers Association
(MEIA.) However, if you are a franchisee, your national membership with AH&LA can be renewed through your lodging brand for
$2 a room. If you’re a Best Western, your dues are complimentary,
courtesy of your corporate offices.
The new AH&LA model – requested by you – will work more effectively for you. As the only association in the U.S. focused solely
on the needs of hoteliers, AH&LA ensures the industry is engaged
in all-important policy discussions to communicate the industry’s
value and importance to key policymakers. AHLA knows the impact that Congress and the Administration can and do have on your
bottom line. As broad as our pool of issues has become, our core
focus on government relations and advocacy and our platform of
engagement will become even broader.
Equally important will be the added emphasis on our role as the
voice of the industry. Lodging is a great place to be, and hoteliers
everywhere have a positive story to share. AH&LA will help you
tell that story, with a variety of communications tools and outlets.
Our members have a big economic footprint in this country and
offer many great employment opportunities. It’s important to promote the industry to those looking for an exciting and rewarding
career.
The new AH&LA drives results and delivers value to your bottom line:
• Elevating government advocacy efforts on the issues that most
impact you
• Demonstrating to policy makers your importance as an economic driver and job creator
•Discounts to industry conferences, including the Legislative
Action Summit
• Providing a world-class team of experts on legislative and regulatory matters, industry issues, and crisis management, sothat
you can focus on what you do best – running your business
•An opportunity to serve on one of AH&LA’s six councils,
which identify merging trends and nominates members for the
AH&LA board of directors
For a full list of benefits, ranging from discounts on Educational
Institute products and industry conferences to free research via the
Information Center and Lodgingmagazine, visit www.ahla.com.
Whether you’re a brand, a franchisee, or an independent hotelier,
an investment in AH&LA is one of the best that can be made,
where the benefits far outweigh the cost. Be part of a larger team of
colleagues, experts, leading hoteliers and owners, and independent
businesses. For more information, contact Greg Dugal at MEIA at
207-865-6100 or www.ahla.com.
Open YOur DOOrs tO the WOrlD
Welcome international students to your community.
Whether you are hiring one student or 100, CIEE
can help you screen, recruit, and hire international
seasonal staff for your business.
To learn more about cultural work exchange
opportunities and the free hiring services from
CIEE, visit our website at www.ciee.org/summerhire
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5
RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION IN THE
WORKPLACE
Depending on an employer’s size, its employees are protected
from religious discrimination in employment by state and/or federal law. The term “religion” is defined fairly broadly under these
laws and includes “moral and ethical beliefs as to what is right and
wrong which are sincerely held with the strength of traditional religious views.” This definition covers both traditional and nontraditional religious observances.
An employer must provide reasonable accommodation of covered religious practices. In the hospitality industry, these accommodation requests often take the following forms:
Absence from work. A request for absence on a day of religious
significance may be accommodated by seeking volunteers to fill
the employee’s shift, allowing the employee to switch shifts with
other employees, or allowing the employee to take leave without pay or to use accrued leave. Some courts have held that a
reasonable accommodation does not necessarily mean allowing
an employee to decide when she will or will not work and have
been reluctant to substitute its business judgment for that of the
employer in terms of whether the employee is necessary to work
on a particular day for business reasons.
Wearing certain clothing or facial hair. An employer may
need to accommodate these types of requests even if they violate
and/or require an exception to a general dress code. However,
the reason for the employee’s actions must be because of religion
and not personal preference. In addition, if the request creates a
violation of a safety policy or procedure, that may be a legitimate
reason to deny the requested accommodation. For example, an
employer may not be required to accommodate such requests
where it would prevent the employee from wearing required respirators, hard hats or other safety equipment with a proper fit.
Proselytizing during work. An employee may be able to use
certain religious phrases in communicating with co-workers or
even customers, especially where an employer cannot demonstrate a loss of business or a significant number of complaints
resulting from such conduct. However, an employer may not be
required to accommodate such behavior if it causes a disruption
of the workplace or specific complaints from customers.
Maine Innkeepers Association Although an employer must try to provide reasonable accommodation of an employee’s religious belief or practices, it need not do
so if it results in an undue hardship, which exists when an employer
incurs anything more than a de minimus cost. Some requests that
have been found to be an undue hardship include accommodations
that violate a bona fide seniority system, violate a collective bargaining agreement, or constitute a refusal to perform certain duties. Of
course, each situation will be unique and these are simply some
general guidelines for responding to such a request.
Employers should be aware that an applicant and employee’s religious beliefs and practices may well be protected by state and/
or federal law and that reasonable accommodation of those beliefs
or practices may be necessary. This is true even if the requested
accommodation violates an established dress code or other policy,
with the possible exception of a safety policy or practice. If and
when an employee makes such a request, it should be carefully analyzed and the employer should engage in an interactive discussion
with the employee about the requested accommodation. In most
cases, the request and the response should be documented. Employers must also remember that providing one form of reasonable
accommodation does not necessarily end their obligation; each request must be analyzed separately and fully.
For more information contact Anne-Marie at [email protected].
Anne-Marie Storey is a partner at Rudman Winchell in Bangor.
Anne-Marie’s practice areas include Employment and Labor Law,
Workers’ Compensation Law. and Legal Education for Clients.
She is the immediate Past-President of the Maine State Bar Association and is a member of the Maine Board of Overseers of the
Bar Professional Ethics Commission.
She is a frequent speaker to human resource professionals and
other groups on employment related topics, and regularly contributes articles to various business-related publications including
Thompson’s HR Compliance Expert Newsletter.
6
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bestwesterndevelopers.com
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*Numbers are approximate and may fluctuate. Each Best Western® branded hotel
is independently owned and operated. Best Western and Best Western marks
are service marks or registered service marks of Best Western International, Inc.
©2013 Best Western International, Inc. All rights reserved.
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MaineInnkeepersAssoc2013
Ad 1-13.indd 1
7
1/21/13 10:00 AM
SCENES FROM THE 9TH AN
The Maine Innkeepers Association held its ninth annual “Tees &
Textbooks” event on June 3 and 4 in the Portland area. Opening night
featured the “Textbook” portion of the event at the Fireside Inn &
Suites, which saw eleven students receive $11000 in scholarships provided by our Education Foundation. Photos of the festivities appear
below. The following day brought us the “Tees” portion of the event
at Spring Meadows Golf Club and the winners are listed below! Our
thanks go out to Sysco as a sponsor of both events.
Overall Winners:
First Net
Sysco Foodservice Team #1
First Gross
BathFitter
Second Net
EcoLab
Second Gross
Hilton Garden Inn Freeport
Third Net
Captain Mike’s
Third Gross
Spring Meadows-Cedar’s Foods
Darlene Ratte, Belinda Place and Greg Dugal
Contest Winners:
Longest Drive Male
Gerry Nasberg
Sysco Foodservice #1
Longest Drive Female
Jeanne Carpentier
Hilton Garden Inn Freeport
Most Accurate Drive
Tom Tobiassen
Nelson & Small
Closest to the Pin
Jim Gwilym
Sebasco Harbor Resort
Fun After the Tournament
Aaron Richardson and Greg Dugal
Greg Goforth
Christina Quirion and Greg Dugal
Jamey Kitchen and Greg Dugal
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Laura Honey and Greg Dugal
Out on Spring Meadows Golf Course
Laura Brown and Bob Smith
Peter Daigle and Joshua Ouelette
Kathryn Asalone and Jeanne Carpentier
Peter Schultz and Malcolm Legloahec
Jed Porta and Amber Davis
Ron and Jeanne Carpentier
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9
ROYAL RIVER TRADING, LLC EXCLUSIVE
WHOLESALER OF CUDDLEDOWN
Providing quality bedding and a superior sleep experience for your guests.
A great night’s sleep – your guests want it and we’ll make sure they get it!
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, studies show that
guests are increasingly placing a higher priority on a quality sleep
experience during their hotel stays. At Royal River Trading, LLC,
we know that the pleasure of a perfect pillow or supremely soft
sheets can make all the difference between a guest’s visit being merely satisfactory, or outstanding and memorable.
As the exclusive wholesaler for Cuddledown, we are proud to offer luxury sleep and bath amenities for this well-known and wellloved brand with a 40 year heritage of manufacturing high-end
bedding here in the USA. At Royal River Trading, we also offer our
customers our affordable, yet superior quality Hospitality Bedding
collection, from top of bed to luxurious sheeting to down comforters, pillows and featherbeds, made with the same precise attention
to detail.
Our products are sure to please your guests, and our convenient
services are sure to please you:
• US-made quality down and synthetic bedding
• Exclusive bedding designs and linens sourced from the finest
mills worldwide
• Oeko-Tex certified fabrics to ensure your customers’ safety
• Responsive, effective US-based customer service
• Quick Ship program ( in-stock bedding ships within 1-3 days)
• Special request fulfillment for custom designs or pillow menus
Whether you choose our value quality Hospitality Collection featuring 60% cotton/40% polyester, 220 thread count percale sheeting or our luxurious Cuddledown bedding, at Royal River Trading,
we guarantee our expertly crafted products. We’re sure they’ll provide your guests with a restful night’s sleep for a memorable visit.
Marie Caswell proudly represents Royal River Trading and she
is your friendly and knowledgeable state-wide hospitality sales representative. Marie travels throughout the states of Maine and New
Hampshire servicing all hospitality customers and would enjoy
meeting you at your respective property. She is prepared to bring
actual products to you for quality in-depth presentations. You will
have the ability to see and touch any and all desired items. Please
contact Marie: [email protected] or 207-420-1122 to set up
an appointment.
DIRIGO STITCHING, INC.
P.O. Box 447
40 Dane Avenue
Skowhegan, ME 04976
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INNterviews
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Solar Thermal, Geothermal, Generators, Condensing Boilers, Rinnai Heaters,
Commercial Pellet Boilers, Gas Fireplaces, Tankless Water Heaters;
and Name-Brand Major Appliances
For more information, call: Tom Tobiassen
800-341-0780 ext. 211
212 Canco Road
Portland, ME 04103
www.nelsonsmall.com
Don’t get caught saying “I should have bought it when I saw it at Marden’s.”
Are you spending too much on bedding, furniture or flooring?
Proudly Offering:
•LowestPricesStatewide
•Maine’sLargestRetailerofFurniture&Flooring
•EverChangingStockofUniqueOfferings
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•MaineFamilyOwnedSince1964
emails at www.mardens.com
Contact Jon Martin For more information
about Furniture/Bedding
[email protected]
207-460-2692
Contact Ken Clark For more information
about Flooring & Installation
[email protected]
207-944-3324
Serve your guests
good Maine coffee.
We’ve been roasting great coffees for Maine inns since 1997, providing
equipment and excellent service to properties with 2 to 200 rooms.
Call or email Tom Hildreth to set up and serve our great Maine coffee.
Inn Consultants and Brokers
Since 1993
Rick & Janet Wolf and Dana Moos
35 Western Avenue, Suite 5
Kennebunk, ME 04043
207.967.1995
www.bbteam.com
INNterviews
1-888-292-2326
www.carrabassettcoffee.com
CARRABASSETT
Industry Specific Ratio
Analysis & Comparison
C FFEE C MPANY
Mountain View Road • Kingfield, Maine
207-783-9111
www.austinpa.com
Your Financial Team
11
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Rudman Winchell is proud to announce
that the firm has launched a new mobile
website for www.rudmanwinchell.com. By
doing so Rudman Winchell becomes one
of the first law firms in the state to offer a
mobile only website for smart phones and
tablets to its clients.
“One of our focal points is to provide ease
of access to our services for our clients,” says
Edmond Bearor, Managing Partner at Rudman Winchell. “Increasingly people expect
the legal industry to utilize state of the art
technology. As a firm, this is just another
way for us to solidify our commitment to
meeting that expectation.”
“This year almost 25% of our web views
will be done from a mobile device,” says
Jeff Solari, Rudman Winchell Manager of
Business Development. “That number will
grow rapidly during the next few years. It
only makes sense for us to be ahead of the
trend.”
Rudman Winchell’s mobile site was designed and constructed by Kevin Stevenson
and Nobrainah Mediah in Bangor.
Earlier this year Rudman Winchell
launched the state’s first on line legal ser-
vices site. The E-State Planning site offers
clients the ability to create a will, power of
attorney, healthcare directive and complete
their estate planning needs on line at their
convenience. Unlike other national sites, all
documents on the E-State Site are reviewed
by a licensed Maine attorney. The site can
be accessed at www.e-stateplan.com
Council in Brewer also honored the inn
and the Bradford family (owners) and the
Hewey family (managers) with a resolution
recognizing them for their recent designation from TripAdvisor as an Award of Excellence winner. It is nice to see the lodging
industry honored in this fashion in one of
Maine’s cities. Way to go guys!
Rick Wolf and Peter Scherman of The
B&B Team were recognized by the Professional Association of International Innkeepers on their list of the innkeeping industry’s
most influential people in 2013. The pair
were cited for their long time involvement
in the industry. Rick for his years as a realtor and consultant and innkeeper at the
Captain Jefferds Inn and Peter as an inn
broker and consultant for two decades.
Congratulations also go out to Buddy
Marcum, owner of the Inn on Carleton in
Portland Maine. He has recently purchased
and closed on the Inn at Park Spring also
in Portland. This small, charming Bed &
Breakfast in a historic brick town home
dating to 1835 boasts an ideal location in
downtown Portland. It is around the corner
from The Art Museum & the Longfellow
Monument and a short walk to Portland’s
famous Old Port. The Inn is the perfect
home base for exploring Portland’s renowned shops, restaurants and waterfront.
Long time MEIA member Jan Barrett
stated “They know what B&B owners face
on a day to day basis.” And for that reason
and more she chose them to broker the sale
of her property the Ware Street Inn in Lewiston. Congratulations on this honor Rick
and Peter!
The Vacationland Inn in Brewer received the Business of the Year Award at
Brewer Days in early September. The City
Down East Enterprise, a multimedia
company based in Rockport, Maine, devoted to celebrating “Maine at its Best,”
has recently recognized Rockland’s LimeRock Inn with a Best of Maine Reader’s
Choice Award, presented during an awards
ceremony at the Portland Club in Portland
The all-inclusive cloud-based
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INNterviews
12
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
on June 27. Describing itself as Maine’s premier magazine, Down
East: The Magazine of Maine has 400,000 readers who are attracted
by the spirit and culture of Maine depicted in the stunning photography, Maine humor, and signature story-telling of the magazine,
not to mention Maine’s distinctive travel destinations and inns.
The Annual Down East Awards traditionally consisted of Editors’
Choice awards in several categories where magazine staffers would
compile and name their choices for the year. Additionally, this year,
a ballot was inserted into the April Down East issue to compile
input from readers for a Down East Reader’s Choice Award. Thousands of readers voted for their favorite businesses in several categories, including Arts, Boating, Education, Entertainment, Food,
Home Improvement, Lodging, Shopping, and Travel. The LimeRock Inn was chosen as the Best B&B in Maine and included in the
list of Reader’s Choice Awards under the Travel category.
amenities that today’s travelers require, including private baths, free
Internet service, luxury appointments and amenities, professional
staffing, and flexible check-in/out times.
“Vacation time is a valuable commodity these days” explained
Gregory Sion, General Manager of BedandBreakfast.com. “When
planning a getaway, travelers want the assurance of knowing that
they’ll be staying at a B&B or inn that meets the highest standards.
The Bass Cottage Inn is a perfect addition to this group of premier
inns,” stated Sion.
Gardiner now has its first bed and breakfast inn in the old church
on Lincoln Avenue that has served several purposes during the last
century. It was built in 1905 as a Christian Science church — the
first in Maine. Then Gardiner Community Church occupied it after a decade of vacancy. It later became a center for mentally disabled adults before being converted to apartments in the 1980s.
Now, its new owner plans on opening Gardiner’s first bed and
breakfast in the historic building. And its look still very much reflects its religious beginnings.
“When I saw this place, I really just fell in love with it,” said
Shawn Dolley, who purchased the building for $42,500 earlier this
year.
Dolley, 41, plans on opening two rooms by late summer and the
other four sometime later, likely after securing more funding. He
also plans on renting out the two apartment units located in the
rear of the building this year.
He plans on calling the bed and breakfast The Stone Turret. “It
becomes sort of the signpost,” he said of the building’s tower.
The Bass Cottage Inn has joined the BedandBreakfast.com Diamond Collection, a distinction reserved for premier inns offering
extensive amenities and top-rated guest reviews. Launched in October, 2009, the Diamond Collection was introduced to help travelers
streamline their search for the country’s best inns. The Bass Cottage
Inn is the newest member of the BedandBreakfast.com Diamond
Collection.
To qualify and maintain membership in the Diamond Collection,
B&Bs and inns must pass a comprehensive professional inspection
measuring the property’s quality, service, hospitality, accommodations, food, amenities, and more. To qualify for membership, Diamond Collection properties all maintain top guest ratings and reviews on BedandBreakfast.com and offer a professional reservation
experience, including extensive property photos and online reservations. Additionally, Diamond Collection members provide the
INNterviews
13
Protect Your Business!!!
Do you know the fire codes? Does your property meet all national, state fire codes that
govern all hotels, motels and inns? NO budget is too small for us to work our design
magic. We can help you keep what you have worked hard to earn.
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959 Portland Rd., Saco, Maine 04072 • 207-282-5176
Your full-line distributor since 1982.
20 Dalton Road • Augusta, ME 04330
www.northcenter.com
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INNterviews
1-800-323-7378 | modernpest.com
modernpest.com/blog | Follow us on Facebook
14
BECAUSE A DAY IN
VACATIONLAND
HAS ALWAYS BEEN
IN STYLE.
IS IT ANY WONDER
WHY WE PRACTICE
LAW HERE?
HOSPITALITY FOCUSED. AUTHENTICALLY MAINE.
Our attorneys have the expertise to practice law anywhere. Like you,
we’ve chosen to live and do business here in Maine. We believe there’s
no better place to forge close and lasting relationships with our clients
in the hospitality industry. With our vast legal resources and more than
30 attorneys located in Bangor, we become a true strategic partner
with the businesses we serve.
Rudman Winchell’s Hospitality Law Practice Group is focused on
the unique legal issues affecting clients in the Hospitality Industry.
B A N G O R , M A I N E • T E L 2 0 7.9 4 7. 4 5 01 •
INNterviews
RUDM A N W INC HE LL .C OM
15
Member Benefits
2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman of the Board
Woody Woodward
Highland Lake Resort, Bridgton
President – Jim Ostrowski
Inns at Blackberry Common, Camden
First Vice President – Jeanne Carpentier
Emerald Hospitality, Freeport
Second Vice President – Jean Ginn Marvin
Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport
Treasurer – Sue Ferrell
Down East Village, Yarmouth
At-Large Member – Alvion Kimball
Orland House B&B, Orland
At-Large Member – Jamey Kitchen
Hampton Inn & Suites, Thomaston
At-Large Member – Scott Cowger
Maple Hill Farm B&B Inn, Hallowell
Senior Advisor – Gus Tillman
Holiday Inn By The Bay, Portland
Legislative Chair – Peter Daigle
Lafayette Hotels, Bangor
AH&LA Representative – Bob Smith
Sebasco Harbor Resort, Sebasco Estates
Marian Burns, Mira Monte Inn & Suites, Bar
Harbor
Jeanne Carpentier, Emerald Hospitality,
Freeport
Ron Churchill, Bear Spring Camps, Rome
Scott Cowger, Maple Hill Farm Inn,
Hallowell
Peter Daigle, Lafayette Hotels, Bangor
Kim Dennis, Homewood Inn & Suites, Scarborough
Sarah Diment, Beachmere Inn, Ogunquit
David Dudley, Ocean Point Inn & Motel, East
Boothbay
Sue Ferrell, Down East Village, Yarmouth
Nancy Gray, Harraseeket Inn, Freeport
James Harmon, Moontide Motel, Old Orchard
Beach
Mark Heisler, Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel,
Portland
Laura Honey, Fisherman’s Wharf Inn, Boothbay
Harbor
Alvion Kimball, Orland House B&B, Orland
Jamey Kitchen, Hampton Inn, Thomaston
Jane Lebrun, Cross Employee Benefits, Portland
Brian Leclair, Waterville Grand Hotel,
Waterville
Jean Ginn Marvin, Nonantum Resort,
Kennebunkport
Matt Mattingly, Pine Crest B&B Inn, Gorham
Jim Ostrowski, Inns at Blackberry Common,
Camden
Connie Russell, Samoset Resort, Rockport
Bob Smith, Sebasco Harbor Resort, Sebasco
Estates
Gus Tillman, Holiday Inn By the Bay, Portland
Scott Thomas, Brewster House Bed and Breakfast, Freeport
Woody Woodward, Highland Lake Resort,
Bridgton
INNterviews
The Maine Innkeepers Association is always striving to bring you relevant, bottom-line benefits. Have you taken advantage of all of them?
◆Money-Saving Visa/MasterCard Processing
◆Real-time, Internet-based Maine Lodging Reservation Service in
conjunction with the Maine Office of Tourism
◆Money-Saving INNpower Energy Aggregation Program
◆Free Listing on Maine Innkeepers Association Web Site and Free Link to
Your Web Site
◆Discounted Natural Gas Program
◆Listing in the Official Maine Lodging Guide
◆Members-only Web Site Section With Online Laws and Regulations, a
Cyberlobby feature, Events Calendar and More
◆Annual Meeting & Conference With Exhibitors, Top Speakers & Seminars
◆ADA Suitcases Available For Members’ Use
◆Answers to Your Questions From Our Office or AH&LA’s Info Center
◆Free Maximum Rate Cards and Innkeeper Law Cards
◆ Scholarship Program That has Provided $100,000+ in Scholarships over
the Last 20 Years
◆Outstanding Networking Opportunity and Referral Network
◆Health, Dental, Life Insurance plus Short-Term Disability and LongTerm Care Coverage as well as Employment Practices Liability Insurance
◆Maine Innkeepers Education Foundation, training future
employees and elevating our industry through a two-year high school
curriculum in lodging management
◆Complimentary copies of Downeast Magazine courtesy of Downeast. Just
pay shipping charge of 25 cents per copy.
~MISSION~
We are committed to improving, promoting and
protecting the welfare of the lodging
industry in Maine. Through communication,
education, promotion and government affairs,
we help our members achieve prosperity and
deliver a quality product to the consumer.
INNterviews is published regularly by the Maine Innkeepers Association
304 US Route 1, Freeport, ME 04032
Phone: (207) 865-6100 / Fax: (207) 865-6120
Email: [email protected] / Web: www.maineinns.com
Executive Director, Greg Dugal
Director of Projects & Events, Jennifer Parlin
Administrative Assistant, Vicky Savoie
16