�Innkeepers have a strong tradition of contributing to both their industry and the surrounding community,� said Greg Dugal, Executive Director at MEIA. �The Association is pleased to recognize the exceptional accomplishments of these six members.�

� The Innkeeper of the Year Award, presented to Laura Honey of Fisherman�s Wharf Inn, in Boothbay Harbor, recognizes an active lodging operator who has contributed significant time and effort toward the improvement of the Association. Laura Honey started at Fisherman�s Wharf Inn in 1965, and has managed the property for over twenty years. She has served on the board of the Maine Innkeeper�s Association, was the first female chairperson of the Maine Restaurant Association and is an active volunteer in her Boothbay Harbor Community.

� The Special Service Award, presented to Tom Walsh, founder of Ocean Properties Ltd. recognizes contributions made to the improvement of the lodging/hospitality/tourism industry as a whole. Tom Walsh started Ocean Properties Ltd. in 1950, and the company has grown into one of the largest hotel/development companies in North America,  owning or operating 
more over 100 hotels. Ocean Properties holdings in Maine include the Samoset Resort, the Bar Harbor Regency and the Harborside Hotel and Marina, next door to the renovated Bar Harbor Club.

� The Community Service Award, presented to Marian Burns of the Mira Monte Inn in Bar Harbor, recognizes an Innkeeper who has taken an active role in community activities and made a contribution personally, or in the name of the industry, to the community. Marian Burns was responsible for launching �Hospitality for Habitat�, a MEIA program that raises funds for Habitat for Humanity, allowing the Association to donate over $13,000 to Habitat in 2008. Burns has been the Innkeeper/owner of the Mira Monte Inn, a 16 room Victorian era B&B in Boothbay Harbor, for 28 years.

� Hall of Fame Awards were awarded to Maureen McQuade of the Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth, and Jack Donovan of the Inn at Naples, recognizing retired tourism professionals who have contributed to the betterment of the Association as well as the lodging/hospitality/tourism industry in Maine.

Maureen McQuade was the Innkeeper/owner of the Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth for 17 years. She served as President of the Association in 2003, and was awarded the coveted Innkeeper of the Year Award in 2007. She also served on the board of New England Inns and Resorts, the marketing committee for the Maine Tourism Commission and was an active Hospice volunteer.

Jack Donovan owned and operated the Sunset Motel in Old Orchard Beach, then rebuilt and redesigned the 1835 brick colonial B&B, The Inn at Naples. He worked in education at the Maine Cooperative Extension for 35 years, and served on the Boards of the Maine Innkeepers Association and MEIA�s Education Foundation.

� Allied Member of the Award, presented to Peter Schultz, Owner and President of Dirigo Stitching in Skowhegan Maine, recognizes an active allied member who has made a significant contribution on behalf of the supplier community. Peter Schultz incorporated Dirigo Stitching with Chic Schiraldi in 1979. Since then the company has grown as a successful supplier of bed and window treatments, all made in Maine, to the lodging industry.  Dirigo generously sponsors the Charles Samuelson Scholarship for $1000 annually, to help support a Maine student pursuing a career in hospitality. 

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.

Greg Dugal, Executive Director
Maine Innkeepers Association
(207) 865-6100