Push Continues For Harford Hotel Tax Despite Failed Bill

A bill in the Maryland legislature that would have allowed Harford County to impose a hotel tax failed last week, but supporters are already planning to try again next year.

Last week marked the end—at least for now—of a proposed bill in the Maryland legislature that would have allowed Harford County to collect taxes on hotel room bookings in the county. Harford is currently the only county in Maryland without a lodging tax. Del. Mary-Dulaney James, a Democrat representing Harford and Cecil counties who sponsored the hotel tax bill, said she plans to introduce similar legislation again next year. "It has bipartisan and near-complete support back home and there is no reason for it not to pass." James said Thursday, referring to residents and those outside the delegation. "My sense is that people are more afraid of the right wing than the right thing to do." Harford Tourism Manager Wini Roche also expressed …

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'Where's Wini?': Wartime Harford County

Tourism manager Wini Roche checked out Tudor Hall in Bel Air before heading to Havre de Grace.

Wini Roche, tourism manager for Harford County, visited Tudor Hall in Bel Air for this month's installment of her video series, "Where's Wini?" Confederate sympathizer John Wilkes Booth, the man who assassinated President Abraham Lincoln in 1865, grew up in the Bel Air home on Tudor Lane. Roche said her spring videos will showcase sites with wartime ties in Harford County. Next month, she will be in Havre de Grace to see sites from the War of 1812, before the city's bicentennial commemoration May 3 to 5. See Related

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Harford County Hotel Tax A Step Closer To Reality

A hotel tax would benefit Harford County and its municipalities—particularly for tourism.

Harford County is one step closer to a hotel tax. A proposal that would give Harford County what all other counties in the state have—a percentage of all hotel room bookings in the county—will go before the House on Monday, according to county officials. According to the state's legislative branch, the bill is sponsored by Delegates Mary-Dulany James and Glen Glass, and is due to be given a favorable review by the House Ways & Means Committee on Monday. "We're further along than we've ever been in the past five or six years," Aberdeen Mayor Michael Bennett told Patch Saturday night. "It's out of committee, which is really great. We should make out a lot better. I'm really keeping my fingers crossed." Aberdeen would stand to benefit a good …

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Where's Wini: Riding the Ravens Wave

Harford County Tourism Manager Wini Roche reached out to fans before the Super Bowl.

In her monthly video, Harford County Tourism Manager Wini Roche was on the lookout for Ravens fans. She recommended the following: What spots would you recommend for Harford County Ravens fans? Tell us in the comments!

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Restaurant Week Boosted Sales 10-15 Percent

Harford County Restaurant Week was held in June at businesses throughout the area.

Harford County Restaurant Week boosted sales at local businesses some 10 to 15 percent, the county said in a news release Tuesday. The third annual Restaurant Week, held last month at businesses throughout the county, increased business at restaurants at a 10 to 15 percent clip for the second straight year. "We are very pleased with how well the promotion went this year," Wini Roche, coordinator of Restaurant Week and the manager of tourism for Harford County, said in a statement. "We want to thank everyone who supported our local businesses."  A contest ran throughout restaurant week, enabling patrons to enter cards for the chance to win $1,000 worth of dining gift cards from participating restaurants. Aberdeen Proving Ground employee …

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Harford Tourism Manager Named To State Board

Harford's Winifred "Wini" Roche will serve on the Maryland Tourism Development Board.

Harford County Tourism Manager Wini Roche has been appointed to the Maryland Tourism Development Board. According to a statement from Harford County Government, Roche was one of four appointments by Gov. Martin O'Malley Monday. "I’m honored to serve and promote our great state on the Maryland Tourism Development  Board," Roche said in a statement. "With so many wonderful experiences to offer, tourism is truly a bright spot in Maryland’s economy." Roche has 18 years of experience in local tourism, according to the statement. She will serve a three-year term, representing the Maryland Destination Marketing Organizations. The Tourism Development Board guides the activities that promote Maryland as a destination, the statement said. Roche …

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Where's Wini: On Deck With The Martha Lewis

Harford County Tourism Manager Wini Roche visited Baltimore's Sailabration recently.

Wini Roche, Harford County tourism manager, recently hopped aboard the Skipjack Martha Lewis at the Star Spangled Sailabration in Baltimore. Check out Wini's blog for her monthly tourism tips in and around Harford County. TELL US: What do you tell your friends to do when they visit Harford County in the summer? What's the best summer tourism draw? Leave a comment.

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Where Are You Eating For Restaurant Week?

Harford County Restaurant Week runs through June 16.

Have you found all you can eat for $20.12? Harford County's Third Annual restaurant week is here, and will run through June 16 at a variety of popular establishments around the county. Restaurants will offer prix fixe menus featuring three-course meals for $20.12 or less. The specials began on June 4. See the list of participating restaurants with menus here. "By joining together in this promotion, Harford County's participating restaurants saw an increase in business by 10 to 15 [percent] for the week, and this was a great way for people to get out and try something new," Harford County Tourism Manager Wini Roche said in a statement. Last year's event was so successful it was extended. Cards will be given out by the restaurants to …

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Harford Restaurant Week Set For June 4-16

Three-course meals will cost $20.12 or less during the third annual event.

The tastiest week of the year is here again. Harford County's Third Annual restaurant week will run from June 4-16 at a variety of popular establishments around the county. Restaurants will offer prix fixe menus featuring three-course meals for $20.12 or less.  See the list of participating restaurants with menus here. It's a win-win situation for residents and businesses, county officials said. "By joining together in this promotion, Harford County's participating restaurants saw an increase in business by 10 to 15 [percent] for the week, and this was a great way for people to get out and try something new," Harford County Tourism Manager Wini Roche said in a statement. Last year's event was so successful it was extended—and this year's …

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Letter to the Editor

Harford Hotel Manager: Bring On The Tax

One Harford County hotel manager voices support for a hotel tax.

See the PDF file for a letter to the editor from Claire Kauserud, director of sales at the Homewood Suites in Bel Air. Kauserud is in support of a potential hotel tax for Harford County. TELL US: What's your take on the tax? Leave a comment.

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