Maine Governor John Baldacci emphasized many points in his 2008 State of the State speech. The dominance of Maine's hospitality industry, was one. The state of Maine's hospitality industry is strong.

Maine restaurants, hotels, inns and hospitality retailers are experiencing growth due to increased tourism. Industry support by Maine residents has never been stronger. One economic indicator, continued rising fuel prices, points to more tourists than ever before finding their way to Maine -- in 2008 and beyond. More day trippers, especially. It's a good time to be a Maine hospitality industry player.

I speak from understanding of the business, which is fueled with fact based, and anecdotal, reports. I also attended this weeks "Breakfast with Charlie," at USM (Charles Colgan’s economic forecast for 2008). It was "doom and gloom." But one bright spot was the topic of Maine's hospitality industry's expected growth. Single digit, at best, but continued growth, nonetheless.

I'm not alone in thinking that Maine's hospitality industry is a gem. Our state is one of the top destinations in the country.

Don't take Jim's word on it:

http://www.downeast.com/Articles-2008/Recession-presents-an-opportunity/
http://portlandpsst.blogspot.com/
http://archive.seacoastonline.com/news/04042007/entertainment-f-a4-mainechefs-m30.html
http://www.visitmaine.com/tag/restaurants/award-winning_chefs/portland_maine_a_food_network/
http://www.jamesbeard.org/awards/awards.php?year=2007&category=3#235
http://www.visitmaine.com/tag/restaurants/award-winning_chefs/rob_evans/
http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/maines-food-hero-sam-hayward
http://www.epicurious.com/gourmet/features/top_50_2006

And, although they spelled her name wrong ... http://www.mainehomedesign.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=372&Itemid=110