SENATOR BRUCE TARR RECEIVES THE 2022 AWARD OF APPRECIATION FROM NORTH OF BOSTON CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

BOSTON - State Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr is a leading supporter of tourism and cultural activities for communities across the North Shore and the Merrimack Valley and that long-term dedication was acknowledged recently when he was presented with the 2022 Award of Appreciation from the North of Boston Visitors and Convention Center at its recent Annual Meeting & Tourism Awards Ceremony. 

The North of Boston, established as one of 16 tourism regions by the Legislature, is a non-profit organization comprised of hundreds of members engaged in promoting Essex County as a travel destination. Tarr has regularly advocated for the historical, cultural, and recreational opportunities available for tourists in the state and he has helped secure funding to further support organizations north of Boston.

“Senator Tarr has long been a strong advocate for tourism and supporting the cultural organizations that are central to their success,” said Keiko Matsudo Orrall, Executive Director of the @Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “We congratulate him for his receiving this award and thank him for his commitment to this important industry.”

Tarr, who spoke to those in attendance at the Salem Waterfront Hotel, said that the North of Boston region is working overtime towards economic development as we pull away from the global pandemic. He praised those involved in efforts to support small businesses, restaurants, tourism, and cultural facilities. Nancy Gardella, Executive Director of the North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau presented Tarr with the award.

“The cities and towns North of Boston are vibrant and engaged in strong collaborative efforts to champion tourism and cultural sectors across the region,” said Senator Tarr. “Tourism and hospitality industries are enormous drivers of economic activity with visitors to our state helping to sustain more than 150,000 jobs totaling more than $4 billion in wages and salaries. Standing up for the people in these industries means progress for all other sectors of our economy and a higher quality of experiences for visitors.”

"Senator Tarr does so much to support and advocate for Gloucester's residents, local businesses, and economy; this is a well-deserved recognition for all he does," said Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga. "I was proud to see Gloucester 400+'s '400 Stories Project' and Lenny Linquata accept awards as well. Gloucester is an incredible community, and it is great to see our leaders and community members acknowledged for their hard work and dedication."

Tarr presented the Storyteller Award to the Gloucester400+ Stories Project which recognizes the importance of getting to know the people of a community through stories. Stories Project Manager Terry Weber Mangos accepted the award on behalf of the organization. Next year, the city of Gloucester, America’s oldest seaport, will celebrate its historic and rich maritime traditions over a span of 400 years.

"I am honored to help amplify the voices of Gloucester and call up the memories and stories of generations of families who, through hard work and dedication, brought a fishing and farming community into the vibrant and fulfilling community Gloucester has become 400 years later," said Tarr. "Today, the stories of that illustrative heritage are being collected, shared, and memorialized and I am grateful for the amazing output of Gloucester 400 and the Stories Project."

Essex County ranks in the top five of the state’s 16 tourism regions with $1.0 billion in annual; domestic travel spending on areas such as; accommodations, entertainment, restaurants recreation, performing arts, spectator sports, museums, art centers, and historical sites.

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Posted by Bruce Tarr at 5:25 PM