HALLOWELL – The Maine Tourism Association (MTA) is proud to announce that this year’s inductees into the Association’s Hall of Fame are Ed Palmer of Sable Oaks and Tom Palmer of Layfette Hotels.

MTA’s Hall of Fame was created to recognize outstanding individuals who through their leadership, dedication and professionalism have made significant and sustained contributions to the tourism industry in Maine. Every year one member of the Association is chosen to be inducted at the MTA’s Annual Meeting. This year is an exception with the induction of Ed Palmer and Tom Palmer, brothers with extraordinary careers in tourism and community involvement. This year’s meeting will take place at the Governor Hill Mansion in Augusta on April 9.

Ed was hired by Ocean Properties in 1980. He operated ten hotels in the subsequent sixteen years in Florida, Arizona, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, and Maine. His goal was to always to return to Maine and a raise family.  He returned to Maine in 1994 to manage the Holiday Inn in Bath and then moved to manage the Portland Marriott Sable Oaks in 1996. Ed has been the general manager of the Marriott for twenty-three years. His commitment to the tourism industry and community is shown with in involvement with a number of community boards and originations including the South Portland/Cape Elizabeth Chamber, Greater Portland Regional Chamber, Greater Portland Convention and Visitor’s Bureau/Visit Portland, and many others. He also was a founding member of the Tourism and Hospitality program at the University of Southern Maine.

Tom also worked for Ocean Properties, starting in 1980. He was a hotel general manager and food and beverage manager for hotels in Maine, New Hampshire, Colorado, and Florida. In 1995, he started working for Lafayette Hotels, as general manager of the Black Bear Inn in Orono and the Fireside Inn in Bangor. Tom is currently regional sales manager and partner for Lafayette Hotels. His community spirit is equally impressive as he serves on countless boards. Currently, Tom is active with the Greater Bangor Convention and Visitors Bureau, Maine Motor Coach Network, the Bangor Y, Kiwanis, Dedham Congregational Church, Eastern Maine Community College Advisory Board, and Cross Insurance Center Advisory Board.

“Tom and Ed are outstanding leaders. They exemplify the best of the tourism industry with their meaningful and impactful careers,” said Chris Fogg, CEO of the Maine Tourism Association. “Their commitment to Maine, their communities and hospitality and tourism is unmatched.”

Fogg continued, “The Maine Tourism Association is proud of Tom and Ed and all the volunteer and community service time. We are honored to have them in our Hall of Fame.”

The Maine Tourism Association represents more than 1,500 members across the state promoting the tourism industry. Members include small and large businesses that provide traditional tourism interests such as accommodations, restaurants, sporting camps, camping, retail establishments, and cultural and heritage attractions.