Press Release -
Submitted by Katherine Honey, Director, Women at Work Museum
508-226-0325
Katherine Honey, Director of the Women at Work Museum
Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) Club of Woonsocket, RI
2006 Woman of Achievement
Katherine Honey, Director of the Women at Work Museum has been chosen as the 2006 Woman of Achievement by the Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) Club of Woonsocket, Rhode Island. This BPW honor recognizes Katherine’s efforts to prepare youth to face the challenges of the 21st Century and to honor the achievements of women at work. Katherine will be recognized for her efforts at an evening reception on October 17, 2006 from 6-9PM at the Cantina Di Marco in Cumberland, RI. If you would like to attend, contact Melissa Henault at 401-265-0383 or at 410-356-1558.

Presently, as the Director of the Women at Work Museum in Attleboro Massachusetts, Katherine is working with the Board of Directors and hundreds of collaborators across the United States to develop the Master Plan for the Museum. The Museum supports local, state, and national business, educational, and cultural initiatives that foster achievement and promote leadership, economic independence, and expertise in math, science, engineering, and technology while honoring the achievements of women through out history and around the world.

HAMPTON INN OF RAYNHAM RANKED TOP 10 IN COUNTRY
Raynham, MA August 1, 2006– Hilton Hotels Corporation today announced that the Hampton Inn of Raynham has been ranked as one of the Top 10 Hampton Hotels in the country as ranked by Hilton Hotels Corporation total quality rankings. The rankings are based on guest satisfaction scores and quality assurance evaluations conducted throughout the year. To quote a frequent nationwide traveler of all hotel chains, “I love your hotel, service and staff… Best in the business”.

The 87-room Hampton Inn hotel, located at 600 New State Highway, Raynham, MA, which opened May 11, 2005, as well as their sister properties, an 2 time award winning 95 room Hampton Inn & Suites in Middletown, RI and the soon to open Hampton Inn of Norwood, MA, is operated by First Bristol Corporation of Fall River, MA.

The Hampton Inn of Raynham features many value-added services and amenities for consumers, including a free hot breakfast, free high speed internet access, free local telephone calls, a free in-room movie channel, an in-room coffee maker, iron and ironing board, free accommodations for children 18 years old and younger. In addition, suite rooms offer a separate living and sleeping area and in-room kitchen amenities such as wet bar, refrigerator and microwave oven. The hotel also offers an indoor heated swimming pool and whirlpool area, a business center and a fitness center. In addition, Hampton’s unconditional 100% Satisfaction Guarantee promises complete satisfaction to each guest.

Members of the Hilton HHonors® guest reward program can earn HHonors points in addition to airline miles for every qualifying stay at the Raynham Hampton Inn. HHonors is the only hotel program that allows any of its members to reap Double Dip® earnings by simultaneously accumulating both hotel points and airline miles with each qualifying stay. To make reservations or request information about Hampton, travelers may call the chain’s national toll-free number, 1-800-HAMPTON (1-800-426-7866), or access the Hampton Inn Web site at www.hamptoninn.com ,or contact the property directly at (508) 822-6222 or visit us on the web at www.raynhamhamptoninn.com.

Hampton is part of Hilton Hotels Corporation, recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises approximately 2000 hotels, resorts and vacation ownership properties. Its portfolio includes many of the world’s best known and most highly regarded hotel brands, including Hilton®, Conrad‘, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn“,Hampton Inn & Suites®, Harrison Conference Centers®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations Company®, Homewood Suites® by Hilton, and Red Lion Hotels & Inns®.

September 7, 2006
SUMMER TOURISM NUMBERS GENERALLY POSITIVE FOR SOUTHEASTERN MASS
The Southeastern Massachusetts Convention & Visitors Bureau today reported the summer of 2006 was generally a positive one for tourism in the region according to attendance at area attractions and festivals, lodging numbers and revenue generated through lodging.

“Despite a tourist season that began rainy and ended with fall-like temperatures, most of our record keeping partners show that 2006 is exceeding 2005 in visitors and revenue,” said Sheila Martines Pina, President and CEO of the Southeastern Massachusetts Convention & Visitors Bureau, the legislatively recognized Regional Tourism Council for Bristol County, Massachusetts.

“Hotel occupancy in Southeastern Massachusetts is up 3.3% year to date,” reported Mrs. Pina, “but more importantly, the average room rate for our region is up and the REVPAR or revenue per available room is up over 5% in the region.

“Although state numbers often lag behind our local numbers, we also show an 8% increase in the state rooms tax dollars being generated by our region,” Mrs. Pina continued, “those dollars, combined with those from the state’s 12 other tourism regions mean more dollars for the state’s general fund and new sources of funding for important state programs outside of the tourism field.”

The Massachusetts Tourism industry receives approximately 35% of the funds it generates in state taxes as a reinvestment yearly through the Mass Tourism Fund, the remaining 65% goes to the general fund to fund other state programs.

“The good news is that when our state tax dollars increase here in Southeastern Mass it means our cities and towns are also sharing in a revenue increase generated by the tourism industry,” said Mrs. Pina, “because local communities levy a 4% local option tax that is returned to them for their general fund. It is our hope that many of our Southeastern Mass cities and towns will reinvest some of that money, generated by the tourism industry, in tourism efforts in their cities and towns to keep this cycle moving in a positive direction.”For more information contact:
Sheila Martines Pina
508 997 1250
smp@bristol-county.org

WORKING WATERFRONT FESTIVAL RECEIVES NATIONAL DESIGNATION
New Bedford’s Working Waterfront Festival, which celebrates America’s oldest industry, commercial fishing and its prominent role in the city’s present and past, has been designated one of the American Bus Association’s Top 100 Events in North America for the year 2007. The 2006 festival is set for Saturday and Sunday, September 23 & 24.

The festival was nominated for the award by ABA member, the Southeastern Massachusetts Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We know the caliber of special events throughout the Southeastern Massachusetts area is of national quality,” said CVB President & CEO Sheila Martines Pina. “The selection of the Working Waterfront Festival affirms our belief that experiences in our region are authentic and very appealing to visitors of all types, including Motorcoach tours. Dagny Ashley who is our Director of Group Sales knows what Motorcoach operators are looking for and suggested the Working Waterfront Festival as a potential 2007 selection, the national selection committee agreed. The fact that this is only the third year of the festival makes the accomplishment even more impressive!”

ABA's Top 100 Selection Committee evaluated hundreds of events, nominated by Convention & Visitors Bureau’s and state tourism offices from the US and Canada and selected the Working Waterfront Festival as one of the best events to experience via Motorcoach next year. The selection of the Working Waterfront Festival as a top event is the third time the SMCVB has successfully nominated a regional event for the prestigious honor. Fall River Celebrates America and LaSalette’s Festival of Lights have also been so honored.

Peter J. Pantuso, ABA's president and CEO, is unveiled the 2007 Top 100 Events at ceremonies in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Sept. 6. With the release of the American Bus Association’s 2007 Top 100 Events in North America, ABA celebrates 25 years of the Top 100 Events. What began as a way for Motorcoach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries has grown to one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, Motorcoach operators and the general public.

“The attractiveness of the Working Waterfront Festival as a don’t-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Southeastern Massachusetts” said Peter J. Pantuso, ABA’s president and CEO. “The real news here is that the Working Waterfront Festival has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honor gives Southeastern Massachusetts an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners.”

According to studies recently completed by researchers at The George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a Motorcoach group can generate from US$5,000 to more than US$13,000 in a local destination’s economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.

“Simply put,” said Pantuso, “Motorcoach groups spend more and stay longer. That’s why the Working Waterfront Festival is truly a local economic asset. There is no better way to jump-start tourism than to attract Motorcoach groups to a great event and convince them to extend their stay.”

During the past 25 years, ABA's Top 100 Events publication has become an internationally recognized event directory for bus and tour operators, the travel industry and the general public. A description of the working waterfront festival and contact information is included in the Top 100 Events publication, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine. In addition, the entire Top 100 list and the Working Waterfront specific event information will be listed on ABA's website at www.buses.org.ABA's Top 100 Events in North America is an annual compendium of the best events for group travel in the United States and Canada. Each spring, a committee of ABA-member Motorcoach and tour operators selects the Top 100 Events for the subsequent year; the list is unveiled in September. Winners are chosen from hundreds of celebrations, festivals, fairs, commemorative events, and more that have been nominated by state tourism offices and local and regional CVB’s.

For more information contact:
Sheila Martines Pina
508 997 1250
Laura Orleans
508 993 8894

The Children's Museum in Easton presents the Play Fore Kids Golf Tournament
The Children Museum in Easton will host its second Annual Golf Tournament on Thursday October 5, 2006 at the Easton Country Club.

The tournament begins with a shotgun start at 9:30 AM and will be played in a scramble format. Your donation of $125 includes; greens fees, cart, giveaways and a lunch reception. Golfers will have the opportunity to win great prizes including a hole in one contest, closest to the pin, longest drive and straightest drive.

All proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the Children's Museum's service and outreach programs to needy and underserved families in the Metro South area. At the Children's Museum In Easton our philosophy is simple: Children learn through play and we are dedicated to serving all children regardless of ability, economic status, cultural heritage or family structure.

There are many ways to help support this important fundraising event: corporate sponsorships, individual sponsorships, golfing, tee or green sponsorships, raffle prize donations and volunteering.

We hope you can join us in this fun filled golfing event with a cause!

To register or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities please contact Stephen Keohane, Director of Development at the Children's Museum in Easton (508)-230-3789. www.childrensmuseumineaston.org/golftournament.asp

Buttonwood Park Zoo September 2006 Fridge Posting
Every Monday (except Labor Day) 
10:30 & 12:30                
Toe Jam Puppet Band Creative Arts Play Group
Cost: Zoo admission plus $5/family
Sing, dance and play the hour away with New Bedford's favorite, the Toe Jam Puppet Band!          

Sunday, Sept. 10      1:00 - 4:00 pm      
National Grandparent's Day
Cost: Grandparents are free with a paying grandchild!
Share your memories of the zoo with your family as we preserve those memories on video. Join us for an oral history project in the education center.

Saturday, Sept. 16    8:00 am       
Breakfast with the Animals
Cost: Zoo members $12/person
         Non-members $15/person
         Children under 3 free
Rise and shine with the animals! Join the zoo staff as they prepare exhibits for the day
and feed the animals. Then enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet at the Bear's Den Caf'.
Program fee includes tour, breakfast and zoo admission for the day. Participants must
pre-register and pay in advance. Program held rain or shine. To register, please call the North Woods Gift Store at (508) 991-4556 x 14.

Friday, Sept. 22       6:30 pm      
Friday, Sept. 29       6:30 pm
Family Fall Fun Campfire
Cost: $20/family for members
         $25/family for non-members
Bring a blanket to spread on the ground and enjoy a beautiful Friday evening at the zoo. Relax around the campfire as we share an activity, a story and a snack. Each hour-long program will have a different theme. Participants must pre-register and pay in advance. In the event of poor weather, we will call by 5:00 pm to cancel. To register, call the North Woods Gift Store at (508) 991-4556 x 14.

Sunday, Sept. 24      1:00 - 4:00 pm      
Elephant Appreciation Day
Cost: Free with zoo admission
We'll celebrate all elephants with a day of demonstrations, activities and crafts. Join us for a day of elephant-sized fun!

Saturday, Sept. 30    9:30 am       
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Zoo members: $15/person
Non-members: $20/person
Go where few have gone before as we enter the inner workings of the zoo. Our program will begin with juice, bagels and a brief history of the Buttonwood Park Zoo. We will then join the zoo staff to visit the veterinary clinic, the commissary and other areas usually closed to the public. This program is recommended for adults and children ages 10 and older. Participants must pre-register and pay in advance. To register, call the North Woods Gift Store at (508) 991-4556 x 14.

Bear Cub Club!
The fall session of the Bear Cub Club is just around the corner. This integrated playgroup for 2 and 3-year-olds and their parents is just the thing for your toddler. The Bear Cub Club meets on Thursdays from 10:30 - noon. The first day of the fall session is October 12. For more details, please call (508) 991-6178 x 31.