2023-10-16 00:00:00 - Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development

2023-10-16 00:00:00 - Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development



SEN PAUL - COMMITTEE CHAIR - Welcome. Thank you for joining us at239 this morning's Hearing of the Joint Committee on Tourism Arts And Cultural Development. My name243 is Paul Mark. I am the Senate chair of the Committee, and we are joined by the house co-chair, Representative Mindy Dom, who will introduce the house members who are present.
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REP CATALDO - Thank you so much, chair Mark and Chair Dom, and, I'm happy to go first. I think the committee knows that we have quite a few people here, and, I really appreciate this opportunity. Also, very appreciative of your staff on the committee for helping to, facilitate this. So thank you, Derek, very much. It's an honor to347 be testifying here, members349 of the panel. Thank you. On my way in this morning, I saw a police officer coming into357 the building and on the badge that he was wearing. It said the birthplace of American Liberty, and I didn't recognize it as a conquered police officer. So I was very confused and turned out it was a Lexington police officer, but we're still friends. I want to just, you know, recognize that this is not about this testimony of this bill, isn't it, about, conquered or Lexington Exceptionalism as much as we like to talk about it. This committee role is a statewide role. The reason that we're here today is that there's a statewide celebration that's going to happen. Our two municipalities are small, but we'll have at least 100,000 and maybe 100 of 1000 people converging on them whether they're prepared or not.



So we're here to help, I hope, productively inform the committee about the significant411 amount of homework that's been done by these two towns and the interaction that we've had with the federal government and the state government. Within the town, thus far, I hope that this is, informative and helpful to this committee in all of your efforts for the significant amount of work that you're doing to prepare for us and for which I'm very, very grateful. So with that, I'm just going to provide a little bit of an introduction that the experts take it from here, we have here with me, and you can come up, chairman of the Concord Select Board, Henry Dane, So he'll be testifying, followed by449 Rob Monroe, Doctor Monroe, who is Dean at Concord Academy, but also serves as a co-chair of Concord's 250th committee. He will be testifying virtually. Then I think at that point, Repsolo will begin with the Lexington contingent, yeah, if that's appropriate. At470 some point, arriving here, I believe in person will be Fred Ryan, who is a conquered resident, but was prior to that, the police chief of Arlington for about 20 years, and he's in charge of the security aspect of what's happening on the 250th committee in Concord. So I'll turn it over to, our select board chair and my friend, Henry Dane. Again, thank you so much for this opportunity.

HENRY DANE - CONCORD SELECT BOARD - Thank you. Side. Good495 morning to the chairs and497 members of the committee. Thank you for having us this morning. At the moment of John Buttrick's word of command fire fellow soldiers for god's sake fire, American National Life began. The order was given to British subjects. The order was obeyed by American citizens. Here520 was the dividing line. That was the comment of George Horr in the program for the 1975 celebration. I am the chair of the Concord Select Board and the organizer of the town's committee to observe the 250th anniversary of April 19th, 1775. The most significant event in the546 history of the United States, the day, the moment, and the place in which the inevitable and unstoppable, unstoppable progress of America as a free republic past the point of no return. That shot made famous by Emerson's conquered him was not the first Battle of the war. But such was Concord's fight famous for the first time Americans marched against soldiers of the king, Accepting the moral consequences of a righteous rebellion.

After that, there was no turning back. The anniversary we will celebrate in593 2025 will prove much the same as it was 510150 years ago. But the numbers attending and the cost will be substantially greater because of higher expectations and the challenges to public health and612 safety relating to the professional management of events of this magnitude, which are well beyond the resources of any town of some 16,000 residents no matter how apparently affluent it is. We understand that the revolution was fought in many places and the occasion of April 19th deserves recognition and celebration638 in Boston. Worcester, New Bedford, Springfield, and other places, but it is to Concord, to the shrine, and Lexington that the crowds will come because it was on our ground, our town greens, our hillside, and our bridge that these momentous events took place, and this is where the resources and assets are needed. We have prepared a detailed budget and anticipate the total expense will exceed $2,000,000, of which have been able to ask the legislature to make a685 significant contribution so that we can pay due respect to those689 who gave their lives and limbs that we may live together as free men and women and to honor the place these pioneers of liberties stood on that cold April born, some 250 years ago. Thank you.
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SEN KENNEDY - It's not really a question, Mr Chairman. I just wanted to point out that I was at the 200th anniversary birth birthday of the Revolution in Concord back in, 1975, I think it was. The president of the United States came. That alone made it a significant event. The president at the time was General766 Ford, but I would agree with the panel that this is going770 to be a big deal, for Lexington and Concord, particularly Concord this year. Thank you.

HENRY - I would add that in 19 25 Calvin College, the president and former governor of the state of Massachusetts.
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HENRY - sure and industry. The stature of797 the attendees, this event. They will come. They will come, and they will be there. We have to treat them. They and the807 participants, in a manner that will reflect glory on the Commonwealth and813 Massachusetts. If some of our other speakers from Concord are unable to come before you, I'll be happy to answer any questions.
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REP CICCOLO - Thank you, chairman, Mark. Hopefully, you can all hear me. It is my regret that I'm not able to be there in person today because we have such a fantastic panel to share with you what's been going on in preparation for this credible anniversary. I wanted to just, first before I883 turn it over to them, make a few, framing remarks and Senator Kennedy is absolutely right. It was an incredibly exciting time. I remember vividly when President Ford was there and the parade in which he rode in a convertible, quite a, quite an impression it made on me. There was also, I believe, a royal visit to Concord. I believe the queen came, but they can confirm that for you. So this is really a big deal. It goes on not just over one weekend. There are vets and celebrations that914 will happen throughout the year, and we will begin to ramp up, with the expectation that920 there will be additional crowds of this sprint before the 2025 actual anniversary and then ongoing into 2026, at least, as the nation celebrates the events that happened during 2026 in Philadelphia and elsewhere. So this is an opportunity for Massachusetts to show off its amazing history to invite tourists from all over the world to be able to come to our great Commonwealth and experience not just Lexington at Concord, but949 the entire station, of course, all of the951 historic opportunities in Boston and as far out, the western part of the state. So people will come not just for tourism, but the laws will come for recreation. That's where we have so much to offer. However, we have to prepare for that. So, this bill that, Rip Patel and I filed jointly asked to create a fund specifically so that doesn't expire.

When we get earmarks, they're 1-year funds that go away and spend980 them in a narrow period of time, but we're talking about prepermissions and, security and safety operations that need to recur over multiple years. It also989 gives us an opportunity for us to do some very major fundraising from potential,995 founding corporations, and the money could go into the state fund for this purpose to make sure that we do a tremendous job, protecting and, also, organizing the logistics. To1010 give you an idea of some of the logistics,1012 you had to close streets down during the Bicentennial, and we had to run shuttles. This is something that small towns are not necessarily, used to doing on a rate of the base We have had a wonderful, coalition going between the four towns of Arlington, Lexington, and Concord in Lincoln that has been meeting regularly to work out these logistics and prepare along with the national park. Really prepare for these events. So we are excited. We are, working in coalition. Just next week, we have director Kate Fox coming to meet with us again to make sure that we are working very closely with the state and state-level officials to make sure that this can come off in a seamless way.



Today, we have a a very large panel from Lexington, I beg your indulgence because they all have individual expertise and specific unique knowledge, thrilled that our two chiefs are here, Fire Chief Sensibaugh, and, our police chief, McLean, and we have, believe, our vice chair from our select board, the Lucente, and we have the chair of our, Susqueen Natennial Committee, if I'm saying that right, she can correct us, but Susie Berry will be here as well. She's also a select board member. She is here and she's going to speak first. There are a number of other people on the panel. I'm going to let them introduce themselves because I'm not entirely sure which ones are here in person or our verch So with that, I thank you so much for the work you're doing as the tourist tourism chairs and know that are very excited to invite you to Lexington and Concord and our district to share in these events this spring and in the years beyond that. Thanks so much.
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SUSIE BERRY - LEX 250 COMMISSION - HB 3242 - Good morning, chair Mark, chair Dom, and honorable committee members. Thank you for your dedicated service to this committee. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to address you today, especially in the company of colleagues with whom I serve on the State 250 Commission. I'm Susie Barry, chair of the Lex 250 Commission, and vice chair of the Lexington Select Board. Alongside me is fellow select board member, Doug Lacente, along with several members of the Lex 250 Commission. We are here today to advocate for an act to create1174 the American Revolution anniversary Public Safety and Operations fund, HB 3242. Legislation designed to fortify both security measures and operational support for the upcoming 200-sea American Revolution anniversary events. Lexington stands as the crucible where the American Revolution was ignited. On that fateful day, the shots fired here and in our neighboring town conquered, and catalyzed a monumental shift.

Residents awoke as British subjects and ended the day identifying as Americans. Throughout the year, individuals from all over the country make a pilgrimage to witness the very ground where our great nation's journey began. People from every corner of the globe recognize Massachusetts as the birthplace of freedom. As the stewards of this legacy, Lexington and Concord bear a unique responsibility to spearhead the Semiquids Centennial celebrations. Our goal is twofold to honor our past and to transform Massachusetts into a focal point for historians, patriots, and tourists. Post a successful Patriot's Day weekend, we anticipate a ripple effect, invigorating the tourism and the hospitality sector in surrounding towns and throughout the state. The significance of this milestone demands that we do more than just pay homage. We must establish a new standard for historical commemoration. This calls for substantial resources to ensure the event is accessible, inclusive, and safe for both visitors and locals.



My colleagues will delve into the specifics, but the financial logistical, and operational contours of this endeavor should not be underestimated. As a multi-generational Lexingtonian, I vividly recall the unity and collective spirit of the bicentennial in 1975. Was a pivotal moment, not only for our town, but for every visitor who left with a sense of participation in a milestone of human liberty. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Our tourism industry has faced unprecedented challenges. The Semicon Centennial serves as an unparalleled opportunity to revitalize the local economy and reestablish Massachusetts as a lynchpin of American history. I urge you to report this bill out of committee favorably. Our comprehensive testimonies will be for your review. I will now pass the mic to my colleague on the select board, Doug Lucente.

DOUG LUCENTY - LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD - Thank you, honored committee members. I'm Doug Lucenty, a member of the town of Lexington Select Board, and a lifelong Lexingtonian. My earliest memories, although I was one at the Bicentennial, my earliest memories were shaped by the lasting impressions of the Bicentennial celebration in 1975. It was a watershed event for Lexington and the surrounding towns. That's how celebration set the precedent for how Patriot State festivities could transcend geographical bounds. Involving not just locals, but visitors from afar creating a thi thriving communal spirit. Since that time, Lexington's demographics and populations have expanded significantly. However, our unwavering pride in being home the first shot of the revolution remains constant. Over the course of our parade route, we see tens of thousands of people. Due to multiple events happening in the area, we anticipate a much higher volume of visitors in 2025. Our Lex 250 commission, which is the semi-clinical commission, is meticulously laying the groundwork for a stellar Patriot's Day weekend in 2025. We're in constant collaboration with our friends in Concord.



To ensure an itinerary rich in variety and inclusivity. Some of our planned events include reenactments, parades, lectures, exhibitions, concerts, and a plethora of family-friendly activities. We expand the activities in Lexington and integrate the vision of our conquered partners, and the financial calculus becomes glaringly obvious. Adequate funding is crucial for ensuring robust security protocols, streamlined transportation solutions, and other1410 logistic components, that will guarantee a safe secure, and accessible event for all of our attendees. We're living in a rapidly evolving landscape marked by both progress and challenges. With that in mind, our celebrations will be fully inclusive, catering to a diverse array of identities. We're resolved to allocate the requisite resources to ensure universal acts us. In an era rife with technological advancements, our approach to security must be equally sophisticated. In 1775, as you've heard, our towns hosted President Ford. While our invitation lists have yet to be finalized, we do anticipate that the communities will be inviting high-level dignitaries, both at the National And International level. These visits structure. I'll now yield the floor to my1470 colleague, Cliff Coats, our1472 esteemed security expert and commission1474 member.

CLIFF COATS - LEX250 COMMISSION - Thank you very much, Mr Solanti. Good morning. Cleveland Coates, Sagic, Massachusetts state police retired. I had the pleasure of serving as a supervisor in other specialty state police, units. In the FBI joint terrorism task force, the governor's protection detail, and the state police tactical operations section. Respected members and committee. I'm the security lead for the Lex 250 Commission. With over four decades of dedicated service and law enforcement. My experience encompasses areas such as intelligence, counterterrorism, and counterterrorism planning. Throughout my career, I have been entrusted with critical responsibility for designing and executing security measures for a wide range of high-profile events. These include overseeing security from the L England Sports team, Victory parades, military air shows, National conventions, presidential inaugurations, and hosting numerous visits from both domestic and foreign heads of state.

Following the tragic events of the Boston Marathon attacks, I assumed the role of a supervisor at the FBI joint terrorism task force. Where I was responsible for meticulously planning, and executing security, and intelligence strategies for events such as marathons, and Boston Fourth July concerts. The cornerstone of success and security of large-scale public events lies in robust planning and allocation of adequate resources is essential to preempt potential disruptions scale up emergency services and be prepared to mitigate unforeseen hazards. The demand for meticulous planning becomes especially acute in light of the influx of tourists, the strain on local services, and the need for elevated security measures. Our planning matrix aims to achieve two pivotal goals, prevention, and effective response, While our law enforcement technologies will be calibrated to preempt attacks, we also need to be geared to spawn swiftly and effectively in the event of untold incidents.

This includes readiness for coordinated attacks in actions by lone actors. As a native of Lexington, I look back at the bicentennial celebration of 1975, I was, in fact, in high school at the time when that occurred. It was a touch-tone of public safety done right. But in the intervening years, the landscape has become a laver team of complexity, both in terms of logistics demands, the threat, and the threat matrix. With due planning and resource commitment. However, I am confident we can navigate this complexity this complexity with success. It is essential. To underline that this budget allocation is not an optimal extra. It is a non-negotiable necessity. The integrity of the sin Centennial events hinges on the surety of every participant. Residents and visitors alike can participate, Kim partakes in the celebration safely, free from the specter of violent calamity, not meeting these standards, which surely cast up all future events. We urge you to report this bill out of committee favorably. Thank you for your attention on this matter. Thank you.1695
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REP DOMB - COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR - Thank you. So first of all, rep Sikolo, thank you, and rep Kotaldo, wherever you are in the virtual sphere. I know you both as well as other reps from this area in this region and the state have been incredible champions, advocates, and leaders in trying to steer state resources to your community. So I want to thank you for that. I just wanted to clarify for my own understanding, that the expiration date on the fund proposed fund allows for earmarked, it was mentioned that would allow for earmarked funds to be positive and not subject to an expiration date, a typical fiscal year, expiration date. Is that accurate, Rep. Ciccolo? I hadn't realized that.

CICCOLO - That is thank you, madam chair. That is my understanding of the way that we crafted the legislation, and we would certainly work closely with the committee to ensure the money can be carried over for several years and then have a reasonable expiration date after which, the crowds will be lighter and it won't be as required to support the operations and safety going on for these events.

DOMB - Thank you for that clarification. I know you've been a leader in identifying and advocating for earmarks for your community for this purpose. So I appreciate that. Could you also explain a little bit about the justification for using COVID-19 funds? To establish the fund?

CICCOLO - You know, that is a great question. That was what we understood was available at the time when we first filed the bill. Think at this juncture, we probably will need to look elsewhere for the source of the funds, and we'll have to have a conversation with ways and means to figure out what would be the optimal, source of her funds.

DOMB - Thank you. I want to thank your constituents, but I also want you to know what a champion and advocate reps of color have been in trying to get resources for your community. Thank you. Thank you, Cheryl.
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MICHAEL MCCLAIN - LEXINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT - Good morning. I am Michael McLean, the chief of police at the Lexington Police Department, and I wholeheartedly support and act to create the American Revolution anniversary, public safety, and operations fund. My tenure as chief of police spans two years, and I have proudly served the Lexington Police Department for the past 28 years. During this time, I have been deeply involved in orchestrating and supervising numerous large-scale events, necessitating extensive collaboration with municipal states and regulators. These events include Patriot Stay celebrations, Lions Club, carnival and fireworks displays, road races, festivals, rallies, protests, and air shows. Managing these occasions requires intricate planning for crowd control, traffic regulation, and emergency medical response. On an average Patriot stay weekend, our town receives a considerable number of visitors. However, for the upcoming 2025 Patriot's Day weekend, we anticipate an1909 unprecedented influx, likely three times the usual attendance.

This surge in visitors will be due to the multitude of events across various venues and towns potentially involving state, federal, and international dignitaries. Given this complexity, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all attendees. We have collaborated with surrounding towns to plan the major events on April 19, 2025, which will draw more people as it is a Saturday as opposed to the usual Monday. The decision was driven in part by the guidance from public safety officials that having these on Monday would put enormous pressure on the system and would strain the ability to gain state-local and regional resources. To achieve this, we estimate a requirement of $300,000 to bolster public safety presence during the weekend. An additional $50,000 will be essential to invest in the technology needed for coordinated emergency response protocols alongside significant staffing resources. For planning and executing these protocols. Our primary objective is to create an inclusive, entertaining, and historic celebration. Prioritize the safety of all community members and visitors in multiple towns. Now you yield the floor to my esteemed colleague chief, Derek Sensibow.

DERRICK SENSABA - TOWN OF LEXINGTON - Thank you. Good morning. Esteemed legislators. I'm Derek Sensewa serving as the fire chief in the emergency management director in Lexington. With a dedicated 28-year tenure in the Lexington and Fire Department. During this time, I've led2008 the COVID-19 response, and managed events like Patriot's Day, the Lions Club events, special Olympics, Discovery Day, and the Tough Rock Marathon. Notably, I played a significant role in the 2000 Patriot Day celebration drawing crowds to Lexington and Concord for the 25th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington Concon. My responsibilities encompass emergency services deployment where I ensure swift response to fires, medical emergencies, action, and natural disasters. We prioritize evacuation planning for the safety of our tourists and event attendees. I coordinated triage medical care, established medical stations, fire suppression, and covered structure fires to wildland fires.

These all fall into my purview. Our operations follow a comprehensive emergency response plan and involve close collaboration with various agencies, encompassing traffic control, and crowd control strategies. Key to our efforts is public awareness, ensuring it attendees are informed about procedures in emergency service locations. Effective interagency communication is vital for a coordinated response. Given our role in safety, logistics for events spanning towns like Lexington, Concord, and Lincoln, and as well as the shared role of the Minuteman National PAC. It's imperative to have reliable and advanced equipment for seamless communications. We've identified crucial needs, including establishing a centralized communication and command center, implementing uniform pro protocols, standardizing equipment, in creating contingency plans for dignitaries, medical emergencies, and unpredictable crowds. We estimate a budget of approximately 50,000 to procure the necessary equipment. We silly we sincerely appreciate the support in advancing this bill through the committee and are ready to address any questions or provide additional information2126 if needed.
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TOM CALATASKI -LEX 250 COMMISSION - HB 3242 - Good morning, honorable committee members. My name is Tom Colachos, a member of the Lex 250 Commission responsible for managing financial matters. I come here before you today to request your support for the passage of an act to create an American Revolution anniversary public safety and operations fund. H3242. My background includes extensive experience in senior executive positions with large Fortune 20 international corporations, serving as CEO of both public and privately held companies across diverse industries, such as education, biometrics, homeland security, and military technology. Notably, my last role was as CEO of a 5,000-person, $1,000,000,000 technology company, primarily focused on providing technology to the Department of Defense. I've also managed early-stage enterprises with a focus on prudent financial management.



I hold top-secret government clearances, and I'm a decorated Vietnam veteran. I believe the upcoming Patriot Day in 2025 offers a remarkable opportunity to transform a routine parade day into a truly patriotic event. This occasion can serve2248 as a platform to educate and instill in our region nation and the world, the often overlooked story of our founders, their vision and bravery, and creating a free, fair, and just nation with abundant opportunities for Patriot Day 2025 offers more than a 1-time tour tourism boost. It can be a lasting source of inspiration and impact. Achieving excellence in this endeavor is not merely about securing a grant. It is about making an investment that fosters a partnership between government and citizens aimed at inspiring the current generation. With your support, we can turn this vision into a world-class event and provide the commonwealth with a substantial return on its investment. Let us seize the opportunity to create a lasting legacy that celebrates our country's founding principles. Thank you so much for listening and for your consideration. I yield the floor to my esteemed colleague, Bridger Magoff, who will address matters.

BRIDGEER MCGAW - LEXINGTON'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - Thanks, Tom. Respected committee members. My name is Bridger Magaw, a member of the Lex 250 commission and vice chair of, Lexington's economic development committee and our ad hoc transportation advisory2332 committee. With over 20 years of experience in security, emergency management, and major event planning, I've served in various roles during the Clinton and Obama administrations including in the White House on Capitol Hill and in the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. I also led the Watertown Transportation Management Association, managing our commuter our commuter transit services for over the last 6 years. The success of major in Revolution binds communities across the Commonwealth in unique ways, and we aim to bring these diverse narratives to life through various programs and activities with your support for funding for vital transport services.

In 2025, our 3-day Pay Patriots Day weekend will host numerous activities in Concord, and the surrounding roads attracting global visitors and dignitaries. My role involves coordinating transportation services addressing logistical challenges and collaborating across local state and federal authorities and our sister cities. This funding will be crucial to ensuring access into our small communities in an organized way that allows all visitors to enjoy the reenactments as well as their visit to these important sites in our nation's birth and our continuing effort to form a more perfect union. Large events present transportation challenges. Requires careful planning for safety and environmental considerations. Strategies like promoting public transport, managing parking, and ensuring pedestrian safety can mitigate these challenges, I'll bet with the2433 associated costs, prioritizing environmental impact, and ensuring accessibility is central to Lexington's event transportation planning.



Unlike past events with large stadiums and public transit net networks, This effort requires off-site parking and a shuttle system to augment limited MBTA services to our communities. Our communities lack the resources to deploy the necessary buses and personnel, as you've heard. Ensuring safe travel between the towns and Minivan National Park is a top priority. We're exploring options like buses, centralized parking, utilizing all the open spaces that we can access, and road restrictions considering all residential needs in the process. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity means accommodating everyone including those with mobility challenges, making this a much more important challenge. Our mission is to make sol these celebrations accessible to all while ensuring safety as the professionals here have laid out. Funding is crucial to provide diverse and inclusive opportunities, ensuring safe and enjoyable festivities for everyone. Your attention and support are greatly appreciated. I would now like to pass the microphone to my colleague, Mona Roy, vice chair of the Lex 250 Commission.

MONA ROY -LEX 250 COMMISSION - Good morning, honorable committee members. My name is2518 Mona Roy, and I proudly serve as the vice2520 chair of the Lex 250 . I'm a first-generation American born to immigrant parents. My father arrived in this country with less than $50 to his name. When he attained citizenship in 1976. I vividly remember the pride in his eyes2534 as he told me that we were all Americans now, and our dreams had no pounds. His love for this country and its ongoing journey towards that more perfect union centers my work on this commission. As my colleagues highlighted, the vision of Lexington and Concord extends far beyond merely creating an entertaining weekend in our hometowns. The launch of the semi-quincentennial to semi-quince Centennial says that a 5 times fast celebration in Lexington Concord is set to establish the foundation for a series of multi-year events that are expected to track visitors not only from across the nation but also from abroad.



A well-executed celebration is poised to create a ripple effect, benefiting neighborhood towns like Burlington, Walton, and Lowell as people seek out dining and accommodation options. Our aspiration is to rekindle not just the interest in our towns, but also in the fickle significance of this great nation and the key locations pivotal to the establishment, whether it's Plymouth, Worcester, or the book, Berkshires, we invoked we aim to invoke a renewed appreciation for these historically rich places. Establishing the right atmosphere will create and encourage sustained and with our nation's history and boost tourism throughout Massachusetts fostering a profound connection with our heritage. Moreover, we are unwavering in our commitment to ensuring that this celebration is open accessible, and inclusive to all. By setting the right tone, we will Build an enduring connection with our nation's history, ignite the spirit of exploration, and encourage tourism, not just in our immediate region, but throughout the entire state of Massachusetts. Together, we can make the celebration a resounding success, one that resonates far beyond the boundaries of Lexinator Concord. I humbly request you to report the spell out of the committee favorably. Thank you for your time, and we're here to answer any questions if you have any.
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FRED RYAN - CONCORD 250 COMMITTEE - HB 3242 - Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. If we had some friends. Good morning. This is John with honorable members of the community. My name is Fred Ryan. I was the Public Safety Chair of the Concord 250 Committee and a professor of the police officer here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for 33 years. 20 of which I served as chief of police in Arlington, Massachusetts. I'm here today to talk specifically about public safety challenges associated with the 2025 celebrations and, to respectfully ask, for your support, for house 3242. During the 1975, bicentennial in Concord. We welcomed more than 120,000 spectators, the sitting president of the United States deployed more than 500 police officers, and 400 National Guard troops, and managed 500 protesters and counter-protests during those events. On April 25, we anticipate approximately 4,000,000 spectators to the region on the Saturday before the Boston Marathon, two days before the Boston Marathon. There's significant potential for social unrest.

We do not know what the political climate will be at that time. We will have the responsibility to safeguard the constitutional rights of all, both protesters and counter-protestors and the safety of spectators to the events. This will require significant public safety, planning, and expenditure of resources far from the capacity of Lexington and Concord. As the chief testified earlier, the planning, the interminable municipal planning is ongoing. We're collaborating in a multi-jurisdictional plan rather than siloed planning because we know that we'll have participants from across the Commonwealth, across the nation, and really across the globe, coming to our communities, whether we invite them or not. As Mister, calls it Tasi from Lexington testified, if we get this right as a commonwealth, the celebrations of 2025 can be safe and enjoyable for all. If we fail to properly plan and resource, these celebrate the consequences could be severe to the Commonwealth and to the communities involved. So with a sense of urgency, in my voice. I respectfully urge you to support House 3242. Committee and Lexington committee stand ready to work alongside your committee to ensure this can be a safe and enjoyable event, for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Thank you for your time today.
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ROBERT MUNRO - CONCORD 250 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - HB 3242 - Awesome. Thank you so much. So their chairs, Mark and Dom, and his team members of the joint committee on Tourism Arts And Cultural Development. My name is Doctor Robert Monroe. I currently serve as vice chair of the Concord 250th executive committee, and I'm here to provide testimony on House 3242. Enact to create the American Revolution anniversary, public safety, and operations fund. We're grateful to our representative, Michelle. Colors spark sponsorship of this legislation and the support of Representative Cottaldo Gentile and Senator Barrett. The Congress Blackboard created a committee to plan the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Conquer during the Revolutionary War. The 200th anniversary of this event in 1975 was attended by President Ford, along with local national, and international dignitaries, as you've heard, according to various estimates it received well over 100,000 visitors in 1975 to commemorate this historic battle. Concord is once again planning to Dork University with many celebrations and large crowds on and around April 20th, 2025.



The Concord 250th committee established nine submitted to properly plan for this event, each with its own focus and including arts, communications, event planning, finance, history and education, hospitality outreach, permanent memorial, and public safety. Our sub-committee hasn't heard of work planned for this anniversary event, and we anticipate a surge in local and regional tourism along with a greater need to support public safety. The 250th anniversary is expected2964 to retract hundreds of thousands of2966 tourists and visitors to our community. The town is busy planning various events leading up to the Pitcher State Parade. These events include performances by helicopter conservatory music, concrete band, conquered orchestra, conquered players, conquered women's chorus, a reenacting and revolutionary debate, a celebration of Ellen Garrison, and Frederick Douglas, contributions by the Roberts House of Native American Groups, a Freedom Festival, a permanent memorial commemorating this anniversary event, 3 exhibitions of the American Revolution, teacher workshops, catalogued the Concord House of Revolutionary War artifacts, stories played by concrete soldiers, wives, households, and win widows, and, of course, the famous of patriots David Parade.



As a 21st destination, Concord has seen its revenue from lots of tax and meals tax increase year over year since 2016, peaking at 1,290,000,000 in 29 The town has worked very well on its way to recovery to recovery from the pandemic impact on local receipts. The conference tourism division reports at the town to rate 72,000,000 in tourism-related sales and commodities yearly, and we expect to see that number rise to 90,000,000 in 24 and upwards of 100,000,000 to 25. We also expect the number of tourists to rise with 1,250,000 tourists expected in 24. 1.5 tourists, 1000000 tourists in 2025. So since I'm out of time, I for strictly asking that, please book support 83242, preferably out of committee, and ensure that the Commonwealth makes the necessary investments in public safety and economic vitality. Thank you for your time.
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REP CRUZ - HB 3243 - Thank you, my friends Good morning. Chair Dom, chair Mark, and distinguished members of the joint committee. I stand before you today to testify in support of H3243, an act relative to tourism and visitation. To put it in the simplest terms, what this legislation would do, is amend Chapter 23 a, by finally establishing a consensus state, for the disbursement of visitation, marketing, and tourism grants and that date is September 1. The context for this bill really matters. I first want to begin by thanking, the members of the joint committee, and especially our two chairs here, for the work that you did in the budget to rectify this for this particular fiscal year. But essentially, it's a long time, coming for us to really think about the tourism industry here in our commonwealth. It is the third leading industry, in terms of revenues that will come into the commonwealth and it is an essential lifeblood for all of our communities. In this particular funding at the moment, the challenge remains the same, as it has been in the previous sessions.



There is still a disagreement between Mott and the state controller's office with respect to the timing and the disbursement, of our regional tourism grants, and that is resulting in these allocations not going out in a timely fashion when they're needed as we think about our regional visitation, and tourism centers and bureaus, what they really need is the ability to plan strategically and a disbursement date of September 1st by consensus would allow all of our small businesses, our tourism industry, to have the knowledge of when these grants would finally arrive to their communities so that they can actually market them. I can talk, from my lived experience as a National Park Service Ranger Salem Maritime for 4 and a half years, in the great city of Salem, prior to my service for rep Tucker. And Salem is a community that you hear about now around the globe. 80,000 visitors per day on a weekend, but that's no accident. We've become a year-round destination, and it is because of the way that we mark our community. We engage in strategic planning. We take our state resources, our local resources, and the resources of private industry, and we try to work together collaboratively.



So to replicate that approach at the state3241 level for all of our communities, whether you reside in the North Shore, South Shore, Boston, Berkshire, or Western Mass would provide all of our businesses equal footing, to harness the power of tourism to spur economic development. As you consider this particular legislation, I want you to think also about the families of our workers in the hospitality industry restaurants, and small businesses who rely on our state, to make investments in tourism that are prudent. And by making this technical change, what we will ensure is that all of our, small businesses and residents in the Commonwealth will know that we take seriously the investments that we make in this particular industry. Today, you will hear from my counterparts, in small business, from regional convention and visitor bureaus who've been doing the work and can speak to the constraints that the current situation provides. I do think you'll learn a great deal about some of those challenges, but I know how invested you've been, because of your budget. Again, I thank you for that. So with that, I respectfully request, that the committee consider reporting this legislation out favorably so that promotes our commonwealth in a timely fashion and ensures that all of our communities can benefit from the tourism industry.
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DOMB - Good morning, rep Cruz. Thank you so much for being here. So I'm my under I need you to help sort of inform me on this because I was following this prior to my being chair co-chair on this committee. I know that now, Mott Disperses it in a little bit of a different way. Right? 60% upfront 40% later, I think, 40% than 6. People are shaking their heads, and I'm not sure if they're talking to me we're so what I wanna know is the bottom line question tell me about, the benefits of getting 100% by an earlier date versus the splitting and the division.

CRUZ - Absolutely, Jared. That is a great question. So with respect to this funding, it's currently being disposed of in a quarterly fashion. What the state controller has raised is that without the statutory language, they can't make an adjustment and so by receiving the dollars quarter by quarter, as you think about visitation as a year-long campaign and the desire of most communities to have visitation around, getting a 100% of the disbursement at a known date would allow for, strategic planning that ensures that, again, you are meeting all your milestones, and you're not waiting, to find out, because at the moment, there isn't exactly clarity as to when those quarterly presents would arrive. So by setting a date, what you give is all of our, visitor bureaus and visitation centers, in the marketing, folks an opportunity to say, we know it's coming September 1st, a 100% of the funding, and we can plan out a year-long campaign rather than the current system, which is a lot of folks are waiting, for that quarterly disbursement without knowledge about when it will arrive.

So you're planning against funds that you don't know, and so that makes really challenging to have a comprehensive plan for, marketing the Commonwealth. I do think, chair Don, that this would be a transformational shift as we recognize again, that this is the third largest industry in the commonwealth. By not engaging in year-long planning and waiting for the disbursements, actually putting ourselves at a competitive disadvantage. I recognize that folks will always wanna come to the Commonwealth to visit our many hidden treasures, but, nonetheless, if we want this in history to grow. I do think that it's gonna require, the folks that are doing the work on the ground to have the resources that they need in a timely fashion. So I should note that it is a consensus state that's been put together by our coalition of folks, but I think3461 they're more agnostic to when that date may be.3463 Sometime in the fall, sometime in the winter would be incredibly helpful, just so that they can engage in that year-long planning for their campaigns. That would be the context in the history. So

DOMB - Thank you. I also really appreciate you making sure that the focus is on the families and the workers who are directly and indirectly impacted by knowing there's going to be a year-round sort of support for something. I'm assuming that even coming to a consensus date doesn't erase any kind of accountability for the way funds have been spent over the course of the year. That3494 would still happen at the end of the fiscal year.

CRUZ - Precisely chair, Dom. So there would still be that evaluation of how the dollars are getting out. Folks are still going to have to do their regular reporting. I do appreciate you recognizing the fact that is fundamentally about, the folks that should benefit from our economy, which is our family's small mom-and-pop shops. I can only speak from my lived experience as someone who was in the hospitality industry. My father-in-law still owns a Portuguese restaurant in the neighboring town of Peabody from my own hometown of Salem, and he gets visitors from all over the world than it is because of the fact that even though it places a hole in the wall, we're doing that marketing year-round. As I think about our hospitality industry which was so hard hit by the pandemic. This is really about sustainability in the long term. So I do appreciate your chair centering, the lives of the individuals who really benefit from the investments that we make.
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SEN OLIVERIA - SB 2194 - SB 2195 - Yes. Thank you, chairman, Mark, and to chair, Dominic, members of the committee. I apologize for not being there in person. I would like to signal my support for my friend from Salem's bill that he just presented, not solely for the fact that his father owns a Portuguese restaurant. For the sheer fact that I've heard from a lot of my tourism, bureaus as well about the need for that upfront funding, but thank you to the gentleman from Salem for raising this important issue. I'm here today, chair Dom and Chair Mark to testify on 2 bills that I filed. The first bill, Senate Bill, 2194, enacted, establishing a program to increase cultural equity and tourism promotion and marketing, and a second bill, Senate Bill 2195, which, is relative to the building that you're sitting in right now, our Massachusetts State House And Restoration And Management Commission. I'll start first with, the first bill on Tourism Equity, which I filed with my good friend and colleague from Mustard, Massachusetts state representative, Pat Duffy, who will be submitting written testimony today.



I think everybody on this committee is aware that culture, and our tourism industries, have been negatively impacted over the last few years by the pandemic. For instance, international travel and spending have decreased by $1,800,000,000 from 2019 to 2022, costing Massachusetts. This funding, in this bill, is helpful to our it's including rural communities across our region on the Commonwealth West Coast And Central Massachusetts to support smaller arts organizations that have further significantly been impacted by the pandemic. I filed this legislation to support and uplift cultural art and tourism in while increasing the reach of diverse voices all over the Commonwealth. Increased support for the tourism industry is an investment and brings back funding for our districts while stimulating economic activity and creating more jobs. This bill explicitly tasked the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism in collaboration with the Massachusetts Cultural Council Council to administer the Cultural Tourism And Marketing Fund Program that financially assist arts organization, cultural groups, and historic sites that are in each one of our districts across the Commonwealth. There have been increased visits to Greater Springfield Hammond County. However, further support is needed to meet the overall losses from the pandemic. So I'd ask that committee when they consider this bill, look at its favorable life. The second bill that I filed is very personal to me.

If anybody knows me, you might understand that I am a history buff and a lover of state capital buildings, throughout our country. I've traveled to nearly 30 state capital buildings, throughout our country. But are you building unique? The building that we all come into each and every week is not only a temple of democracy, but it's a living, breathing, working museum. The chamber in which Senator Mark is the oldest working legislative chamber in the entire country. They're only, state capital buildings that are older than Massachusetts state, state, and housing, Virginia, New Jersey, and Maryland. However, we much of those buildings are actually, preserved as museums and aren't actually working, working legislative chambers. The bill that I filed is based on what other states have done, taking a much more holistic approach to our state house and further improvements, you know, the state House right now is controlled partly by the Senate, partly by the House, partly by constitutional officers, but there isn't a long term, master plan for the building as a whole. In fact, the Boston Globe highlighted some of the structural deficits in our building just this past summer, Matt Stout a at an article in the quote looking at the Coppola that sits right above our Golden Dome and recently renovated, set of the chamber. There are columns that are falling off that boat. We need to take a holistic approach to the building, including our house chamber, which has water damage, is right along the top of the building and meets whenever we have torrential downpours of rain, but we also need to look at some of the hidden3816 corners of our building.

Just last year,3818 we had a pipe purse and flooded several offices that required a kind of patchwork of support to uplift the building we needed to look at in Wallfort, Massachusetts. But it's also important to note that our state capital is one of the most visited state capital buildings in the entire country. We're right along with Freedom and there are dozens of tourist groups that come through our doors each and every day. And so taking a commission approach to look at the needs of our state House. By having agencies sit on those commissions, members of the legislature, architects, and historical societies, ECAM is essential for us to create a master plan to address the long-term needs of our shrine for democracy, our Massachusetts statehouse. I was just morning with the new commissioner of DECAM and mentioned the bill to the folks from DECAM, and they are very interested in supporting the aims and goals of this bill to a sure that our state capital, our state has something that we love and cherish is kept and preserved for future general for future legislators to work in. So, it is my hope that this committee will report both bills favorably. I would be happy to entertain any questions, Jeremy Moore.

MARK - Thank you, Senator. What's your what's your second favorite state house?

OLIVERIA - That's like so you're asking me a tough question. I actually really enjoyed the Kansas State Capital building because there's a unique feature about it. You can actually climb to the top of the dome through a series of about 400 steps. Within that dome, it south where you see all the structures and beams, there are the names of great Americans that have visited that state capital building, including, like, the Eisenhower including, you know, senators and congressmen and military leaders from our past, it's really3933 an interesting thing, and it's also even taller than the US capital. But, the so many great state houses across the country with varying different styles. But of course, my favorite is right here, the building that you're sitting in now.
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EMILY RUDDIC - MASS CREATIVE - HB 3244 - SB 2194 - It's, really hard to go up after I'm juris Senator Olivera and his, passionate speech about Statehouse Buildings, but, We will we will persevere on, and we do thank, the senator for cosponsoring the bill. We're going to talk about this morning. So good morning, chair Mark and Chair Domb, and members of the committee. Thank you for the opportunity to speak on behalf of H3244 and S2194, an act creating a program to increase cultural equity in tourism promotion sponsored by Senator Jake Olivera and Rep, Pat Duffy. My name is Emily Rudick, and I am the executive director of Mass Creative. I'm joined this morning by Anna Sengupta of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and Ashley O'Kino of the Fall River Arts And Cultural Coalition. On behalf of the 400 creative businesses, and cultural nonprofits, as well as 15,000 individual artists, creative workers, and cultural leaders who make up mass creative, I would like to share our strong support for the cultural equity and tourism bill. The cultural equity and tourism bill is 1 of 5 bills included in the4072 creative sector agenda this session based on direct feedback we received from members of the creative sector, what their pain points were, and what solutions they needed from policy.



The Cultural Equity and Tourism would establish a pro-grant program within the Massachusetts Office of Tourism and Travel to support marketing and promotional expenses for arts and cultural organizations. Prioritize amplifying the stories of historically marginalized and underrepresented cultures. Eligible uses would include, but not be limited to, tourism publications, media advertisements, press kits, billboards, website design expenses, and sponsorships of tourism trade shows. El eligible recipients include non-profit organizations, as well as for-profit creative businesses whose primary mission is to support arts culture, the humanities, and interpretive sciences. You know, as many of you know, this week, or excuse me, this month, Massachusetts, tourism is largely focused on Salem, Massachusetts, where last year, just under a million visitors took part in tourism activities in the month of October alone. That is really great news. It is an incredibly important site, cultural venues, and creative groups have the potential to draw local and regional visitors, but lack the funds to make themselves known. I'm thinking specifically about last weekend when I attended an event that was part of the Boston Asian American Film Festival which is celebrating its 15th anniversary. It's an incredible organization4175 that's doing great work and more people don't know about their work because of the lack of funds to promote themselves. I'm gonna turn it over to Anna Sengupta, who's gonna share a little bit more.

ANNIS SENGUPTA - ART AND CULTURE AT MAPC - HB 3244 - SB 2194 - Thank you. Good morning. Cheers, Mark and Dom, and members of the committee. My name is Annis Sengupta, and I'm the director of Arts And Culture at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of HB 3244 SB 2194 and Act, creating a program to increase cultural equity in tourism promotion. This bill would increase local and regional tourism to culturally diverse spaces and events across the commonwealth, which is needed now more than ever. As you may know, MAPC serves as a regional planning agency for 101 Cities and Towns of Metropolitan Boston, which comprises half the state's population and 2 thirds of the state's jobs. The agency has witnessed both the importance of arts and coal to community-based economic development and the barriers to recovery that these nonprofits have faced over the last 3 and a half years. As a result of COVID-19, coal non-profits alone were estimated to have lost as much as $500,000,000 in revenue with 30,000 jobs impacted.

Well, some industries have bounced back quickly, but it has been a slower path for those individuals who hold one or more of the 150,000 jobs that make up to Commonwealth's Tourism Arts cultural sectors. In many cases, arts and cultural institutions are just now starting to see tourism and patronage levels approach pre-pandemic levels. While state and federal assistance help many nonprofits recover, this bill provides many of these same entities with the means to further promote themselves so they can become an economic engine of this legislation, we did so because we recognized it as an opportunity to proactively protect and expand our arts and culture institutions through effective policy and grant-making. But the legislation is not simply a matter of supporting arts and culture institutions from Pittsfield to Provincetown, but also a matter of helping to create a more cost and fair economy. For every legacy institution like the Freedom Trail And Tanglewood, there are dozens of arts and culture institutions with a fraction of the name recognition that need assistance to share their stories. Providing funding to qualifying institutions is not a 0-some game.



When arts and culture organizations promote themselves, it brings in new visitors from their own backyards, but from around the world as well. When these visitors arrive, they eat at our restaurants, shop at our stores, and stay in our hotels. Consider entities like the Boston Art And Music Soul Festival Bamsfest or the Robbins House and Concord. The former started in 2018 with over 2000 attendees. In the last 5 years has grown tenfold with participants traveling from as far as4344 California to listen to music, see street art, frequent craft vendors, and even participate in a job fair. The latter is a Concord-based organization raising awareness of Congress African African American and anti-slavery 3 since 2010. Providing these cultural assets with additional promotional support will not only help them grow but also make the entities they work with more resilient. We are here today because we work with municipalities on these issues every day and helping these institutions promote themselves will have a ripple effect to make the commonwealth more connected, more economically viable, and more vibrant. Thank you for the opportunity to testify.

ASHLEY O'KINO - FALL RIVER ARTS AND CULTURE COALITION - Good morning. Good morning, chair, Mark, chair, Dom, and members of the committee. My name4388 is Ashley O'Kino, and I am the executive director of the Fall River Arts And Culture Coalition, which is a committee of the 14394 South Coast Chamber. And so I'm pleased to be here today, and I'm here to emphasize the profound importance of the cultural equity and tourism grant. In Fall River and South Coast, our cultural tapestry is nothing short of extraordinary, and we have a wealth of diverse artistic expressions waiting to be covered. However, despite the richness of our offerings, marketing, and visibility, often lacked the diversity required to reach all of our potential audiences. By expanding the funding through this grant, we can empower these remarkable organizations to connect with a broader spectrum of communities. This initiative is about ensuring that every voice, especially those historically marginalized, is heard and celebrated. By investing in more culturally diverse spaces and events We have the opportunity to not only support our local economies but also provide an economic boost to the entire commonwealth. Let's make sure that the money flows into the hands of those who know how to tell their stories best. This approach not only strengthens our local economies, restaurants, and shops but will also demonstrate that Massachusetts thrives as a place where arts and culture are celebrated and prosper.4459 I do thank you for your dedication and service to the Commonwealth. Together, we can create a more equitable, diverse, economically vibrant future for our communities. Thank you.
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KENNEDY - Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Once again, I don't have a question, but I would like to point out that anybody who missed the Boston Asian American Film Festival last weekend. We'll have an opportunity to attend Lowell's second annual Asian American film of all this weekend, which will be held at Middlesex Community College. It runs from, Friday afternoon till Sunday.
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NANCY GARDELLA -BOSTON CONVECTION AND VISITORS BUREAU - SB 2194 - HB 3244 - I almost never need a microphone. So my name is Nancy Gardella, and I'm the executive director of the north of Boston Convention And Visitors Bureau, and the co-chair of the statewide convention of this Convention And Visitors Bureau And Regional tourism councils. Chairs, Mark, and Dom, and committee members. Thanks so much for taking the time to hear us out on this. As you know, and have heard a couple of times today, the truism is one of the largest industries in Massachusetts, employing hundreds of thousands of workers and generating more than 30 $1,000,000,000 last year alone in visitor spending in our state. The regional tourism councils are your boots on the ground established by the legislature to help promote and market.

Massachusetts is a premier year-round destination for events like sporting, business, leisure travel, international travelers, and arts and culture. Including the 250th is not exciting. We'll be working hand in glove with communities like Lexington and Concord and more,, to make sure that word gets out that I'm here on behalf of those regional tourism councils to offer our concern and opposition to House Bill 2194 I mean, excuse me, Senate Bill 2194, and House Bill 3244 regarding cultural marketing funding. As I testify, I want to make it crystal clear that in every corner of the state of Massachusetts, regional tourism councils are representing and marketing every arts and culture institution4675 in the state that months to reach out and be part of the marketing for that area. So there's a mechanism already in place. The legislation as written would siphon, 1% out of the Tourism Trust Fund. The reason we oppose this is, a, the Tourism Trust Fund wasn't created like this. It was created a decade ago, for all tourism marketing. Secondly, we need to be adding resources to the Tourism Trust Fund, not siphoning them off. We're 33rd in the infrastructure marketing, but we have so much potential to grow. So I would ask your consideration not to siphon off the tourism trust fund. To keep it where it is, con con consider modernizing it and let us continue with this economic engine that Tourism is.
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JESSICA O'HEARN - MOSAIC LOWELL - Hey. Can you hear me? Yep. Thank you, everyone. I don't know if I can see myself, but at least I can be heard. Okay. Thank you so much for this opportunity to speak in support of cultural equity in tourism. This is important to support tour tourism across the state, but today I will be speaking specifically about the impact this will have on my home city of Lowell. My name is Jessica O'Hearn. I am the director of Mosaic Lowell, the art culture, and creative economy plan for the city. Mosaic exists to support the arts and culture sector through capacity-building opportunities funding, marketing, and advocacy. One of the biggest needs we have identified is support for cultural events and festivals and those who run them. Mosaic Lowell has taken a broad view of this creative community in the city. Our community includes not only trained and educated artists, but also folk and cultural traditions varied food and dining choices, crafters, and makers, and others who contribute deeply to the richness of our city's cultural and creative identity.



Lowell has over 30 community events and festivals each year that offer food, music, art, and cultural celebrations to residents and regional and worldwide visitors. Lowell has an extraordinary abundance of cultural art and creative assets, and these offerings are varied and dispersed throughout our neighborhoods. These range from smaller neighborhood events to the internationally known folk festival. These events and festivals benefit local businesses and encourage more activity during non-festival times that can parlay festival days into year-round benefits for local businesses and entrepreneurs and support the overall vibrancy of downtown and the other neighborhoods of the city. We hear directly from event organizers and see in real-time the struggle for capacity to keep all of these important cultural events going with one of the biggest needs being marketing support. Most are run entirely by volunteers and cannot continue without adequate sponsorship and funding support.

These festivals and events not only support tourism by bringing people into our city, but they also serve as cultural preservation ensuring that cultural traditions continue for future generations. There are over 70 languages spoken in Lowell, and three-quarters of our festivals are culturally specific. Some of our largest festivals like the Southeast Asian Water Festival And Puerto Rican Festival which bring people in from across the region are entirely volunteer-run and would greatly benefit from additional funding opportunities, especially as ARPA funding is depleted. The establishment of this fund can provide opportunities for cultural groups and event organizers to develop sustainable plans to preserve cultural activities and change the4913 narrative of communities like Lowell for residents4915 and visitors. Thank you.
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LEA FILSON - SEE PLYMOUTH - SB 2191 - HB 3243 - Chair, Mark, Chair Dome, and committee members. Thank you for the time this morning. To speak with you. My name is Lee Filson, and I am president and CEO of C Plymouth and the RTC director for Plymouth County. I am here this morning representing all 16 regional tourism councils. On behalf of the state's tourism industry, we ask for your support of Senate Bill 2191 and House Bill 3243 to ensure that marketing and promotion grant monies are dispersed to the regional tourism councils by September 1st each fiscal year. This is the language the legislature has enacted in prior years in varying forms for which we're very grateful. As you're aware, the Tourism Trust Fund has dedicated revenue from the occupancy excise tax and gaming revenue to be attributed to our regional tourism councils for the marketing and promotion of tourism. Because it is critical that these grants are released in a timely manner to ensure successful marketing campaigns, we ask for legislative language that guarantees a date of September 1 for receiving this funding. Without this language, the Massachusetts comptroller's office cannot release these dollars in a timely manner.

When planning, designing executing marketing and promotional campaigns to attract visitors to our state and regions, ads and promotions must be placed long before the promotions begin. It is critical for the state's tourism marketing professionals to have the allocated resources needed in a timely manner or it becomes impossible to compete with other destinations. When there is a long delay in distributing grant funding for the Tourism Trust Fund to the RTC it forces us to pull back on important marketing and promotional efforts that create jobs, bring other people money to Massachusetts, and generate new revenue for the state. In order to optimize the investment in attracting visitors to our state and our regions, The campaigns need to be planned out and timed5079 for maximum impact. Unfortunately, delays in allocating the grant monies will cuff our efforts, preventing the ability to pay for our campaigns, not delivering the grant funding by a date cert also creates spending deficiencies in our operations, creating a cash flow challenge to even pay our employees. Tourism is among Massachusetts's largest industries and a key economic driver supporting thousands of jobs and and more than $30,000,000,000 alone last year. Making minor investments in this industry has paid off through the years in major ways. Ensuring these investments happen on a date certain of September 1 means the funding will be available to us when needed. Thank you.
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KATIA DEL RIO GACANOVIC - INN AT HASTINGS PARK - SB 2191 - HB 3243 - Good morning. Chair D'am Chien Mark and committee members. My name is Kathy Del Rioganovich. I am the general manager at the Inn at Hastings Park in Lexington, Massachusetts. Our area is a destination for a lot of visitors, historians, and those who have re deep interest in our history. I'm testifying today in support of 2 bills. Senate Bill 2191 and House Bill 3243 to ensure tourism marketing and promotion dollars for our dispatchers in a timely manner to ensure the most economic impact in our communities. The Inn and Hastings Park is a small boutique hotel with 22 Rooms and we rely highly on these marketing dollars in order to promote ourselves outside of our region. These 2 bills are very simple.

They require that the tourism marketing and promotion dollars that are derived from the tourism trust fund are allocated to the regional convention visitors bureaus and Tourism Councils5208 by September 1st each5210 fiscal year. Plain and simple. This will ensure that the resources are on the ground to develop and implement the strategic marketing and promotion campaigns that attract more visitors to our region, get them to spend more money, and create more economic development. As a general manager of a small boutique hotel, we rely on a regional convention and visitors bureau to promote the area, to promote all the options that tourist advisers have, and to help them market to the in and the destinations around it. If we not do not get the resources or do not know, when they will be coming, it is difficult to market in a timely manner. Marketing and promoting all our state and regions have to offer is no different than night marketing any large companies such as Nike, marketing their sneakers, or Apple with their iPhones. We need the resources, and we need to know how to spend them wisely. Thank you very much for your time. We did testify.
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