For Immediate Release: May 12, 2008
Michelle Brown, Director of Marketing
Inns and Spa at Mill Falls (603) 677.8657

Rusty McLear Receives Prestigious Industry Award from
Governor Lynch: Mildred Beach Travel Person of the Year

Meredith, NH: Rusty McLear, owner of The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls was recognized on May 6th by the hospitality industry and his peers as the recipient of the Mildred Beach, Travel Person of the Year award. This prestigious award was presented by Governor Lynch at the annual Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism, hosted by the NH Travel Council.

McLear was highlighted as an individual who has made a significant and continued personal contribution to the advancement of the travel industry during the previous year. His leadership within the industry, generosity relative to community relations and corporate giving and strong business ethics made him a natural choice for this award.

McLear celebrates 25 plus years of dedicated service to the hospitality industry. He is considered by most a visionary for his accomplishments in developing The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls and for reviving the Meredith Main Street Program. Gail Batstone, General Manager of the Inns and right hand to McLear expressed the following, ” I'm sure there were many viable candidates, but for all of us that have the pleasure of working alongside Rusty, know that the decision was obvious. He is a terrific man of character. He genuinely loves the village of Meredith, the State of New Hampshire and is a mentor for everyone he comes in contact with. He IS hospitality.”

Outside of The Inns, McLear is also Chairman of the NH Music Festival, past president and current Board Member with the Greater Meredith Program and participating Board Member for the Land & Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP).

The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls are located in the historic village of Meredith, New Hampshire on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. The four charming inns, comprised of the Inn at Mill Falls, Bay Point, the Chase House and Church Landing at Mill Falls, offer 156 guest rooms, 18 function rooms, seven restaurants, 15 shops and galleries, the world-class Cascade Spa, boat docks, 3,000 feet of public walkway along the water front and other unique amenities. For more information, call (603) 279-7006 or visit www.millfalls.com.

PHOTO ATTACHED: Rusty McLear and Governor Lynch
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The Lakes Region Association is a non-profit tourism marketing organization that promotes the entire region. The association publishes the Where to! Lakes Region of New Hampshire, a comprehensive guide to the area, and Lakes Region Map and Guide. For a free vacation package call 1-800-60-LAKES.