Jeffrey and Audrey Miller, co-owners; Melba Gunnison, director; and Lucy Cressey, rental specialist, of Cottage Connection in Boothbay, attended and completed an intensive series of professional development educational sessions, conducted by industry leaders from all over the United States at the first statewide meeting of vacation rental professionals held at the Augusta Country Club on Dec. 3.

Audrey L. Miller, who is also the president, VRPOMe (Vacation Rental Professionals of Maine), said “The turnout for this first event was even better than expected with about 31 companies represented as well as individual property owners that are also welcome and included.”

VRPOMe sponsored the educational seminars bringing in speakers from Maine and also nationally to talk about the growing vacation rental industry and the many changes that are occurring nationally and the impact these changes will have on Maine vacation rentals. A marketing session was led by Tyler Hurst, marketing director, LiveRez Software in Boise, Idaho. Ed Ulmer of Barefoot Technologies in New Hampshire was on hand to discuss industry specific issues. Maureen Regan of Seaside Vacation Rentals in York spoke about the resources available in the national organization, VRMA (Vacation Rental Managers Association) of which she is a current board member. Justin Ford, On The Water In Maine, presented a very detailed health and safety session. Insurance agents from Champoux Insurance, Lisa Caughlin and Nicole Lajoie conducted a very informative round table discussion on insurance for vacation rentals. Deb Hart of Hart Public Policy described her job and what she did this past year as the Lobbyist for the VRPOMe and explained the legislative process when a bill is proposed.

The group was delighted when Tyler Hurst presented a check for $5,000 to support and affirm the successful efforts of this group in dealing with legislative issues affecting vacation rentals in Maine during the past three years.

VRPOMe is committed to promoting the Maine vacation rental business through collaborative and effective influence over matters affecting the industry while setting professional standards of conduct for its members.

Contact any member of the board of directors for more information: Audrey L. Miller, president, 207-633-6545; Heather Allen, vice president, 207-833-7779; Margaret Krainin, treasurer, 207-655-3811; Tanya Blodget, secretary, 207-563-6500; Barbara Heard, membership 207-263-6090; Justin Ford, 207-236-7710.