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And The Winner Is...Swiss Native, Maine Res. Named First Inn-Bedded Resorter

Martin Edgar Earley, Siwss Native, Maine Resident and Stonehill College Grad Picked from Among Hundreds of International Applicants to be The World’s First “Inn-Bedded Resorter”

Dixville Notch, N.H. (July 1, 2010) – After weeks of searching, hundreds of applications from around the world, and a week-long campaign by five finalists, the world’s first “Inn-Bedded Resorter” has been selected to spend the summer at The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel sharing their experiences through social media.

Martin Edgar Earley, a 23-year-old musician from Bangor, Maine has laid claim to the coveted position. Earley received more than 50 percent of online votes and is expected to arrive at The BALSAMS today, July 1 to start his summer of Tweeting, posting and blogging, beginning by chronicling the famous July 4th activities at the resort.

Earley was selected from a field of nearly 400 applicants to be in the Top 5 finalists along with Nacie Carson of Weymouth, MA, Elizabeth Oehlschlaeger of Weare, NH, Erik Deckers of Indianapolis, IN and Melissa McCart of Washington, D.C.

In true New Hampshire political tradition, the first votes for the Inn-Bedded Resorter were cast in the Ballot Room in Dixville Notch at The BALSAMS, using the same ballot box that is used to record the first votes in the First-In-The-Nation Presidential Primary. Following a week of on-line voting and social media campaigning, the Top 3 candidates were Earley, Oehlschlaeger and Carson. After a final review by bobdonpaul.com the marketing agency for The BALSAMS that created the campaign and resort management, Earley emerged victorious.

“This has truly been a whirlwind campaign and we were so pleased with the applications and in particular our Top 5 candidates,” said Bob Manley Head Chef and Bottle Washer at bobdonpaul.com “It was an incredibly tough decision, but we believe Martin is the ideal candidate to use social media to share the wonderful experiences The BALSAMS has to offer.”

As the Inn-Bedded Resorter, Earley will be a guest at The BALSAMS in July and August, tasked with using social media to help followers truly experience the 8,000 acre resort. Each day he will post updates, photos, videos and write weekly blog posts about the world famous dining, golf, tennis, family activities, entertainment, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, whitewater rafting and more that The BALSAMS has to offer.

Follow Martin’s adventures as the Inn-Bedded Resorter on The BALSAMS social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, The BALSAMS Blog and YouTube. Martin is also adept at using his own Blog, Facebook and Twitter accounts to promote his music and will share his experiences through these channels as well.

“We are thrilled to have Martin be our Inn-Bedded Resorter here at The BALSAMS this summer,” said Jeff McIver, President and General Manager of The BALSAMS. “Several of the top candidates joined us at the resort in late June and we were so impressed by every one of them. It wasn’t easy picking just one person, we wanted all of them to stay, but we think whether it’s singing his original song about The BALSAMS that he created for his application or posting videos and blogs about his experiences, he is the ideal person to help people from all over the world get a sense of what our resort and The Great North Woods of New Hampshire has to offer.”

View the profiles for the Top 3 and Martin’s original BALSAMS song on the Inn-Bedded Resorter profile page.

“I’m so excited to spend my summer as the Inn-Bedded Resorter at The BALSAMS,” said Earley. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I can’t wait to get to the resort and kick things off by showing everyone what July 4th weekend is like, whether it’s the annual Kids Parade, the games and of course the incredible food and fireworks. The BALSAMS has so much history, so many traditions and so much for families and guests to do, I hope that through me, people everywhere can experience it all.”

About the BALSAMS
The BALSAMS is a premier New Hampshire resort hotel, featuring award-winning dining, outdoor wilderness adventures, unique events, endless activities, and fun for the entire family. Our 15,000-acre mountain resort features everything from golfing on a Top 100 ranked, Donald Ross designed course, a Top 20 ranked tennis program, hiking and biking, whitewater rafting, kids' summer camp, private alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more. For more information go to www.thebalsams.com or call 800-255-0600.
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Inn-Bedded Resorter Finalists

We are down to the last leg of the Inn-Bedded Resorter Search, and five candidates have risen to the top in this innovative social media campaign.

The Balsams marketing team announced the finalists at a press conference today at the New Hampshire State House and then took the candidates up to the resort for the evening. The candidates are: Nacie Carson, Elizabeth Anne Oehlschlaeger, Erik Deckers, Melissa McCart, and Martin Edgar Earley. Each finalist’s entry is posted on The Balsams Blog and can be viewed by clicking on his or her name. Comments are welcome for each post!

Each finalist is making a presentation in the famous Balsams Ballot Room, where Balsams guests will be invited to cast the first vote along with the resort staff. After that, voting online will be open to the public for the next several days (starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 24). The candidates will be campaigning for the position throughout the week, and everyone is encouraged to cast a vote for their favorite. VOTE NOW!

Since the Inn-Bedded Resorter Search began on June 1st, over 300 people have applied for the opportunity to be immersed in The Balsams experience and get paid to share that experience with the world via various social media platforms.

Only one of these talented and skilled candidates will be chosen to be our very first Inn-Bedded Resorter and begin the adventure on July 1st. Don’t forget to vote, and stay tuned as the excitement at this NH vacation spot unfolds!

July 4th at The BALSAMS

Fireworks over Lake Gloriette, Unlimited Golf, Kids and Family Activities and the Famous Table d’hôte Culinary Experience

The Fourth of July is a highly anticipated holiday at The BALSAMS, and this year’s celebration includes many fun and unique activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Boston Baked Bean will be on the grounds for children’s activities including storytelling, comedy and much more. Tom Hayes will bring the animated world of Beantown Toys to the North Country with some of his newest characters, toys and gadgets. Fireside Winds, a flute, oboe and clarinet ensemble will provide an afternoon lawn concert. The weekend will be topped off with the traditional magnificent fireworks display over Lake Gloriette. Guests will also be treated to The BALSAM’s fine dining, golf and other regular activities.

Rates for the weekend start at $189.00 per person, per night (double occupancy) and $77.50 for children. These rates include breakfasts and five-course Table d’hôte dinners in The BALSAMS’ world famous dining room. Guests can also enjoy unlimited golf on The BALSAMS Top 100 rated Panorama Golf Course, tennis, mountain biking, kayaking, live entertainment and much more, all for one rate.

For more information about Fourth of July weekend at The BALSAMS and other summer specials, call (800) 255-0600 or go to Reservations.

About The BALSAMS
The BALSAMS is a premier New Hampshire resort hotel, featuring award-winning dining, outdoor wilderness adventures, unique events, endless activities, and fun for the entire family. Our 8,000-acre mountain resort features everything from golfing on a Top 100 ranked, Donald Ross designed course, a Top 25 ranked tennis program, hiking and biking, whitewater rafting, kids' summer camp, private alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more. For more information go to www.thebalsams.com or call 800-255-0600.

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Inn-Bedded Resorter Search

The BALSAMS is looking for an "Inn-Bedded Resorter." The Resorter will be a guest in July and August. While you're summering with us we want you to use every social media platform out there to share with the world – as it happens – your BALSAMS experience. Come be inspired by our history, and go behind the scenes with our staff. Play golf. Play tennis. Kayak, mountain bike, hike and swim. Taste fine foods and learn to ballroom dance.

You'll get a room, you'll get paid, and you'll get 8,000 acres of adventure! Get more details here and Apply Now!

Golf & Ski Warehouse Outfits The BALSAMS

Dixville Notch, N.H. – Golf & Ski Warehouse, one of New England’s leading retailers for the highest quality golf and skiing apparel and equipment, has signed an agreement to manage all of the retail operations for The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel.

Under the agreement, Golf & Ski will provide top-of-the-line golf equipment for sales and rentals at the clubhouse of The BALSAMS’ Donald Ross designed Panorama Golf Course. Golf & Ski will also outfit and manage the retail and apparel operations at the hotel, the tennis shop and the ski shop of the resort’s Wilderness Ski Area.

“The BALSAMS is one of New England’s premier vacation and outdoor destinations and we always strive to provide our guests with the very best for every activity at the resort. By partnering with Golf & Ski, we know that our guests will be outfitted with the finest golf clubs and apparel available,” said Jeff McIver, President and General Manager of The BALSAMS.

Golf & Ski will also be working with The BALSAMS to help organize and promote special events and is already offering special rates and discounts for stays at the resort to members of its All-Star Rewards Program.

“Golf & Ski works with many of the top courses and ski areas in northern New England through our
All-Star Rewards Program, and we are proud to be expanding our relationship with The BALSAMS to provide their guests with the same quality equipment and apparel available at our stores,” said Ned Waters, Chief Operating Officer, Golf & Ski Warehouse.

About Golf & Ski Warehouse
Look to Golf & Ski Warehouse for northern New England's largest selection of golf equipment, apparel and accessories plus a huge selection of the latest ski and snowboard equipment, apparel and accessories all at competitive, warehouse prices. Golf & Ski has retail locations in Scarborough, ME, and West Lebanon, Hudson and Greenland, NH. www.golfskiwarehouse.com.

About the BALSAMS
The BALSAMS is a premier New Hampshire resort hotel, featuring award-winning dining, outdoor wilderness adventures, unique events, endless activities, and fun for the entire family. Our 15,000-acre mountain resort features everything from golfing on a Top 100 ranked, Donald Ross designed course, a Top 25 ranked tennis program, hiking and biking, whitewater rafting, kids' summer camp, private alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more. For more information go to www.thebalsams.com or call 800-255-0600.

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BALSAMS Tennis Wins Gold

Resort Achieves Top 20 National Ranking from Tennis Resorts Online

Dixville Notch, NH – The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel has once again received a top national ranking from Tennis Resorts Online.

Reviewed by vacationers and avid tennis players, their 2010 survey assessed resorts and camps in 17 categories. These categories included all aspects of the tennis experience as well as diverse off-court characteristics such as the quality of the lodging, restaurants, children's programs, and value for dollar.

David Rosenfeld, USPTA is the Tennis Pro at The BALSAMS and Bob Greene, formerly a nationally ranked doubles player and Olympic coach is a touring pro at the resort.

The BALSAMS has a rich tennis history, over the years welcoming stars such as Bill Tilden, Fred Perry, Bobby Riggs, and Helen Wills Moody to its courts. Former Wimbledon and U.S. Women's Tennis Champion Pauline Betz Addie also spent a summer as the pro.

The BALSAMS offers free beginner clinics for adults and juniors, several additional group clinics, advanced drill sessions, and at least four round-robin doubles events. The complex consists of three red-clay and three Plexicushion hard courts, and a full-service pro shop with rackets, tennis shoes, logo apparel and accessories.

About The BALSAMS
The BALSAMS is a premier New Hampshire resort hotel, featuring award-winning dining, outdoor wilderness adventures, unique events, endless activities, and fun for the entire family. Our 8,000-acre mountain resort features everything from golfing on a Top 100 ranked, Donald Ross designed course, a Top 25 ranked tennis program, hiking and biking, whitewater rafting, kids' summer camp, private alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more. For more information go to www.thebalsams.com or call 800-255-0600.

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Miss a Moose - Get a Free Stay at The BALSAMS

Guests Who Take The "Moose Safari" on Thursday or Sunday Evenings Between May 21st – June 20th Are Guaranteed to Spot a Moose or Their Next Stay is Free*

Dixville Notch, NH – It’s sometimes said that there are more Moose than people in The Great North Woods of New Hampshire, and The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel is hoping that statement is true because it’s offering a free stay to anyone who doesn’t spot one of the giants.

On Friday, May 21 The BALSAMS opens for its 145th summer season, and to celebrate, the resort has a special offer for guests who participate in its “Moose Safari” adventure. Guests can enjoy a guided tour in search of the region’s biggest, yet sometimes most-elusive residents and if a Moose isn’t spotted on a Thursday or Sunday safari between opening weekend and Sunday, June 20, guests on that tour will stay FREE on their next visit.* (Safaris are also offered on Monday, Tuesday and Saturday evenings but are not eligible for this promotion. Offer is valid for Thursday and Sundays safaris).

“Last summer we only had one night during the entire season when guests didn’t spot at least one Moose on one of our tours,” said Jeff McIver, President and General Manager of The BALSAMS. “So in honor of our 145th season, if a Moose isn’t spotted during a Moose Safari between the Sunday of opening weekend and Sunday, June 20, we will give guests on that tour a complimentary stay, per-room, on their next visit.”

During the popular Moose Safaris, guests enjoy a van or motor coach tour of the scenic North Country, guided by BALSAMS staff, while being treated to facts and trivia about the big Bullwinkles and some of their forest friends.

“The tours are very popular with families and guests of all ages, and it’s not uncommon for a group to spot up to a half-dozen Moose including mothers and their calves,” adds McIver. “We think this is a fun way to treat our guests to a unique wildlife experience, particularly for those who live in larger cities, and if by some rare occurrence they don’t spot a Moose, we’ll give them a free stay so they can try again next time.”

About The BALSAMS
The BALSAMS is a premier New Hampshire resort hotel, featuring award-winning dining, outdoor wilderness adventures, unique events, endless activities, and fun for the entire family. Our 8,000-acre mountain resort features everything from golfing on a Top 100 ranked, Donald Ross designed course, a Top 25 ranked tennis program, hiking and biking, whitewater rafting, kids' summer camp, private alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more. For more information go to www.thebalsams.com or call 800-255-0600.

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* Some restrictions apply. The complimentary stay is only valid on a guest’s next visit and is only valid for guests who participate in/ride in The BALSAMS Moose Safari Tour on select dates. The “free stay” voucher will be for one-night only at the standard rate. This is a per-room offer. The vouchers will be awarded per-room only - individual guests in the same room will not receive separate vouchers for complimentary stays. This offer is only valid on Thursday and Sunday safaris between May 23, 2010 and June 20, 2010 and for one Safari per stay. This offer excludes taxes, gratuities and other standard room/guest fees. (Moose Safari cost is $12 per adult, $5 for children 10 and under. Maximum of 20 people per Safari).

Golfweek Magazine Ranks BALSAMS Course As One of the Best

Resort’s Donald Ross Panorama Golf Course In State’s Top Three You Can Play

Dixville Notch, NH – The Panorama Golf Course at The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel was recently listed by Golfweek Magazine as one of the “Best Courses You Can Play” in its 2010 rankings.
Golfweek named the best public-access courses in each state across the country, and The Panorama Golf Course at The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel ranked as one of the top three courses in New Hampshire.

“I think it’s wonderful that The Panorama Golf Course has been recognized by Golfweek,” says Rick Toland, Director of Golf and Tennis at The BALSAMS. “Our course is certainly fun to play for all abilities. I’m very excited about the upcoming season here at The BALSAMS. We look forward to seeing our longtime guests on the Panorama as well as golfers experiencing it for the first time.”

The Panorama Golf Course is a classic 18-hole course that was designed in 1912 by legendary golf architect Donald Ross. It is aptly named, as it sits high on the western slope of Keazer Mountain and offers spectacular views in all directions, across mountaintops and as far away as Canada and New York.

Crews at The BALSAMS are preparing the Panorama and the Executive nine-hole Coashaukee course for the 145th spring/summer season at the resort. The course is expected to open on Friday, May 21 (depending on the weather the course may open a week earlier).

About The BALSAMS
The BALSAMS is a premier New Hampshire resort hotel, featuring award-winning dining, outdoor wilderness adventures, unique events, endless activities, and fun for the entire family. Our 8,000-acre mountain resort features everything from golfing on a Top 100 ranked, Donald Ross designed course, a Top 25 ranked tennis program, hiking and biking, whitewater rafting, kids' summer camp, private alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more. For more information go to www.thebalsams.com or call 800-255-0600.

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BALSAMS Ahrens Earns Wedding Planning Certification

Karen Ahrens, the wedding coordinator at The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel recently earned a Certificate of Completion of an intensive training course through the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants (ACPWC).

The ACPWC Certification marks the first step on Ahrens’ journey to becoming a Certified Wedding Consultant. She is on track to be the first planner to achieve this status in New England.

Karen who has worked at The BALSAMS for a decade and has been coordinating weddings for four years, went to California in November to attend a weeklong personalized study course in wedding consulting. She is now recognized as “professionally trained” while she works on her next title.

The association has very high standards of excellence, and offers the only professional training and certification program for wedding consultants registered by the U.S. Department of Consumer Affairs. Certification can take two to three years, and currently there are no ACPWC Certified Wedding Consultants in New Hampshire.

She points out that membership with the ACPWC has many advantages, including networking with professionals from all over the world, and gaining insight into current wedding trends.
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task for a bride and groom. There are so many professionals to line up, the right venue to book, and seemingly endless details to consider. Hiring a wedding consultant is increasingly becoming the way to go for many couples these days. The consultant orchestrates the entire process, making sure everyone involved is on the same page and nothing is forgotten.

At The BALSAMS, Ahrens is both an onsite coordinator and wedding consultant combined into one expert professional. She knows the facility inside-out and is the sole contact person for the bride and groom from start to finish. Karen provides the couple with a list of vendors and options to consider, then handles all the details from there. She arranges the accommodations with the hotel, coordinates with the many professionals, and creates a timeline for the wedding. She makes sure everything is in place, from the high-tech PA system in the ballroom, to the music, dinner menu, flowers, decorations, and favors.

On the big day, Karen is there to manage the entire event and keep everything running smoothly and on time. She gets the bridal party to the in-house salon for hair and makeup, arranges for the photographer to be in the right locations, and troubleshoots if anything is out of place. Karen tends to every little task, allowing the bride and groom to relax and be in the moment. She says, “Enjoy your day and let me do the running around. I am here to help you create the day you’ve dreamed of.”

About the BALSAMS
The BALSAMS is a premier New Hampshire resort hotel, featuring award-winning dining, outdoor wilderness adventures, unique events, endless activities, and fun for the entire family. Our 8,000-acre mountain resort features everything from golfing on a Top 100 ranked, Donald Ross designed course, a Top 25 ranked tennis program, hiking and biking, whitewater rafting, kids' summer camp, private alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more. For more information go to www.thebalsams.com or call 800-255-0600.

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Drink Recipe - Lemoncello

Lemoncello (lemon-chello also known as Limoncello) is an Italian liqueur mainly produced in southern Italy, around the Gulf of Naples. The BALSAMS Executive Chef, Josh Berry studied in Italy and other parts of Europe after graduating from our Culinary Apprenticeship Program. The Sorrentine Peninsula and the coast of Amalfi are arguably the best producers of Lemoncello in Italy.

Traditionally, it is made from Sorrento lemons that are picked in the spring, peeled and mixed with sugar, grappa, vodka, or some type of clear flavorless alcohol. The liqueur is served ice cold (traditionally in small ceramic glasses) and presented as a digestivo or after dinner drink. With the popularity of Lemoncello growing you will find it also mixed with other liqueurs in specialty drinks.

20 each        lemons rinsed with hot water and cleaned
750ml            bottle of grappa, vodka, or other clear, flavorless alcohol.
¾ cup            sugar
¾ cup            water

Method:
Zest the lemons (or remove just the yellow outer layer of the skin. Do not remove the pith, the white layer under the yellow layer which is very bitter). Pour the bottle of alcohol into a glass container that is big enough to also hold all of the lemon zest. Let the bottle sit at room temperature for 30 days. Once the 30 days are up strain out the zest. Mix the sugar and water together and heat until the sugar dissolves. Pour the sugar/water mixture into the alcohol, cork and chill ice cold.

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