ance supervises the Unemployment Insurance Pro-
gram carried out by local offices (Code 1957, Art.
95A). The Office collects contributions from em-
ployers covered by the Law, collects quarterly wage
information on covered employees, determines
weekly benefits and eligibility in accordance with
this wage information, and issues benefit checks to
eligible claimants. It reviews benefit payments to
determine if any were improperly made, recovers
improper payments, and pays benefits to individu-
als who formerly worked in Maryland but now
reside in other states. As provided by reciprocal
interstate agreement, the Office also collects Mary-
land residents' claims against employers in other
states.
Using an experience rating system, the Unem-
ployment Insurance Law allows a reduced contri-
bution rate for employers who maintain steady
employment. All funds collected under the Law are
deposited with the U.S. Treasury for the credit of
the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund of Mary-
land and may be used only to pay benefits.

BENEFITS & SPECIAL PROGRAMS SECTION
Allan H. Berman, Director
(410) 333-5309

The Benefits and Special Programs Section de-
termines claimants' eligibility for unemployment
insurance benefits. The Section administers the tak-
ing and processing of claims, adjudication of ineli-
gible claims, and fraud detection and prosecution.
The Section also oversees interstate combined wage
and federal unemployment benefit programs.

CONTRIBUTIONS SECTION
Dennis C. Morton, Chief
(410) 333-5317

The Contributions Section establishes employer
tax accounts and assigns rates, charges benefits, and
collects taxes on each account. The Section also
collects all delinquent accounts and maintains the
Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.

LOWER APPEALS SECTION
Gary Weidel, Administrator
(410) 333-5040

The Lower Appeals Section determines claim-
ants' eligibility for unemployment insurance bene-
fits. Following administrative review, the Section
hears cases that have been appealed by claimants
and employers.

DIVISION OF TOURISM &
PROMOTION

R. Dean Kenderdine, Assistant Secretary

217 East Redwood St.
Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 333-6611

The Division of Tourism and Promotion began in
1948 as the Department of Information, a division of
the Hall of Records Commission. The Department
became an independent agency in 1949. In 1959, it
was reorganized as the Tourist Development and
Publicity Division within the Department of Eco-
nomic Development. When the Department of Eco-
nomic and Community Development was formed,
the Division was renamed the Tourism Division in
1970, the Division of Tourist Development by 1973,
and the Tourist Development Office by 1981. By
1989, the Office was reorganized as part of the Divi-
sion of Tourism and Promotion.
The Division of Tourism and Promotion is com-
posed of the Office of Tourism Development and
the Maryland State Arts Council. Through these
programs, the Division promotes Maryland's qual-
ity of life through advertising, and sponsoring pub-
lications and events. The Division also supports the
arts and the production of films in Maryland.
The Office of Tourism Development promotes
Maryland as a travel destination to stimulate the
economy by the expenditures of domestic and in-
ternational tourists. Through the Maryland State
Arts Council, 127 arts organizations receive oper-
ating grants which support performances and exhi-
bitions and the work of artists throughout the State.
The Maryland Film Commission works to provide
locations and facilities throughout the State for
feature films, television programs, and commercials.

OFFICE OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
George E. Williams, Director

217 East Redwood St.
Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 333-6611

Tourism is a major industry in Maryland. During
1990, tourism brought the State more than $7.3
billion in expenditures, created approximately
73,900 jobs, and generated nearly $315 million in
State and local tax revenue. Showcasing Maryland's
unique recreational, historical, and cultural attrac-
tions is the responsibility of the Office of Tourism
Development.
The Office publicizes major events and notifies
travel agents, tour operators, writers, and the Mary-
land travel industry about new attractions, services,
and facilities.
Tourism publications inform the traveling public
of Maryland's tourist attractions, accommodations,
historic sites. State parks, camping facilities, and
recreational opportunities. Updated annually, these