Mill Falls’ Gail Batstone Named Board President to Two Industry Organizations

Gail Batstone, General Manager at The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls

When the general manager of this lakeside NH resort isn’t busy keeping everything in order to make sure guests are having the best possible vacation experience in the area, she is rolling up her sleeves at two different tourism associations to help other businesses in the Lakes Region—as well as New England—bring visitors to this diverse and beautiful part of the world.

After many years of dedicated service, Gail Batstone, General Manager at The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls, has recently been elevated to Board President for the Lakes Region Tourism Association. She will also officially serve as President of the New England Inns & Resorts Association beginning in October of 2012.

Gail has served on the board of The Lakes Region Tourism Association (LRA) for eight years, and has been active with the organization for the past 20 years. Since beginning work for the Inns & Spa at Mill Falls over 14 years ago, she has also been active with the New England Inns & Resorts Association (NEIRA) and has served on the board for the five years, working through the executive committee ranks while serving as State President for the past four.

“She rose right to the top as a leader type of person,” says NEIRA CEO Beth Steucek, who sensed her leadership qualities early on. “She’s been a real asset to the association in bringing things to the table and also networking amongst other members . . . she brings to the table a good ability to share what’s been successful at [the Mill Falls] property so that other people can learn from example . . . and the ability to really make memorable moments.” Beth says Gail once made a memorable presentation at a meeting—since it was around Halloween, she came to the front dressed up in a costume. “She’s fun to work with!”

Gail brings this essence of fun to her work with both organizations. Her ability to create “memorable moments” comes in handy in her efforts with fundraising and sponsorships, as well as motivating and engaging other board members. “Though the associations are slightly different in scope,” Gail explains, “there are many similarities which provide me with a broad approach to projects. Both are destination-marketing organizations. Both organizations are not-for-profit. Both excel at building relationships and partnerships, resulting in memorable experiences for our guests.”  She also brings a keen sense of the modern business climate to both groups. “Keeping up with current trends in our virtual world is of the utmost importance to ensure we are marketing our agencies successfully for our members,” she says.

“We are very proud of Gail’s leadership not only here at the Mill Falls property, but also among her peers within the industry,” said Rusty McLear, owner of the Inns & Spa at Mill Falls. “She is a true professional, committed to excellence and quality in all that she undertakes. I am confident she will help lead the Lakes Region Tourism Association with the same dedication she brings to all her responsibilities.”

Says Gail about her experience serving with both groups, “The education that my fellow members have provided me with over the years can’t be studied or obtained through class work. It’s great to listen, learn, and feel comfortable sharing information with other industry professionals. I treasure the personal and professional relationships I have made through both organizations.”

Beth sums up Gail’s invaluable role as a leader, mentor, and vital link to others in the industry by saying, “I think people really count on her, especially because the owner Rusty is just a visionary—he’s certainly in business, but he’s also very community minded—and for that the community likes having him . . . and Gail reinforces that visionary effort.

Carrie Reed
Mill Falls Blogging Team