WAITSFIELD — Participants at the first meeting of a new Vermont innkeeper association are hoping for a bigger voice in state policy.

Don Huber of the Sinclair Inn in Jericho says without such an organization, the inns haven’t been able to lobby effectively. He said they’ve had no input into the state lodging tax or tourism operations.

The Vermont Inn and Bed and Breakfast Association currently has about 75 members.

Vermont Public Radio reported that the first meeting was held recently at the Inn At the Round Barn in Waitsfield.