All the recipients of these awards were beyond deserving and they each expressed a similar idea: If you're doing what you love, it's not work at all.

Idaho Division of Tourism Development Lifetime Achievement Awards

Sun Valley icons Earl & Carol Holding and Sun Valley Resort Development Director Wally Huffman were honored with lifetime achievement awards from the Idaho Division of Tourism Development. Divison of Tourism Administrator Karen Ballard praised the unending generosity of the Holdings and their lifelong efforts to protect the beauty of Sun Valley, while still moving the Resort into the modern era. Karen also shared her deep respect for Wally Huffman for his tireless dedication to and steadfast promotion of Sun Valley and Idaho. But as Wally says:

"You know, It's not work. It's coming to a place every day and having the joy of doing what you love."

- Watch the Lifetime Achievement Awards Ceremony (See Attached Video)

The 2009 Wood River Valley Community Awards

The 2009 Wood River Community Awards, held annually by the Sun Valley/Ketchum CVB & the Hailey Chamber, recognize individuals, organizations and businesses that have made significant, positive contributions to the community. This year's honorees and speakers included:

- Dakota Barnes (Youth Citizen of the Year)

- Kim Coonis (Service Individual of the Year)

- Elizabeth Jeffery (Environmental Advocate of the Year)

- Company of Fools (Arts Advocate of the Year)

- Blaine County Hunger Coalition (Non-Profit of the Year)

- Webb Landscaping (Business of the Year)

The Awards Ceremony was held Friday, May 8th at the Elkhorn Springs Restaurant.

- The 2009 Wood River Community Awards Ceremony (Watch Video)

2009 Idaho Press Association Awards

If we may toot our own horn for a moment, Plum Sun Valley is enthusiastic to announce that we picked up seven awards at the 2009 Idaho Press Association Awards. Congratulations Justin, Greg & Whitney!

Documentary: 1st Place - Greg Schaefer, Whitney McNees - Castle Rock Fire Revisited (Watch Video)

Sports News Story: 1st Place - Justin Ross – 48 Straight: Half Pipe (Watch Video)

2nd Place - Greg Schaefer – 48 Straight: Board Cross (Watch Video)

Environment Report: 1st Place - Whitney McNees – Carole King: Women with a Cause (Watch Video)

Videography: 2nd Place - Justin Ross –  Sunrise to Sunset: Will Burks (Watch Video)

Rookie of the Year: 1st Place - Greg Schaefer

Serious Feature Report: 1st Place - Greg Schaefer – Wounded Warriors: Water Sports (Watch Video)

Congratulations to all the winners. You certainly deserved it!