2012 Lifetime Achievement Award in Recreation and Tourism Presented to Mike Shirley

5/10/2012
2012 Lifetime Achievement Award in Recreation and Tourism Presented to Mike Shirley
Numerous Awards Presented at Closing Lunch for the 25th Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism  

COEUR ‘d ALENE, Idaho—May 10, 2012—At the closing luncheon for the Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism, Mike Shirley was presented the 2012 Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Recreation and Tourism.  

Shirley, who recently retired as the president and general manager of Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, is a legend in the ski industry for making the resort an affordable, family-friendly travel destination.  In his 21-year history with Bogus Basin, Shirley developed innovative marketing strategies including the Passport Learn to Ski or Ride program and the Affordable Equipment Lease program, along with a popular season pass program that has been a model for other ski resorts throughout the state and nation.  Shirley was instrumental in bringing the joy of skiing, snowboarding and tubing to so many by ensuring outdoor recreation is affordable and accessible to all Idahoans and visitors from outside the state.  

“Mike’s efforts as an innovator in shaping and defining winter recreation in the Treasure Valley and beyond has been revolutionary,” said Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter.  “What Mike accomplished while at Bogus Basin is a remarkable testament to his creativity and business sense.”  

The Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Recreation and Tourism is awarded to an organization and/or individual that has made a significant contribution to developing, managing or conserving Idaho’s recreation resources, or developing, managing or promoting tourism in Idaho.  

During the luncheon, Silverwood Theme Park was also inducted into Idaho’s Hall of Fame by Director Freeman Duncan.  Idaho’s Hall of Fame honors an organization or business that demonstrates a culture of investing in the people of Idaho.  With a rich 25-year history of providing family entertainment, Silverwood is the largest theme and waterpark in the Northwest with more than 65 rides, slides, shows and attractions.  

AAA awarded three Idaho properties with Four Diamond awards – Coeur d’Alene Resort, Sun Valley Lodge and Inn and the Grove Hotel (Boise).  Beverly’s, located in the Coeur d’Alene Resort, also received a Four Diamond award in the restaurant category.  

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Idaho—Adventures in Living  
Idaho is home to thousands of miles of biking trails, mountains to climb, lakes to fish, 18 ski resorts and more whitewater than any other state in the lower 48.  So take a break from it all and come out to play. Idaho—adventures in living. Visit www.visitidaho.org for more information and vacation ideas.

Contact: Laurie McConnell Division of Tourism
(208) 334-2470 ext. 2144
laurie.mcconnell@tourism.idaho.gov

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