Lookout Pass receives 'family friendly' designation

Lookout Pass is the "Favorite Family-Friendly Resort" in the Pacific Northwest, according to OnTheSnow.com.

The voting in January gave the ski resort strong reviews. The resort with the top average score (on a scale of 1 to 5) in each category, and a minimum number of entries, receives the award. Visitors then ranked them in five categories: Overall Favorite, Best Nightlife, Most Family-Friendly, Best Downhill Terrain, and Best Terrain Park.

Comments on Lookout included, "Lookout continues to be renowned as the family-friendly mountain. It's a great mountain for families," and "The primo family friendly ski area. I love it!"

Lookout Pass is on the Idaho/Montana border.

Avista releases philanthropic report

Avista has launched its first annual report on the company's philanthropic activities. The online report, "Avista Cares - 2010 Philanthropy Report," provides an overview of charitable donations made to nonprofit organizations in its service territory as of Dec. 31. Funding for these contributions comes from company profits or endowed funds through the Avista Foundation and is not paid for by customers.

"We are very pleased to make this information available in a format that brings a year's worth of activity together into one place," said Dennis Vermillion, president of Avista Utilities. "In 2010, we gave more than $2 million through donations and grants to nonprofits in the communities we serve."

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