Avista announces

$400 million line of credit

Avista Corp. announced that it has entered into a $400 million four-year committed line of credit, replacing the $320 million and $75 million committed line of credit agreements that were scheduled to expire on April 5.

The new line of credit expires on Feb. 11, 2015. The banks included in the new line of credit are Union Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent and an Issuing Bank, Wells Fargo Bank

National Association as Syndication Agent and an Issuing Bank, and The Bank of New York Mellon, Keybank National Association and U.S. Bank National Association as Co-Documentation Agents and other lenders.

"We are extremely pleased to be able to renew our credit facility for a four-year time period. It reinforces the financial health of the company and the strong relationship we have with our banking partners," said Mark Thies, Avista Corp., senior vice president and chief financial officer. "The renewed credit facility will provide continued financial flexibility needed as we fund significant investments in maintaining and enhancing our energy delivery systems to continue providing safe, reliable service to our customers."

Nominees sought for Take Pride in Idaho Awards

The Idaho Department of Tourism is seeking nominees for the Take Pride in Idaho Awards.

Each year, Idahoans throughout the state are recognized for efforts to promote, preserve or restore Idaho's tourism and recreation resources through the Take Pride in Idaho Awards.

The awards will be presented at the Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism, taking place May 3-5 at the Red Lion, Lewiston.

Nominees for the 2011 awards are currently being sought for the following categories:

Outstanding individual achievement in recreation and tourism. The awards are made for efforts to develop, manage, preserve, promote and protect Idaho's tourism and recreation resources.

The outstanding tourism community award recognizes a community devoted to the sustainability, growth and development of travel and tourism.

The governor's outstanding tourism event highlights an event that brings national exposure to Idaho.

The outstanding cultural tourism award is presented in recognition of the project or event that best showcases Idaho's cultural tourism offerings.

The outstanding visitor center award rewards the Idaho visitor center that has distinguished itself by its outstanding service to travelers.

The Idaho media award recognizes the works of an Idaho newspaper, magazine, radio, TV station or freelance writer to promote Idaho's tourism and recreation opportunities.

And the outstanding historic preservation award has been incorporated into Preservation Idaho's Orchids and Onions Awards. Information: www.preservationidaho.org/programs/orchids-onions

The Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism is an annual event sponsored by a consortium of state and federal agencies to provide an industry forum for public, private, and nonprofit travel professionals throughout the state.

Nominations for the Take Pride in Idaho Awards will be accepted until April 4.

Contact: ReNea Nelson at (208) 334-2470, or renea.nelson@tourism.idaho.gov, or visit the Idaho Department of Commerce website to download a nomination form.

If you have a new, relocated or expanded business, or announcement of events, promotions or awards, The Press wants to let our readers know. The service is free and items run Tuesday through Saturday. To get the word on the street on your movers and shakers, call city editor Bill Buley at 664-8176 Ext. 2016 or e-mail bbuley@cdapress.com.