Oct. 15, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Tony O’Leary
304-558-2288, ext. 318
toleary@callwva.com

Arnout Hyde Jr. receives tourism Lifetime Achievement Award
Parry Petroplus of Morgantown named Tourism Professional of the Year

WALKERSVILLE – Arnout Hyde Jr., who has brought West Virginia to life for more than four decades through his well-known photography and publications, including Wonderful West Virginia magazine, received the Oshel Craigo Lifetime Achievement Award during the West Virginia Governor’s Conference on Tourism at Stonewall Resort.

Hyde established the Wonderful West Virginia magazine in 1968 with the mission of using the magazine to promote the state’s natural beauty, resources and heritage. Hyde has dedicated his talents to more than 500 issues of Wonderful West Virginia magazine while publishing five pictorial books, several calendars and a series of note cards, all featuring his stunning photos of West Virginia.

“Arnout Hyde’s images truly represent the best photos of West Virginia,” said Betty Carver, commissioner of the Bureau of Commerce. ”No one captures the spirit and the beauty of this state through a lens as well as Arnout.”

The award is the highest honor given by the West Virginia Tourism Commission and honors individuals whose support for the tourism industry over many years has helped the industry to grow and establish itself as an important economic development tool for West Virginia. Persons nominated for this award must demonstrate continued and long-term leadership, benevolence or contributions to the growth and success of the entire state’s tourism industry.

Parry Petroplus of Morgantown was named Tourism Professional of the Year. Petroplus is one of the leaders behind the extensive development of Morgantown’s Wharf District which has experienced a stunning revitalization in recent years. The award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution that enriches West Virginia’s tourism industry through outstanding job performance, leadership in the tourism industry or development and improvement of tourism facilities and activities.

The awards are part of Stars of the Industry program that each year recognizes the best in West Virginia tourism promotion, growth and media coverage. Additional Stars of the Industry categories and first place winners were announced this afternoon.

Previous winners, descriptions of award criteria and requirements are available at http://www.callwvanews.com/media_awards.html.

INDUSTRY AWARDS

The Mountaineer Award – The Midland Trail Scenic Highway Association

The Spirit of West Virginia Award – Mountain State Railroading and Historical Association

The Mountain State Award – Snowshoe Mountain Resort

West Virginia Community Tourism Development Award – Main Street Point Pleasant

Tourism Person of the Year – Parry Petroplus

Oshel Craigo Lifetime Achievement Award - Arnout Hyde, Jr.

MEDIA AWARDS – EDITORIAL

Best Print Article
1. Mark Sundeen: “If It’s September, This Must Be Gauley-Palooza" National Geographic Adventure
2. Louis Mahoney: “Bottle’s Up” Richmond Times-Dispatch
3. Deborah R. Huso: “Bliss for 78 Miles” Roanoker Magazine
Honorable Mention: JoAnn C. Elmer: “Travelers Find Answers at Welcome Centers” The State Journal

Best Print Photography or Layout
1. Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau: “Traveling Pocahontas County.” Photos by Stephen J. Shaluta
2. Huntington Quarterly Magazine: “99 Things Every West Virginian Should Do.” Photos by David Fatalleh
3. State Journal Editorial staff: “Summer in West Virginia.”
Honorable Mention: Mike Keller and Mark Wolfe: “Graffiti – Nov. 2003 Cover.”

Best Web/Internet/E-Magazine Writing
1. None awarded
2. John Sherwood: “The Perfect Storm" DCSki.com
3. None awarded
Honorable mention: Joe Fulton: “Millionaire Playboy Visits The Toy & Train Museum” Millionaireplayboy.com

Best Broadcast
1. Chris Lawrence on West Virginia MetroNews: “One Husky Muskie” West Virginia MetroNews
2. Jill Cordes: “The Best of . . . Sizzling Steaks” The Food Network
3. CBS 59, WVNS: “Southern West Virginia Tourism Spotlights” WVNS-TV
Honorable mention: Brad Rice: “Traveling West Virginia – Pocahontas County” WCHS-TV8

 

MEDIA AWARDS – ADVERTISING

Best Print Advertising
1. Steve Blackwell: “Valassis 2004 Spring Insert” for Pocahontas County CVB
2. Terry McClusky and Bob Lazor, Smith Brothers Advertising: “Flash” for Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center on Lamar Outdoor Pittsburgh
3. Aaron Kenstler: “WV Travel Guide Ad for Midland Trail Scenic Highway Association”
Honorable Mention: John Luckton Agency: “Greenbrier County Weekend Ad” for Greenbrier County CVB

Best Broadcast Advertising
1. Cathy Bowen and Bob Lazor, Smith Brothers Advertising: “Love Machine” for Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center
2. Terry McClusky, Smith Brothers Advertising: “Profile” for Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center
3. Cathy Bowen and Bob Lazor, Smith Brothers Advertising: “Picnic” for Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center
Honorable Mention: Terry McClusky, Smith Brothers Advertising: “New Relationship” for Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center

Best Collateral Piece
1. Tamara Pettit: “Media Guide for Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort”
2. Jeanne Mozier: “Walking Tour of Berkeley Springs”
3. Steve Blackwell Designs: “Outdoor Recreation in Pocahontas County” for Pocahontas County CVB
Honorable Mention: Steve Blackwell: “Pocahontas County Coloring Book” and John Luckton Agency: “Greenbrier County Visitors Guide” for Greenbrier County CVB

Best Web Site
1. CityNet: “Hatfield McCoy Trails," www.trailsheaven.com
2. Spherical: “City of Charleston Online," www.cityofcharleston.org
3. Spherical: “Charleston Civic Center," www.charlestonwvciviccenter.com

Best Overall Advertising Campaign
1. Cathy Bowen and Bob Lazor, Smith Brothers Advertising: “The Better Bet” for Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center
2. West Virginia State Parks: “Cass Scenic Railroad” new spring schedule

The Media Awards were judged by Dr. Larry Lain and staff at the University of Dayton journalism school and the Industry Awards were judged by the Ohio Division of Tourism and Travel.

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