Carlson Recognizes Nine Employees With Highest Honor

MINNEAPOLIS, May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Carlson, a global hospitality and travel company, has honored nine employees for outstanding career achievement with its 2010 Carlson Fellows awards.

The award was established in 1988 during Carlson's 50th anniversary, where 31 active and retired employees became the first members inducted into the Carlson Hall of Fame. They were recognized for their outstanding contributions and commitment to Carlson during its first 50 years of operation.

The tradition continues today. Since 1988, 232 Carlson employees have received the award named in honor of Carlson founder Curtis L. Carlson. The award is a bronze, small-scale model of a life-size sculpture of Carlson displayed in the company's corporate headquarters. The replicas were created for Carlson by J. Paul Nesse, a world-famous sculptor.

"This award is especially meaningful as it recognizes those who have produced great results for the company, shown true leadership and dedication, and exemplified our values over their careers," said Hubert Joly, president and CEO.

The 2010 Carlson Fellows Award winners are:

Manohar Lal "M.L." Bhattacharya, vice president, Technical Services, Carlson Hotels, Asia Pacific; Paul Boyle, general manager,  Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Hong Kong; Chris Brosnahan, vice president, Worldwide Reservations Services, Carlson Hotels; Joe Causse, director of operations, Carlson Restaurants; Linda Creighton, vice president Global Pricing & Client Finance, Carlson Wagonlit Travel; Deb Henry, senior director, Accounting, Carlson; Bob Letto, senior director, Tax, Carlson; Ricky Richardson, executive vice president & chief concept officer, Carlson Restaurants; and Finn Schulz, senior vice president, Technical Services, The Rezidor Hotel Group.

About Carlson

Carlson is a global hospitality and travel company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. Carlson encompasses more than 1,070 hotels, including Radisson®, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM), Park Inn by Radisson and Park Plaza®; more than 900 T.G.I. Friday's® restaurants; and a majority stake in Carlson Wagonlit Travel®, the global leader in business travel management. Carlson operates in more than 150 countries and its brands employ about 170,000 people.  http://www.carlson.com

SOURCE Carlson