Monthly
NOVEMBER 2014 | Responsible Business Action Month Report
Volume 1 | ISSUE 1
Hotels Build a Brighter Future Carlson’s dedication to Responsible Business page 3
Responsible Business Now! Five easy ways for hotels to get more involved page 6
Blends With Benefits Hotels can feel good about offering coffee that matters page 7
02 | Responsible Business Action Month
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Celebrating Commitment Responsible business is at the core of all we do.
By Trudy Rautio President and Chief Executive Officer, Carlson
taking care of people, community and the environment. We take this seriously, and we stand as a leader in this area within our industry. • Carlson Wagonlit Travel established a Carbon Management Project to reduce the environmental impact of its activities, and to enable customers to better evaluate, manage and reduce the impact of their business travel. • Carlson was one of the first global hospitality and travel companies to sign the United Nations Global Compact, which encourages businesses to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies. • Carlson has been recognized by the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism (The Code) as a top member for 2014 for successfully completing all six criteria of The Code within their own business operations.
TOGETHER WE CAN
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aring Spirit. Service Heart. Lasting Legacy. Those words represent the heart and soul of CarlsonSM. Each September, we demonstrate these traits by giving back to our guests, our colleagues and our communities during Responsible Business Action Month. It’s our time to make an extra effort to take action—to volunteer, share with others and give of ourselves. Responsible Business Action Month, however, is just one part of our overall responsible business strategy. To us, responsible business means
Growing Momentum Across the world, our hotels made an impact.
By David Berg Chief Operating Officer, Carlson
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arlson Rezidor Hotel Group is proud to have a legacy of leadership in responsible business. You can read about many of the ways that hotels have contributed during Responsible Business Action Month in this issue of Hotline Monthly. See projects that hotels launched to benefit charities and other organizations on page 4. Take a look at how hotels raised funds alongside guests with unique initiatives like the Radisson brand’s Spread The Love program on page 9. And the many stories in this issue represent just a small sample of activities around the world.
When people think of Carlson, I want them to think of us as a good corporate citizen. So throughout the year I encourage each of you, around the world, to get involved and think of ways that you can take action. You may think your role is small, but imagine the child receiving a backpack full of needed school supplies, the young woman who has a safe shelter or the carbon offset gained by planting even one tree. Each of you is vital to our success, and no role is small. All of us, working together, can create real change for good in our world.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION Tens of thousands of Carlson employees around the world take part in Responsible Business Action Month. It’s a time to reflect on the importance of upholding the highest principles in everything we do and give back to the communities in which we do business. In addition to our regular jobs, we clean up neighborhoods, feed the hungry and launch health and wellness initiatives. We fight sex trafficking and build homes for the deserving. We recycle and show our environmental consciousness. And our brands reflect the commitment of our people: • Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM was the first upper midscale hotel brand to introduce non-disposable dinnerware to its breakfast program. • Radisson® was the first hotel brand in the U.S. to introduce linens made from a fabric that uses 100 times less water than cotton to manufacture. • Club CarlsonSM was the first hotel loyalty program to implement a global carbon offsetting initiative, offsetting the estimated carbon footprint for all Club Carlson for Planners events worldwide. Great businesses work not just for the bottom line, but also for a better future for people and for our planet.
RAISING AWARENESS For more than 10 years, Carlson Rezidor hotels have dedicated an entire month to taking action in their communities by organizing social and environmental service activities.
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GIVING BACK
30 Days of Caring Responsible Business Action Month celebrates Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s collective commitment to making an impact.
6,000 40 + 400 Gallons Water
Gallons Detergent
Hotels Eco-labeled
Interview with Brenda Schultz Director, Responsible Business, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
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ach September, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group calls on hotels to share their caring spirit and service hearts during Responsible Business Action Month. Why is responsible business so important? Hotline spoke with Brenda Schultz, director, Responsible Business, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. Q: Why devote an entire month to responsible business? A: For Carlson Rezidor, responsible business is a year-round effort, but because we feel so strongly about it, every September, we urge employees to make an extra effort to get involved and spread the word. When we can say that more than 1,000 hotels around the globe spent the month making an impact on their communities and lessening their effect on our environment, we really have something to share with the world. Q: Why is responsible business so important to Carlson Rezidor? A: Not only does it bolster our image and reputation in the community, but it’s also good for our bottom line. Customers are asking for it. Our employees and new hires are asking for it. Our corporate partners are asking for it. And it’s becoming a standard on company requests for proposal (RFPs), so it’s also a sales tool. Q: How can responsible business play a role in delivering results? A: It makes good business sense. One great example is our linen and towel reuse program, which has a positive effect on the environment and operational budgets. At a 150-room property, for instance, a hotel can save 6,000 gallons of water and 40 gallons of detergent a month. These programs also reduce wear-and-tear on linens and towels. Q: Are there some good examples of hotels that are doing it right? A: Absolutely! Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago is LEED certified and leading the way in environmental responsibility. The LEED rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. In fact, more than 400 Carlson Rezidor hotels have earned eco-labels from recognized third-party organizations. Q: Does responsible business drive employee engagement? A: Yes, because they want to work for a company that is giving back to the community. I especially see this with the Millennials. New hires and the best and brightest minds coming out of colleges have grown up with responsible business, and they have a choice of what companies to work for—and they want to work for a responsible company.
04 | Responsible Business Action Month
FROM THE FIELD
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Keeping things in the pink
Hotels around the world showed their caring spirit during Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s annual celebration of giving back to the community. Here are just 10 examples.
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Sustainable shade in the desert PHOENIX, ARIZONA The team at the Radisson Phoenix Airport participated in an event to provide desert shade trees in the community. A team of eight employees volunteered their Saturday morning to distribute the trees to event attendees. “The final count of shade trees given to the community was right around 1,500,” says Cayce Peterson, executive housekeeper. “As part of Responsible Business Action Month, our hotel was proud to help and to show our community what we are all about.”
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RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS IN ACTION
Providing victims of abuse with a safe haven SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
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This Radisson Blu is happy to show its green side MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA Radisson Blu Mall of America continued an extensive recycling effort launched in the June. The goal was to recycle as many plastic bottles as possible. The team is already well above 30,000 bottles to date, reports General Manager Harry Gorstayn.
PITCHING IN Clockwise, from above: A Radisson Phoenix Airport tree delivery; Radisson Seattle Airport employees; General Manager Harry Gorstayn with bottles collected at Radisson Blu Mall of America.
The Radisson Hotel Seattle Airport volunteered for an organization that provides sex-trafficking victims with food, clothing and safe shelter. The team helped by painting, cleaning, and donating food and other supplies, says General Manager Sanjay Mahajan.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN The staff of the Radisson Hotel Milwaukee North Shore brought attention to Susan G. Komen, a charity devoted to ending breast cancer, by wearing pink, says Tracy Arman, director of the Rooms Division. The hotel also encouraged guests and employees to donate.
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Hoteliers build a dream from the ground up QUITO, ECUADOR The Radisson Royal Quito Hotel continued its campaign to raise funds for a new building at Father Oscar Romero’s child care facility and soup kitchen, a charitable organization that serves more than 70 underprivileged children. Thanks to support from guests, friends and institutions—and a variety of activities that employees launched to get funding for the site—the hotel raised $23,000 and the 1,150-square-foot building is nearly complete. The project will leave a lasting legacy for many deserving youngsters.
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GETTING INVOLVED Clockwise, from right: Radisson Hotel Flamingo employees’ icy endeavor; Tesla charging station; carrots for a cause.
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Country location becomes a hotbed for green speed BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
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Employees do the heavy lifting to feed the hungry SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA A team from the Country Inn & Suites Sunnyvale, California, spent a day at a food bank packing carrots. “By the end of the day, we had packed 1 ton,” says John Holmes, front office manager. The team included Housekeeping Manager Maria Alvarado, Sales Manager Emily Figueroa, Executive Meeting Manager Brenda Paniagua and Banquet Captain Tuyet Nguyen.
The Country Inn & Suites, Barstow, California, is sharing in a growing motorcar movement by donating land for eight Tesla electric vehicle charging stations. “Since we are right on the highway leading to Las Vegas, we are a very popular stop,” says General Manager Alison Cooper. As the Country Inn & Suites location grew to one of Tesla’s busiest, the company commended the hotel for its professional and friendly staff.
LIVING OUR VALUES
Having fun and helping others ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY
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Taking on a chilly challenge LATIN AMERICA Several hotels in the Latin American Region, as well as some Regional Offices, took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. The hotels included the Radisson Concepcion, Petra La Dehesa, Santiago, Iquique, Royal Quito, Antofagasta, Royal Bogota, San Jose, Cartagena and Hotel Flamingos Mexico.
Employees at the Country Inn & Suites, Newark Airport, New Jersey, launched an ALS Icebucket Challenge to raise money that was matched by the hotel’s owners. “My team got together for Responsible Business Action Month and a great cause,” says Lisa Podlinski, general manager.
��. Radisson hotel finds a new way to recycle
MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE The Radisson Hotel Manchester Downtown held a raffle that included hotel rooms and services at its spa, raising $6,000 for Easter Seals. The hotel also held a “yard sale” where employees could use award points they had earned to purchase used furnishings. “Rather than going the traditional route of selling goods to salvage, we held a sale for team members,” says Ray Bewsher, director, Human Resources. “We had a beautiful day with a cookout and a lot of fun.”
BRENDA SCHULTZ director, Responsible Business, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group “By conducting ourselves according to our values, we get great satisfaction while giving our guests and customers the assurance that they’ve chosen the right partner with whom to do business. That’s Responsible Business at Carlson.”
06 | Responsible Business Action Month
FORCE FOR GOOD
Take Action Today Being a responsible business is both an obligation and an opportunity. You can start taking practical steps on your journey right now.
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ocial, ethical and environmental responsibility are much more than buzz words—they are fast becoming an expectation of our employees, customers, communities and government. Are you looking to get more involved? Here are five simple ways to start. 1. Spread the Word. Familiarize yourself with Carlson Rezidor and brand-specific Responsible Business initiatives you can share with potential customers. Every brand has a number of programs. 2. Respond to RFPs. Corporate customers are seeking to become aware of the environmental and social impact of their purchases; however, the request for proposal (RFP) process used by clients often contains a complex and growing range of responsible business questions. The Carlson.com Responsible Business pages can assist in quickly and efficiently finding the answers to a wide range of possible Responsible Business questions on different topics. 3. Become third-party “green” certified. External confirmation of environmental performance is critical as it ensures the communication of your achievements is fully transparent and credible. It’s no wonder that more than 400 Carlson Rezidor hotels have already earned eco-labels from recognized third-party organizations. To assist, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Americas has partnered with Green Key Global, which uses a comprehensive 160-question audit covering a broad area of operational areas and sustainable practices. Based on the results, a hotel receives a ranking of one to five keys and receives a customized report with an action plan to achieve the next level of sustainability. Green Key Global’s random, on-site verification inspections of audit results mitigates the risk of score inflation. In addition, Carlson Rezidor hotels will receive the discounted annual rate of $450 when using the promotional code CARL726, a savings of $150. 4. Reduce waste. Save lives by recycling soap and amenities with Clean the World. Carlson Rezidor has partnered with this global non-profit organization to assist its hotels in recycling used bars of soap and amenities to help put life-saving hygiene products in the hands of those who need them most. To date, Carlson Rezidor hotels have donated 68,486 pounds of soap and 36,166 pounds of bottled amenities. These amounts are the equivalent of 365,249 bars of recycled soap distributed to those in need and approximately 104,652 pounds of waste diverted from landfills.
The company offers hotels in the United States and Canada reduced program participation fees in this life-saving program. Hotels can go to http://cleantheworld.org/carlson_code_page.asp and enter unique access code “carlson2011” to sign up and receive the Carlson Rezidor discount. 5. Stay involved. Give back to the community that sustains your business. Although September is Carlson Rezidor’s Responsible Business Action Month, Responsible Business activities at any time of the year provide an opportunity to get your guests involved, get your suppliers onboard, build a positive reputation in the community, boost employee morale and, most importantly, offer a sense of satisfaction knowing you have contributed to the greater good!
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RESPONSIBLE SOURCING
Left to right: Examining beans; Marie Vu, category leader, Strategic Sourcing, Americas, Carlson Rezidor, with Los Andes student Carmencita Coy Castro.
Coffee for a Cause Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s close partnerships with sustainable suppliers ensure that guests know their favorite morning beverage is produced with care.
By Deborah M. Bernstein Director, Corporate Communications, Carlson
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he next time you reach for a cup of in-room coffee at one of Carlson Rezidor’s Radisson® hotels, smile. You’ve helped advance a cause, one that was celebrated during annual Responsible Business Action Month. The Radisson brand’s coffee pods are sourced from BD Imports, a staunch supporter of social responsibility. The company imports its unroasted green coffee from sustainable sources in coffee-producing countries and is fully engaged in the fight to eradicate poverty and hunger through its commitment to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, the principles of the UN Global Compact and the work of the International Women’s Coffee Alliance. Their newest supplier of green coffee comes from Los Andes Farm in Guatemala, a true advocate for fighting poverty.
THE PERFECT BLEND “At the request of Radisson, the coffee from Los Andes is a new addition to the blend of coffee supplied by BD Imports,” says Marie Vu, category leader, Strategic Sourcing, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, who traveled to Guatemala with Brenda Schultz, director, Responsible Business, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, to ensure the farm fit with the brand’s commitment to responsible business. They learned it was a perfect fit. Los Andes Farm exemplifies the Radisson philosophy of caring, sharing and daring by providing for residents, farm workers, migrant workers and their families.
“In 1995, less than 20 children attended the school on the farm,” says Schultz. “Now, it is a requirement for all children living on the farm. More than 100 students attend, and Radisson and BD Imports provided this year’s uniform t-shirts.” “It was so inspiring to meet the children and hear about the commitment of the farm to its workers,” adds Vu. “I am so proud to know that Radisson’s purchase will help better the lives of so many people.” Los Andes Farm provides a medical clinic for residents, which is also available to migrant workers who work the farm during harvest; they have the greatest need as they often have no other medical care the rest of the year. A convenience store, run by farm hands, returns profits to workers each year. The farm also offers a construction course in its own woodworking facility. Students who earn their degree can come back to the farm and use the facility free of charge for the rest of their lives.
COUNTRY’S COMMITMENT But Radisson isn’t the only Carlson Rezidor brand to support responsible business through its beverage purchasing programs. Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM partners with Royal Cup Coffee and the Rainforest Alliance to offer certified sustainable coffee. On Rainforest Alliance-certified farms, workers are treated fairly, soil and water quality are not compromised, waste is managed efficiently and chemical use is dramatically reduced. Coffee carrying the Rainforest Alliance seal of approval is grown and harvested according to a comprehensive set of guidelines that protect the environment, as well as the rights of workers and local communities. It all adds up to a conscientious cup no matter which Carlson Rezidor hotel you visit. So, drink up, and feel good about that morning mug of joe.
08 | Responsible Business Action Month Promise to the Local Community
News and views from around the world of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
NOTEWORTHY
Committed to a cause Responsible Business is an everyday activity at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, Wisconsin. The hotel has a “Promise Committee” that focuses on community outreach, including programs for schools, the environment and employee health. In September, in addition to normal outreach activities, the hotel donated school supplies to families and served lunch at a Habitat for Humanity house, says Jay Schumerth, senior general manager.
Filling Up the Food Bank in Philly Remote team pitches in As a part of a corporate team whose members work remotely, Cherryl Brazier, director, Global Sales, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, works in California and her colleagues work at different locations across the country. But that didn’t stop them from coming together to make a difference during Responsible Business Action Month. “After our Global Group Sales team meeting at the Radisson Blu Warwick in Philadelphia, we spent the afternoon volunteering at Philadelphia’s Food Bank,” she says. The team packed 7,532 pounds of produce.
at an orphanage. Now, the hotel is focusing on ensuring safe drinking water for the orphanage with an extensive deep well drilling project. The new well will provide safe, fresh water for more than 400 children.
Art Aids Families in the Windy City Honoring fallen heroes Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago is sponsoring a public art installation to honor fallen officers in the Chicago Police Department. Designed to resemble Chicago’s Mounted Patrol Unit horses, funds raised through the exhibits throughout the city will provide support and assistance to the families of officers who have been killed or injured in the line of duty.
Volunteer Project Starts to Take Off Keeping runways safe Did you know that each year debris on airport runways cause more than $6 billion in damages to aircraft and maintenance and emergency vehicles? Volunteers from Radisson Salt Lake City Airport recently helped emergency crews clean the runways as a Responsible Business activity. “We collected some amazing things!” reports Shirley LeGrand, director, Sales and Marketing.
During a special Responsible Business Action Month promotion, hotels encouraged guests to donate Club CarlsonSM Gold Points® to World Childhood Foundation, a nonprofit organization aimed at helping vulnerable and exploited children. Guests generously donated nearly 2.9 million Gold Points, and the Carlson Family Foundation matched the cash value of those donations.
Special Help for Those in Need A project to reach out On September 2, the management team at the Radisson Blu Hotel Chongqing Sha Ping Ba in China visited a local community to care for people suffering from serious illness and poverty. “With this action, we delivered responsible business spirit and showed our love to the community,” reports a volunteer. “What’s more important, our behavior encouraged people who are deeply in need of help and assistance.”
DONATE TODAY
A Precious Resource Providing safe water In 2013, the Radisson Blu Hotel Pune Kharadi in India won the Regional Responsible Business Hotel of the Year Award for its work to improve living conditions
Hotels Cool Off as Part of a Hot Cause Ice bucket earnings
Showing Their Loyalty to World Childhood Guests generously give
Spread the Love guest donation campaign. “When we check a guest in, we explain Spread the Love and then use a spot on the registration card to have them write their initials and place a dollar amount next to it,” says Zan Wagner, general manager. “We have also done our own internal contest for who could get the most donations. We have had some guests leave $20 or more. A few guests have left $50!”
Spreading the Word on Spread the Love A unique way to donate Radisson Hotel Colorado Springs Airport is getting the word out on Radisson’s
During Responsible Business Action month, several hotels capitalized on the popularity of the Ice Bucket Challenge to benefit the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association. ALS is a degenerative disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s. At the Radisson Hotel Manchester Downtown in New Hampshire employees doused executive committee members—General Manager Kim Roy, Human Resources Director Ray Bewsher, Director of Sales and Marketing Maurine Bowman, Controller Dottie Oakes and Director of Food and Beverage Noah Kahn. Meanwhile, the Radisson Hotel Saskatoon in Saskatchewan took the challenge north of the border. General Manager Patty Schweighardt and her team were soaked by their enthusiastic colleagues, raising $562 for ALS. General Manager Edward Wilson and his team at the Country Inn & Suites Grand Rapids East in Michigan also took the plunge and challenged other hotels.
Hotline Monthly | 09 television show, The Voice. By voting with donations for their favorite singers, the hotel raised funds for a local organization dedicated to HIV prevention.
Taking it Outside Employees raise funds
HAPPENINGS IN HOTELS Clockwise, from above: Radisson Blu Mall of America Executive Chef Paul Lynch; Cesar Taboada, pool beach attendant, and Ruthnilca van der Biezen, spa supervisor, of the Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino and Spa, with their daughter and the food they donated; children assisted by World Childhood Foundation; art to honor fallen officers at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago.
Associates at the Radisson Hotel La Crosse in Wisconsin hit the streets to raise donations and awareness for the needy, reports Chief Engineer Steve Smith. Donations raised through the Responsible Business Action Month activity went to benefit a local food bank.
High Achievers Chefs Offer a Touch of Home Caring through food More than 375 meals were cooked for families at the Ronald McDonald House inside Children’s Hospital of Minneapolis during September, led by Radisson Blu Mall of America Executive Chef Paul Lynch. A total of 25 hotel employees volunteered for four hours each over a three-week period.
Experiencing the Life of the Blind Raising awareness Radisson Blu Plaza Chongqing in China demonstrated its commitment to being a responsible business by helping the disabled. The hotel conducted a Blind Experience activity in a school for the blind on September 18. The hotel’s general manager and staff representatives experienced the daily life of blind and read stories to students. The hotel released a video of the activity, raising widespread public awareness.
Baskets Full of Hope
A whole month of activity
A special event in Aruba
The Radisson Blu, Agra in India made an impact through a number of responsible business activities in September.
For Responsible Business Action Month, Mark Lyttleton-Frances, general manager, Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino and Spa, and his team raised nearly $5,000 and delivered food to 25 needy families in Aruba. “This was a wonderful way to show what we can do when we pull together, and it was an eye opener for many of those involved in delivering the food,” says Lyttleton-Frances.
at a local wildlife facility and held a blood drive.
A Win-win Situation
Employees Sweeten a Special Group’s Day
Radisson® hotels commemorated Responsible Business Action Month in the Americas by turning the spotlight on its charity program, Spread The Love. Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group directed a $1,000 grant to World Childhood Foundation (WCF) in honor of each of the top five Radisson hotels collecting the most money to benefit WCF in September. Congratulations to the Radisson Hotel Portland Airport, Radisson São Paulo Vila Olímpia, Radisson Hotel Curitiba, Radisson Hotel Maceió, and Radisson Hotel Belém. Carlson Rezidor also directed a $1,000 grant to the top five hotels that collected the most money to benefit their local charities. Congratulations to the Radisson Hotel Portland Airport, Radisson Royal Quito Hotel, Radisson Hotel JFK Airport, Radisson Hotel and Suites Guatemala City and the Radisson Hotel Colorado Springs Airport.
Bringing a smile to elderly On September 2, the Radisson Blu Hotel Pudong Century Park in Shanghai, China, reached out to the community by sending traditional moon cakes and house-made fruitcakes to a nursing home in the Lian Yang area of Pudong to brighten their mid-autumn festival. It was the hotel’s eighth visit to this nursing home.
These Volunteers Make the Grade Hotel helps a school The Park Plaza Bangkok Soi 18 held a special Responsible Business Action Month activity
Choosing a Charity Hotels select grants
Employees Take the Stage to Raise Funds A fun kind of fundraiser More than 70 employees of the Radisson Blu Plaza Resort Phuket Panwa Beach in Thailand found a unique way to celebrate Responsible Business Action Month, reports the hotel’s responsible business coordinator, Yossaphon Na Lampang. Teams from different departments staged a singing contest reminiscent of the popular
Top fundraisers get grants
Employees and chefs visited and cooked special meals at a school for disabled children, raised awareness for the environment through a walking and cycling trip, held a food drive and fed the needy each Wednesday of the month, volunteered
in September when employees visited a school in a poverty-stricken area. Hotel employees served lunch to the children and took on a major renovation project, adding new plumbing and fixtures to the school restrooms.
In September, hotels were asked to conduct Responsible Business Action Month activities and report their activities through an online survey. Carlson Rezidor randomly selected four Country Inn & Suites hotels to direct a $2,500 Carlson Family Foundation grant to a qualified charity as determined by the hotel. Congratulations to the Country Inns & Suites Bloomington at Mall of America, Minnesota; Barstow, California; Grand Rapids East, Michigan; and Mesa, Arizona.
Hotline wants to hear from you! To submit your story, contact us at Carlson Communications.