Carlson Recognized as One of the '100 Best Companies for Working Mothers'

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- For the eighth time in recent history, Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, has been recognized as one of the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" by Working Mother magazine.

Carlson repeated the honor - noted for its commitment to the advancement of women; a strong, values-based culture; flexible work schedules; parental leave; adoption assistance, and on-campus child care.

The top companies were selected based on an extensive application. This year's "100 Best" evaluation gave particular weight to benefits, flexibility and parental leave.

"We are pleased to be recognized again as one of the '100 Best.' As a vibrant and fast-growing hospitality and travel company, it is important that we have programs to attract and retain great people," said Hubert Joly, Carlson president, chief executive officer and director.

Among Carlson's many benefits and programs are seminars on work/life, health/wellness and finance topics, and volunteer opportunities. The "Gift of Time" program enables employees to donate their vacation time to co-workers facing a life-threatening crisis or disaster-related emergency.        

Carlson also offers lactation facilities, domestic partner benefits, and on-site medical services through MinuteClinic at the company's headquarters. Employee development programs include tuition reimbursement and mentoring.

Michele Capece Selected as Carlson Mother of the Year

The Working Mother 100 Best Companies initiative is celebrating its silver anniversary this year. According to the publication, with 70 percent of mothers working and women outnumbering men in the workplace for the first time in U.S. history, advancement of women in the workplace is instrumental.

In recognition of this, Carlson has selected Michele Capece of Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) as its Working Mother of the Year. Capece is a senior client implementation project manager, traveler and transaction support services, North America. She has worked at CWT for 21 years and lives in Norwalk, Conn.

"Being a wife and mom of three children is an incredible blessing, but it can be stressful when you have a demanding job. At work you have demanding customers, urgent deadlines, hectic schedules and long work hours. At home you're mom and must manage doctor appointments, activities, field trips, PTO functions and just 'being there,'" Capece said.

"I'm lucky to have the flexibility to meet work obligations and also fulfill family responsibilities. I am able to give my kids the time and attention they require – attend the activities, help with homework and still deliver a quality performance at work," Capece said.

Diagnosed with breast cancer over two years ago, Capece said that she appreciates the support of CWT management and her team.

About Carlson

Carlson is a privately held, global hospitality and travel company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. Carlson encompasses more than 1,075 hotels, including Radisson®, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM), Park Inn® and Park Plaza®; more than 1,000 restaurants, including T.G.I. Friday's® and Pick Up Stix®; 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 150,000 people. http://www.carlson.com

SOURCE Carlson