Contact: David Bergman
218-681-0997
david.bergman@state.mn.us

BROOKLYN PARK, MN (January 29, 2009) Last night, at the annual Explore Minnesota Tourism conference several organizations, businesses and individuals were recognized for their contributions to the state’s travel industry.

Bonnie Carlson, President and CEO of the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau was named "Outstanding Individual in Tourism" for her long-term work on behalf of the Minnesota tourism industry. Carlson has led the Bloomington CVB for the past 19 years. She has been active in several other tourism organizations including the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council, the Executive Committee of the United States Travel Association, Destination Marketing Association International and the Minnesota Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus.

The Inn on Lake Superior and the Gunflint Green Up Committee received Sustainable Tourism Awards in recognition of their environmentally friendly practices. Additionally, the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association received the "My Favorite Minnesota" Award for its addition to that section of ExploreMinnesota.com, with "Paul and Babe’s Favorite Sites Along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway".

Marketing Awards are also given annually to note creative, successful tourism marketing programs by Minnesota communities, including broadcast programs, special promotions and website development. This year’s Travel Marketing Awards of Excellence, included two awards to the Ely Chamber of Commerce and one award each to the Otter Tail Country Tourism Association and Visit Duluth. Marketing Awards of Merit were presented to the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau and to the St. Cloud Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

About Explore Minnesota Tourism
As the state’s tourism office, Explore Minnesota Tourism pursues an entrepreneurial approach, leveraging the state’s tourism investment with increased involvement by the private sector. A council of representatives from the state’s tourism industry strongly connects Explore Minnesota Tourism with tourism businesses and organizations.

Tourism is an $11 billion industry in Minnesota, a key sector of the state’s economy. The leisure and hospitality industry, a major provider of tourism services, employs more than 244,000 Minnesotans. More information can be found at www.exploreminnesota.com.

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