[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 35 (Wednesday, March 25, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CARLSON COMPANIES A PRIVATE COMPANY WITH A PUBLIC CONSCIENCE

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                          HON. BRUCE F. VENTO

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 25, 1998

  Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, on March 23, 4,500 individuals recognized the 
outstanding 60 year contribution of a leader in the Minnesota and 
American business community, who transformed the hospitality industry 
from a small local operation to a spectacular international enterprise. 
More importantly, this distinguished party will celebrate the 
contribution of an individual who has been a leader in his community 
and has created an example of community commitment that could well be 
followed by many American businesses. This special event will honor the 
anniversary of Carlson Companies and its founder Curt Carlson.
  Some of my colleagues may well know the history of Carlson Companies 
and Curt Carlson. With a $55 loan, Curt began his business career by 
starting a trading stamp company, Gold Bond Stamps. While trading 
stamps, a merchandise enhancement product, had already been in use, it 
was Curt Carlson and his growing company that expanded their use to 
include grocery stores, gas stations and other independent merchants 
and made collecting trading stamps a household occupation.
  From that base, Curt Carlson entered the hospitality industry with 
the acquisition of the Radisson Hotel--now a proud international name 
in quality hospitality around the globe. Curt Carlson diversified his 
corporation and expanded into other areas such as creative restaurants 
with entertainment themes. Now, after over 60 years in the business, 
Carlson Companies currently comprise over 100 corporations world wide 
and the company's brands employ 147,000 people in more than 140 
countries. In 1997, Carlson Company's brands generated $20 billion in 
revenue system wide.
  The success of Carlson Companies as measured by its size, the number 
of employees, or profit is impressive. However, a true measure of Curt 
Carlson and Carlson Companies should also be their commitment to the 
local community. This commitment is reflected in the motto of Carlson 
Companies--``Private Companies with a Public Conscience.'' It was Curt 
Carlson and other Minnesota business leaders who established the 
Minnesota Keystone Club, pledging to give five percent of their 
earnings to non-profits. These efforts have greatly added to the 
quality of life and caring in their communities and throughout 
Minnesota. This commitment has become the nationwide standard.
  While Carlson Companies have been active throughout our community. 
Curt Carlson has been a strong supporter and advocate for public higher 
education. The University of Minnesota, through the help of Curt 
Carlson has established the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public 
Affairs. This renown center of political science, identified with 
Minnesota's beloved Senator and a personal friend of Curt, features the 
``Carlson Lecture Series'' which brings influential national and 
international leaders to the University to speak to the students and 
the general public. In addition, personal gifts from Curt Carlson has 
allowed the University of Minnesota to embark on ``The Minnesota 
Campaign'' with the goal of making the University of Minnesota as one 
of the top 5 public universities in the nation and to build a new, 
modern Carlson School of Management facility.
  Mr. Speaker, in this time of faceless conglomerates and merger mania 
among corporate giants, it is a pleasure to recognize the contributions 
of Carlson Companies. The 60 year record of success is an appropriate 
tribute to Carlson Companies leader, Curt Carlson. Curt Carlson has 
shaped the culture and business practices of our great state of 
Minnesota. His commitment has made a real difference for today and 
certainly for the future of Minnesota and our nation. Curt Carlson's 
leadership and commitment to his community provides an example to 
emulate.

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