n o INNSIDE s r e g Tor

PROPERTIES Fall 2006

On Echo Lake near Moose Lake, Minnesota

Holiday Inn New Ulm...Southern Minnesotas Hidden Treasure

TPI Spotlight
Nestled in the heart of the scenic Minnesota River Valley, the Holiday Inn New Ulm offers its guests a chance to experience the most German city in America, New Ulm, Minnesota. New Ulm, a town of 14,000 people, is located 90 miles southwest of the Twin Cities and was founded in 1854 by immigrants from Ulm, Germany. New Ulm boasts its German heritage through many unique attractions and festivals such as the Hermann the German statue, the Glockenspiel clock tower, the August Schell Brewery, Oktoberfest, Bockfest and much, much more. The Holiday Inn New Ulm features its own unique German heritage. The German architecture is easily seen from the outside, but a feeling of genuine The Holiday Inn New Ulm, nestled in the heart of the scenic Minnesota River Valley, is a hidden treasure waiting for you to discovered. Be one of the lucky ones by experiencing the warm hospitality hospitality is felt from inside. The hotel and the authentic German atmosphere in one of Minnesotas most unique hotels. features 126 guestrooms, Ottos Restaurant and Lounge, and is widely known for its oversized Holidome Recreation Center featuring a large pool, whirlpool, fitness center, and large game room. The hotel has been through many updates and renovations throughout the last three to four years, including a complete exterior enhancement, professional grade landscaping, guest room carpeting, window treatments, artwork, and guest room furniture. The entire team is committed to providing each and every guest a great experience by maintaining a clean, comfortable place to stay where everything works and the staff is willing to provide genuine hospitality. ...continued on page 13

Toms Fall Harvest Season

A unique look at the nuts and bolts of Torgerson Properties
I dont know about all of you, but when September hits each year, I feel like a farmer during fall harvest season. Why you might ask? Well a farmer in harvest season is on a marathon mission, day-in and day-out, to get their crops harvested before the weather turns on them. At TPI, we begin with the massive process of developing our capital plans for each location. This is then a prelude to developing our comprehensive budget plans for next year. It is a process that finally ends around Thanksgiving and is met with a huge sigh of relief by myself. We conduct this process each year for many reasons which include: Arriving at an operating strategy to compete in the ever changing market place in proactive manner, we want to lead our markets in performance. This includes sales, marketing, pricing, etc. for purposes of maximizing revenues. We just cant do what we have always done because our industry and markets are just way to dynamic for that approach to succeed. Determining the most efficient way to deliver the guest experience while maximizing profitability. Basically this means allocating necessary costs to conduct our business. Profit is a good word, not a bad one. Without profit we just will not last very long. I am never bashful about talking of profits for this very reason.
Tom Torgerson Chief Executive Officer Torgerson Properties, Inc.

Assessing and prioritizing the dollars we reinvest into our buildings, furnishings, technology, training, etc. This is also a necessary component to compete and be the leader in our markets, not just for today, but also for the future. There is also another very important purpose for this whole budget plan process, and it has to do with communication. The process causes all of us to express our opinions and debate challenges and strategies, leveraging all of our experience and knowledge to best guide ourselves for the next year. At the end of the process, the goal is, for all levels within TPI, to be harmonious in our approach to the next year. It would not be beneficial to any of us for example, if my perspective on how we should operate next year was in contradiction to how you feel we should operate. If that were the case I would fear the outcome, it couldnt be very pretty for any of us. It would probably look something like this: Unhappy guest experiences Unhappy associate experiences Erosion our leadership position in the market place Loss of profitability This would ultimately have you and me looking for another job, yuk! I dont know about you but I am having way too much fun to want something like that to happen. So, in the end, as I enter harvest season each year, it is with a bitter-sweet taste in my mouth. I know it is a lot of hard work, but the results are well worth the investment. Enough about farming, how about the hospitality biz? Business is good, we are competing in our market places very well and this years TPI Annual Awards Banquet caught us celebrating these very accomplishments. Hats off to all of the hard working passionate associates at TPI for a very successful, if not the most successful, year we have ever enjoyed. I think we did a good job of recognizing a lot of the great achievements throughout our organization at this years celebration. However, I do feel remise that I didnt take advantage of that opportunity to share my appreciation for the senior management team at TPI. People like Mitch Peterson, Sheryl Walton, Kathy Aamot, Pete Bromelkamp, Dennis Wallenta and Joel Vogler, wow, what a team! This senior management team is experienced, smart, committed and deeply passionate about what they do. They truly care about all of the associates at TPI and want the best for them and the company at large. I routinely hear from you and people outside of TPI how impressed they are with our senior management team. And, I just absolutely LOVE over hearing comments like: Tom wouldnt know what day it was if Kathy didnt tell him Mitch really runs this company ...continued on page 23

Mitch shares a lesson on getting it done

Putting things off can cause our personal processors to slow down
Once again, I am the last piece of the newsletter that Pete is waiting for before it goes to print. As I sit down each time to write an article for the newsletter it seems to be a struggle to identify a topic that is even remotely worth reading. Over the past number of weeks I have thought about what to write and seemed to continually hit a mental dead end (for those of you who really know me that shouldnt come to you as a great surprise!). I would find myself thinking about this on a regular basis and, to a great degree, being distracted by it. This issue, along with an occurrence in my personal life, recently caused me to once again recognize a personal weakness that I battle on a daily basis which can cause me to decrease my productivity and effectiveness. Many of us battle with procrastination, and for me it is something that I must regularly manage. Thankfully, the realization that I just had came at very little personal expense so it was a less painful lesson for me. However, regardless of the size of the task at hand, there are always costs associated with not efficiently crossing things off our to-do lists (both personal and business lists).

In retrospect, what I was clearly reminded of were the dynamics of not getting things done. Like I said, both of my issues didnt result in any real critical associated costs, but it did help me reevaluate the dynamics of procrastination. A long time ago Tom gave me an analogy that compared the human brain to a computer. Both have limited storage and processing capabilities. Processing performance is directly related to the amount of data that is being stored. I am sure that most of you have experienced an occasion with a personal computer in which, through time, you stored more and more things until one day you recognized that it began to process slower and slower (perhaps to the point that it even seized up). The human brain is similar in nature. A task undone becomes a stored piece of data that impedes our ability to process. An uncompleted task serves as a distraction that creates clutter in our brains. This clutter only serves to impede our ability to process with a clear mind. Im sure it has happened to all of us that while we are processing an issue at hand, out of the blue, the uncompleted task pops into our minds eye and suddenly we have lost track of the issue that we were in the middle of processing. In most cases we quickly re-focus our attention and get back on task, but needless to say it was a distraction nonetheless. A self imposed distraction of sorts. There is another dynamic as well in play with procrastination. As we are all human we tend to act upon those things that either come easiest to us or that we most enjoy. In contrast, those things that dont come easiest to us, or that we do not enjoy, tend to be the tasks that we will put off for another day. These same tasks, for many reasons, are also the ones that cause us the greatest stress. So, now we have the previously described distraction factor additionally compounded by undue stress. Lastly, there is one fundamental truth that I will simply refer to as our individual, human, capacity. The reality of it is that there are only so many hours in any given day. This coupled with our capacity limits us as to what can be accomplished on a daily basis. This perceived capacity is a dangerous thing as it relates to procrastination. Often we can look ahead to the next day with the false impression that there is much available time to complete the tasks that we should complete today. As a result, we put off for tomorrow what we believe we will have plenty of time to complete only to have the unexpected occur. This now creates incredible stress for us as we now dont have enough time in our day to complete the tasks that we know we need to accomplish. This dynamic creates both stress AND distraction which we now add on top of the distraction and stress that I previously described. The computer has just seized up! Time is a very perishable commodity in the most absolute sense. Dont waste it! Make a personal commitment to just do it. Get things done as soon as you can and enjoy the benefits of a reduction in both stress and distraction. Life will be much simpler and much more enjoyable. Mitch P.S. As I now have this newsletter in the can I will begin my spring article as soon as I send this one to Pete!

Mitch Peterson President of Operations Torgerson Properties, Inc.

Torgerson Properties 2006 Hotel Award Recipients

Sales Achievement
In Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in Revenue Maximization

Top Gun
In Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in Fiscal Performance

Super 8 Fairmont
Closer
In Recognition of Outstanding Overall Fourth Quarter Performance

Hilton Garden Inn Shoreview

Heart of the House
In Recognition of Outstanding Performance in Cleanliness and Maintenance

Staybridge Suites Naples

Comfort Inn Fairmont

Torgerson Properties 2006 Hotel Award Recipients

First Impression
In Recognition of Maintaining the Best First Impression for Our Guests

Teamwork
In Recognition of Outstanding Performance in Team Attitude

Hampton Inn Shoreview

Hampton Inn Shoreview

Staybridge Suites Eagan

Hilton Garden Inn Eagan

Outrageous Guest Service

In Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in Delivering Outrageous Guest Service

Property of the Year

In Recognition of Achieving the Most Exceptional Overall Property Performance

Holiday Inn New Ulm

Super 8 Fairmont

Torgerson Properties 2006 Restaurant Award Recipients

Sales Achievement
In Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in Revenue Maximization

Top Gun
In Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in Fiscal Performance

Perkins Austin
Closer
In Recognition of Outstanding Overall Fourth Quarter Performance

Perkins Austin
Heart of the House
In Recognition of Outstanding Performance in Cleanliness and Maintenance

Perkins Fairmont

Perkins Austin

Torgerson Properties 2006 Restaurant Award Recipients

First Impression
In Recognition of Maintaining the Best First Impression for Our Guests

Teamwork
In Recognition of Outstanding Performance in Team Attitude

Green Mill Shoreview

Outrageous Guest Service
In Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in Delivering Outrageous Guest Service

Perkins Austin
Property of the Year
In Recognition of Achieving the Most Exceptional Overall Property Performance

Perkins Austin

Perkins Austin

Whatever it takes for outrageous guest service...

A letter received at the Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington... I was delighted to receive my white blouse, which was accidentally left at your hotel the weekend of April 28th and 29th. Thank you so much for the prompt return. We enjoyed our stay at the Hilton Garden Inn and will certainly stay there again upon our return to Bloomington. Your housekeeping staff and Executive Housekeeper Sara Schoenrock are to be highly commended!! Sincerely, Clara Gustafson Neenah, Wisconsin

It allowed us to have a few precious hours more to share stories and memories before we would have to leave.

A comment received at Hampton Inn Shoreview... Our family was in town for a reunion from all over the country. Molly Nevens was very accommodating when we needed a place to meet and socialize in an informal setting. It allowed us to have a few precious hours more to share stories and memories before we would have to leave. Thank you!

An e-mail received at Perkins Red Wing... We just wanted to say thank you for the great welcome we received at your Perkins restaurant both Friday June 9th and Saturday June 10th. Both of the servers that we had were great. We had Michael on Friday and Cassie on Saturday. Derrick the General Manager did an excellent job of telling us about the area for us to visit. The food was also very good. If were in the area again we will surely stop in. Thanks, Sheri Reiter

An e-mail received by Tom Torgerson... Mr, Torgerson, you do not know me as of yet. Some day I do hope that I have the pleasure of meeting you in person. My name is The Rev. Terry K. Olthoff, and I am a law enforcement chaplain. Yesterday we finished a three-day workshop at the Holiday Inn in Willmar. Everything was simply wonderful. Your staff of fine professionals bent over backwards to please us and to cater to our every need. I was the person in charge of this workshop along with Rev. Paul McCullough of Willmar. From the moment we began to work with Danielle, Beth and Shari from the Visitors Bureau in November of 2005 right through the ceremony yesterday, things couldnt have worked any smoother. I want to personally thank Danielle, Beth, Shari and Mike for being there for us throughout our stay with you this past week. They need to be commended. They truly are professionals in every sense of the word and I was proud to be able to work with them. I have given their names and the name of your hotel to several other groups that I am associated with so that they may book their conferences at the Holiday Inn & Conference Center of Willmar. I know that should I be in need of a conference center in the future, the first place I will come is to the Holiday Inn of Willmar and your exceedingly superior staff. Please convey my total appreciation to the people mentioned above and again, thank you for allowing us to have a wonderful experience at your hotel. Respectfully yours, The Rev. Terry K. Olthoff

...YOU have the power!

An e-mail received at Hampton Inn Maple Grove... My wife and I wanted to let you know how pleased we were when we stayed at your hotel last Wednesday night. We had some problems with the air conditioner in our room late at night, but Chira helped us get into another room and took care of everything. She did it all with a great smile and attitude! Hampton Inns are our hotel of choice whenever we travel and people like Chira are the reason why. Thank you very much for her and the room. Chira did a great job!! Scott and Birgie Niemann

An e-mail received at Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington... I would like to tell you about an unusually creative and helpful employee of yours with whom I made an inquiry about meeting rooms and sleeping rooms earlier today. Her name is Barbara Ernst at the Bloomington Hilton Garden Inn. Our company has very specialized needs as we do intensive one-week training courses for an average of six to eight people and need a conference room setting at a reasonable cost. Barbara knew the market in the whole Bloomington strip area, and I mean names and numbers. When the Hiltons meeting rooms were not what we needed she had four or five alternative ideas and we ended up booking a week at the Staybridge Suites and another two days in June. It was so refreshing to find a professional business person with experience and an understanding of customer service beyond the obvious. You should be very proud of her! Sincerely, Addstan Management Systems

An e-mail received at SpringHill Suites Rochester... Ian, I just wanted to say thank you for taking your personal time out of an always busy schedule in the life of a General Manager at a busy Torgerson Properties Hotel to help out a fellow General Manager at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bloomington. I really appreciate you driving up from Rochester to Bloomington to deliver the chassis for the internet. I would have been in rough shape had you not done that. I hope I can return the favor some time. You are a lifesaver and a real Torgerson Properties team player. Thanks so much! David J. Brott General Manager Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington

A card received at Perkins Restaurant and Bakery of Austin... Dear Larry and all of the fabulous staff at Perkins Austin, My family and I wanted to say Thank You so dearly for making my grandmas 86th birthday so special. When you all walked out with the wonderful pie and sang to her you gave her more joy than you know. She talked about how special Perkins was and how happy you made her. You are all sweet angels. Thank you again so much. Take care and well see you again soon. Julie DunBrock and family (and especially Grandma!)

When you walked out with the wonderful pie and sang to her you gave her more joy than you know.

Whatever it takes for outrageous guest service...

A note received at the Austin Holiday Inn & Conference Center... On behalf of the Organization of WLS Lutheran Seniors, please accept our sincere thanks for the excellent services you provided for our convention on July 10th through the 13th. Thanks to your efficient staff, every part of our convention ran smoothly. Thank you!!! Yours truly, Betty J. Wolf OWLS Secretary

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An e-mail received at TPIopinions.com...... I recently spent three days at your Hilton Garden Inn property in Eagan. Most times when you go to one of these meetings, the staff provides what I would call minimal expectations for the group meeting there. What a pleasant experience I encountered from your people during my stay. Every person I came into contact with went out of their way to provide the best hospitality possible. Jason and his staff were excellent, especially Kim, Patti and Jim. You can feel proud that you have such a fine group representing you and your investment. I have a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management and recognize a quality operation when I see one. They deserve a Well Done for going above and beyond meeting the many demands of our group. I look forward to a return visit to your hotel. Toby OBryan Norman, OK

An e-mail received at the Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington... My family and I stayed at your property in Bloomington this weekend, and I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our stay. We typically have frequented one of your competitors adjacent to you (one that might be on the country side, if you catch my drift) but we found your pricing to be more competitive and we also thought your rooms, cleanliness, food, lobby, staff, responsiveness and other amenities to be a solid notch above the others. Your hotel even passed the test of our familys toughest critics...our two girls ages 8 and 12, who both gave your hotel a double thumbs up. Now thats a vote of confidence! So, that means next time well be booking with Hilton. Thanks so much for a nice stay...you have a great property! Regards, Ron and Karen Lee Moorhead, MN

Every person I came into contact with went out of their way to provide the best hospitality possible

A letter received at the Austin Holiday Inn & Conference Center... We would like to thank your entire staff ever so much for all of the excellent and professional services rendered at our IAFE Zone 4 Conference. I would especially like to thank the person we worked most closely with, your event planner/coordinator Sharon Kaplan. She helped us through several bumps in the road. It was a real treat to work with her on this project. The conference attendees were very impressed with the food, services and facilities. I am sure they will not soon forget the great Southern Minnesota hospitality they received in Austin, Minnesota. Again, thank you for a great job. Sincerely Ken Trom

...YOU have the power!

A letter received at the Hilton Garden Inn Eagan...

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Good morning! As I try to resume my normal routine, I am reminded of the time and effort that you and your staff expended in making our seminar such a success. Before too much time passes, I want to let you know how much I appreciate your hard work and effort as well as your staff for making the meeting run so smoothly with arrangements and attention to detail (Jason, Ronnie, Jim, Patti, Tricia and Ritchie). I express my thanks and gratitude with the suggestion that you and your staff take a bow! Please extend my thanks to all. It was indeed a pleasure working with you. I wish all hotel staffs had your follow-though and concern for their respective clients. The Hilton is truly fortunate to have you all. Best wishes and much success in all your future endeavors and thank you for your gift of friendship. Best regards, Irene K. Pesce-Lazaroski

A letter received at Holiday Inn Fairmont... On July 26th I was traveling from Sioux City to St. Paul. It was a stressful trip as there had been a death in the family and it was particularly stressful when my cell phone did not have service after leaving Sioux City. I knew people were trying to call, and by not getting an answer would be concerned. By the time I pulled off at Fairmont I was pretty anxious. Id like you to know that your employee, Nicole Street, was very helpful. She allowed me to use her cell phone to let my family know about the situation. Her assistance was greatly appreciated and I wanted you to know what a helpful employee you have. Sandi Baron

An e-mail received by Tom Torgerson... We wanted to congratulate your company for employing a fine young man, Travis Lohre, the General Manager at Torges Live in Austin, Minnesota. My wife and I recently went on a vacation to the Black Hills and on our trip out to South Dakota from the Chicago area we spent our first night at the Austin Holiday Inn. After our long drive we went down to the bar area for a cocktail and we were invited by Travis to the beer garden where he was supervising a Beer n Brat carwash. There he served us beer and engaged us in conversation while he was also cooking and serving other customers. He made us feel very comfortable in an unfamiliar town and is truly a delightful, outstanding, dedicated young man. Although we had no plans on where we were staying on our return trip, we made sure we returned to your hotel in Austin along with a friend who we hooked up with in Deadwood. Due to Travis dedication, your hotel had two less rooms vacant that night. It is not often that we meet individuals of that quality during our travels. Hopefully your company realizes what a quality employee you have in Travis. Thank you and thanks to all of the other nice employees we met at the Austin Holiday Inn who made sure we enjoyed our stay. Wayne and Hilary Eggebrecht

I wish all hotel staffs had your followthrough and concern for their respective clients.

A note received at Country Inn & Suites Willmar... Thanks for helping me out this week. Please extend my gratitude to all of your staff. I cant single anyone out because they are all well-trained in the art of going the extra mile to help a guest. This time I was saved from some difficulties by the willingness and vigilance of your staff and yourself. Again, thanks for everything. Enclosed is a small token of my appreciation. Please have a pizza party on me or put it towards your holiday celebration with your staff. Thomas Messerchek

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And the beat goes on...

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery of Austin chosen Best Family Restaurant in Mower county
In the last edition of Innside TPI, Perkins Restaurant and Bakery of Austin was recognized for receiving the Business of the Year award from the Austin Chamber of Commerce. Well, the beat goes on! Recently, Perkins Austin was chosen as the Best Family Restaurant in Mower County by the Austin Daily Herald. General Manager Larry Eisenberg credits his team for making such an honor possible. Theyre the ones that make it all happen, Eisenberg stated. They take great care of all our guests, including the families. He also mentioned that the restaurant recently began to promote Family Day at the restaurant. Each Tuesday is designated Family Day, and throughout the day all kids eat free. The promotion is reinforced with balloons and fun activities for the kids. There is even a giant cookie costume named Kelly Cookie that entertains the kids. We really look forward to Tuesdays! Eisenberg said. Congratulations to the entire Perkins Austin team for being chosen as Mower County's Best Family Restaurant.

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery of Austin was recently chosen as Mower Countys #1 Family Restaurant. General Manager Larry Eisenberg shows the award presented to the Austin team.

Arbor Lakes Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites nears completion

Torgerson Properties first water park location anticipates a February opening
Construction of the highly anticipated Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites located at the gateway to the Fountains at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove, Minnesota is progressing right on schedule. The project broke ground in January of 2006 and has an estimated opening of February 2007. This Venetian-themed hotel will be extremely dramatic as its architecture incorporates 136 rooms and complements the recently completed Shoppes at Arbor, located directly across Hemloch Boulevard to the west. In addition, Torgerson Properties will enter the water park sector of the hospitality industry with the introduction of a 20,000 square-foot water park which is sure to provide a destination for families from throughout Minnesota and the upper midwest. Growing corporate demands have also been met through the approximately 1,900 square feet of meeting space called the Naples Conference Center. When completed, the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites promises to be an unmatched facility in the Twin Cities Area.

The construction of the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites of Arbor Lakes is on schedule with an anticipated opening in February 2007.

Phyllis Kragness and Seda Johannes receive high honors

Both were recipients of the 2006 Torgerson Properties Heart and Soul Award
The strength of Torgerson Properties lies in the ability of hundreds of hourly associates who day in and day out go to extraordinary lengths to satisfy our guests. It is in the spirit of these individuals that Torgerson Properties honors two very special associates for their outstanding commitment and dedication. Phyllis Kragness and Seda Johannes were chosen from dozens of nominees as the 2006 TPI Heart and Soul Award recipients. Both Phyllis and Seda were invited to the annual TPI awards banquet where their nomination letters were read. They both received a long standing ovation from the entire TPI family as recognition for their outstanding leadership and sincere dedication to the guests they impact each day. Thank you to both Seda and Phyllis for setting a great example for all of us to follow.

Phyllis Kragness - Torges Fairmont

Seda Johannes - Days Inn Willmar

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Shoreview goes back to the 50s...again

The Shoreview campus hosts over 20,000 people at the Minnesota Street Rod Association registration
Once again the Shoreview campus has hosted the annual Minnesota Street Rod Association registration. Approximately 11,000 cars took part in the event and each participant was required to stop at the Shoreview campus to register before moving on to the fairgrounds. Green Mill Shoreview made it an event by offering brats, burgers, pizza, soda and beer. The entire Shoreview campus was transformed into a mega car show with over 20,000 people attending. It has become an annual event for the Twin Cities area. Ron Flatten, General Manager at the Green Mill Shoreview, said this event makes for the highest sales day of the year for the restaurant. Sound like a great time was had by all. Watch for the event to return to Shoreview again in 2007.

Hilton Garden Inn Shoreview is fishn for something new

The Hilton Garden Inn Shoreview has a new welcoming committee! This summer, a beautiful goldfish pond was installed just outside the front door. The pond is complete with a fountain and...you guessed it...goldfish! The welcoming committee, consisting of ten goldfish, loves to come up to the edge of the pond and great our guests with a big hello. So, if youre ever up in the Shoreview area, be sure to stop by and say hi to the fishees!

...continued from page 1 Southern Minnesotas Hidden Treasure The Holiday Inn New Ulm and Ottos Restaurant & Lounge embarked on a brand training and service culture initiative in the Summer of 2005 by the name of PEOPLE NOTICE. The goal of the program is to develop and maintain a TEAM of Constant Caring Friends (associates) which continuously look for ways to go the extra mile for our guests, which ultimately defines the overall experience our guests encounter. The PEOPLE NOTICE training and service culture program consists of a brand-required associate orientation process, department specific on-the-job training, weekly associate-involved Hospitality Committee meetings, and Involvement Team activities to continuously keep the associates of all departments and operations interacting with each other. It is the PEOPLE NOTICE training program that is uniting the Holiday Inn New Ulm and Ottos Restaurant & Lounge into one seamless operation providing outrageous guest service to all of our guests every day of the year. PEOPLE NOTICE is becoming not just a training program but a part of the culture at the Holiday Inn and Ottos! It is defining the overall experience for our guests. The program has had a very positive impact on guest satisfaction scores through the Guestview Surveys submitted by guests staying at the hotel. The Holiday Inn New Ulm is currently ranked #2 in the region for full service Holiday Inn hotels based on a 12-month rolling score. In fact, the hotel has been consistently ranked in the top five to ten percent of all full service Holiday Inns in the country. They recently just missed a National Quality Excellence Award which recognizes the hotels in the top five percent for the 12-month period of June 2005 to June 2006. Come visit us in New Ulm for a tiny taste of Germany and the let the New Ulm team provide you with a well-trained and dedicated team ready to go the extra mile to provide outrageous guest service during your stay!

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On The Move With TPI

A diehard Cheesehead has joined TPI! SpringHill Suites Rochester welcomes Bill Gaddis as their new AGM. Bill has worked in the hospitality industry for seven years. After working as a Property Support Manager on the east coast, he moved back to Bloomingdale, IL, and became an Operations Manager at the Courtyard by Marriott before being promoted to AGM of the Madison Residence Inn one year later. In his free time Bill enjoys biking and watching football and baseball. He is a diehard Cubs and Packer fan, but since he could read they hired him anyway. Welcome aboard Bill!

The Hilton Garden Inn of Eagan is please to introduce Cadee Winnie as their new Director of Sales. Cadee is originally from Waconia, MN, and recently moved back to this area to get married and start a family with her soon-to-be-husband Stan. Cadee brings a wealth of knowledge to the Eagan Hilton, including her experience as Sales Coordinator for the Hilton Garden Inn of Denver, CO. The Hilton Eagan is excited to have Cadee on their team.

Marie Praefke-Walton joined the Hilton Garden Inn of Shoreview in late July as Director of Sales. Marie grew up in Milwaukee, WI, and attended UW Stout where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality and Tourism. She has worked with a number of Hilton brands in her ten-year career including the Hilton Milwaukee City Center and Hilton Minneapolis. Marie has worked as a Banquet Manager, Assistant Restaurant Manager and Event Planner. Currently she and her husband live in St. Louis Park, but they are diligently looking for a home closer to Shoreview.

Nicole Jaeger has joined the Staybridge Suites Arbor Lakes team as the Housekeeping Supervisor. Nicole grew up in the area and graduated from Osseo High School. She spent the past twelve years being a proud owner of a small finish carpentry company. Now married and living in Plymouth, she enjoys raising her two daughters, Chanell and newborn Reese, who are the best in the world according to Nicole. Welcome to the Staybridge Arbor Lakes team Nicole, and best of luck in your new position.

Sara Biebl has been recently promoted to Assistant Kitchen Manager at the Hilton Garden Inn Shoreview. Sara has been a cook with us for four years. She has been great at finding creative menu options for our guests. Whenever we are looking for someone to help out with any department, Sara is always willing to help. Shes a great team player. With Saras new responsibilities we are looking forward to exceeding our guests expectations with service and quality food in the Great American Grill. When she is not working, Sara enjoys going to concerts and hanging out with friends and family. Congratulations!

Torgerson Properties is pleased to welcome Steve Leth as the new General Manager of the Holiday Inn and Conference Center and Days Inn of Austin. Steve is a Minnesota native with over six years of hotel experience. He went to high school at KassonMantorville and attended college at Gustavus Adolphus in St. Peter. When Steve is not working, he enjoys spending time with his new wife Jessica, as well as his dog Marle. He enjoys fishing, boating and anything sports related. Congratulations on your new position, Steve, and welcome to the Torgerson Properties family!

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Kendra Evanson and Sue Lawson take top honors

The Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington Duo are presented with the Spirit of Hilton Garden Inn Award

Bloomington

Kendra Evanson, Front Desk Supervisor, and Sue Lawson, Bartender, were chosen from over 100 nominees to be recipients of the prestigious Spirit of Hilton Garden Inn Award for 2006. Kendra and Sue earned a trip to attend the General Managers Conference in 2007 to be recognized by the entire Hilton Garden Inn brand. The Spirit Award is Hiltons most prestigious team member award. It recognizes team members who continually bring home the gold by making a positive impact on guests, their departments, their teammates, their hotel and their community. Lets find out more about Kendra and Sue...

Kendra Evanson
What makes Kendra a true Diamond in the Rough is that she is very proactive and is a creative problem solver. She thinks ahead and solves guest issues before they become a problem. On a nightly basis, Kendra takes the time to call guests who are scheduled to check out the following day, and offers them a Hilton Garden Inn hug and kiss (a bag of Hershey hugs and kisses) if they will take 2 minutes of their time to let her know how their stay was. She takes this opportunity to build relationships with our guests and solve any problems, thus ensuring all our guests leave on a positive note. During their stay Kendra takes it upon herself to make sure all guests feel welcome and like part of a family. The positive influence she has on our guests is infectious and I have the confidence of knowing that all our guests will see the Hilton Garden Inn as A home away from home and will return in the future. High-level customer service is just one part of her job. She also exceeds at making our hotel a great place to work. Her incredibly positive attitude and warm smile affects everyone she works with, fostering a great service friendly attitude in all our staff members. By raising the level of the entire staff, all of our guests are touched in some way by what Kendra brings to work each and every time she puts on her uniform. Not only is she a great asset to our team at the Hilton Garden Inn, Bloomington, but she is also a tremendous asset to the entire industry. ...continued on page 22

Sue Lawson
Bartenders are vital to the stay of lots of guests, but only the best influence stays by serving as a resource to out of town guests, sharing their knowledge and stories about the community, and make an impression by remembering the names, favorite entree, or the beverage of choice of repeat customers. Sue Lawson does all these things on a daily basis and has been doing them for the last two years at the Hilton Garden Inn of Bloomington. Sue creates a sense of belonging by making everyone feel at home, as evidence with quotes from our guests. I was unable to get a room at the Bloomington Garden Inn for this visit, because you were sold out, but I had to stop in to see Sue and have a drink. She always makes me feel right at home when I am here. Our comment box is constantly stuffed with comments about Sue. Another guest praises her by saying, Sue is wonderful. She is so nice and authentic, not to mention she has a certain flair with each and every one of her customers. Shes one of the reasons I always come back to the Bloomington Hilton Garden Inn. Even though she has excelled as a bartender Sue takes her service duties far beyond the bar. Our bar is located in the lobby so she is often the first person a guest will see as they walk in the door. If the front desk is busy assisting other guests she is there to assist however she can. She is the ultimate team player and a creative problem solver.

...continued on page 22

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Hampton Inn Shoreview Honored

TPI hotel is chosen by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as one of the Great Places to Work!
In August, the Hampton Inn Shoreview received a very prestigious award as they were chosen by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as one of its Great Places to Work. The Hampton took first place in the small companies category and was honored at an awards ceremony in September. In addition, their property was featured in the August 18 issue of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal (see article on the next page). Over 200 companies were nominated in this years competition. To be considered, companies were required to have an office in the Twin Cities 11-county metro area with ten or more employees, or to be Minnesota-based companies with at least 1,000 employees in the state. They also had to have a certain number of employees, depending on the company size, complete the online survey. This is an incredible accomplishment by an incredible team. Congratulations to the entire Hampton Inn Shoreview family for your amazing accomplishment and for being a great example of success.

Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington helps plant the seeds

Hilton team joins 27 2nd grade students in their Gardens of Success project

On Friday, April 21, 2006, the staff of the Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington spent the afternoon digging in the dirt with 27 eager students from Kay Lantsbergers second grade class at the Prairie View Elementary School in Eden Prairie. The students learned practically everything they needed to know for their Garden of Success project in their Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington school garden. They gave the other students, teachers, and parents of Prairie View Elementary School a beautiful garden to enjoy. This project with Ms. Lantsbergers second grade class worked in perfectly with their Garden of Success project. Each year the students study about plants and gardening. They take a trip to a greenhouse to learn about different types of plants, how they grow from seeds to plants, and how to take care of their plants. Each student was also given job tickets to take home and earn money for chores they did. The money the children earned was then used to buy plants that the children planted at Round Lake Park in Eden Prairie. The children not only learned something from this project, but they were able to give the community of Eden Prairie a garden to enjoy all summer long. Staff members from the Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington had so much fun working with the children on their school garden project that they also went along and planted flowers at Round Lake with the class. Our garden project was a success for all involved. The children were able to take pride in the two beautiful gardens they planted themselves. The staff of the Hilton Garden Inn, Bloomington had a great time working with all of the children from Ms. Lantsbergers second grade class, and working together as a team to complete this project. It was very rewarding to work with the children on this project and we received 27 beautiful, handmade thank you cards from the children. We look forward to continuing this relationship with Prairie View Elementary School and working with them on their future garden projects.

Curtis Windom III, Kitchen Manager at the Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington, helps the second grade students at Prairie View Elementary School learn all about creating Gardens of Success.

AGM Kerry Larson (left), KM Curtis Windom III (center) and 2nd grade teacher Kay Lantsberger (right) pose with students from Prairie View Elementary School after completing their Gardens of Success project.

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twincities.bizjournals.com

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL BUSINESS JOURNAL Great Places to Work

August 18, 2006

Score: 97.60 General Manager: Julie Fuller Headquarters: Willmar Description: Hotel Minnesota Employees: 20 Total employees: 20 Year founded in Minnesota: 1972 Type of business: Privately held Web site: www.hamptoninnshoreview.com

#1 > small companies

Hampton Inn North

Co-workers have become extended family
By Elizabeth Cook / Staff writer
THE STAFF AT HAMPTON INN NORTH considers themselves a family and a team. Julie Fuller, the hotels general manager, attributes the combination of employee incentives, monthly newsletters, birthday bashes, picnics and management involvement to employee longevity. Its also what keeps the management there. Before working at Hampton Inn North, Fuller, along with Tammy Hillyard and Kory Lesnick, worked at Best Western White Bear Country Inn for three years. In 1999, the three went to work at Hampton Inn North and now all hold management positions. Hillyard is the assistant general manager and Lesnick is the director of sales. Having that team together so long is a key reason employees enjoy their jobs. Staffers have gotten the opportunity to get to know their bosses, which makes them feel comfortable at work. Management also gets involved in every aspect of the hotel. Fuller works with maintenance, breakfast staff and housekeeping on occasion - earning her the Spirit of Pride and the Spirit of Success awards that Hamptons corporate office gives out to deserving employees on a bi-annual basis. There are 20 employees who work full time in the hotel, and in the past year, no one has left from the front desk department, and the turnover rate in housekeeping is less than 20 percent. This kind of longevity is unheard of in the hotel industry, Fuller said. The key to our whole success is we work as a family. Management also ensures staff has the proper equipment and tools to do their jobs, which can sometimes be hard to find in the industry, she added. Mitch Peterson, president of Torgerson Properties, the company that owns Hampton Inn North, said the supportive atmosphere at the hotel is due to Fullers leadership and the team working there. Peterson receives an average of one note a month from Hilton Hotels Corp. announcing one of Fullers associates is receiving an award for their work. Keeping this friendly, motivated atmosphere is a priority when hiring new employees. Personality is considered when hiring, to make sure potential employees will be a good fit with the rest of the team. Employees also receive benefits - 401(k)

Top: Some of the crew at Hampton Inn North

Above: Dean Strande, maintenance man

Below: Donna Jungwirth, preventative maintenance

plans, health benefits, vacation days, sick days and child-care assistance. Cultural diversity at the business helps keep the company events possible. Lesnick said its great during potlucks when everyone brings different ethnic foods because then you get to try new dishes and occasionally learn a few words in a different language. Betty Manlet, a breakfast attendant, has been working at Hampton Inn North for three years. Before that she worked at a telecom provider for 27 years where she never felt like part of a family. There, I was a number, she said, Here, Im a real person. Manlet likes the way everyone works as a team, helping each other out. Once, she even had the head engineer from the maintenance department helping her with breakfast. I feel like its just one little family here. Another three-year employee, Donna Jungwirth, who works in maintenance, wanted to show just how much of a family the staff at Hampton Inn North really is. She created a family tree that hangs in a hallway for hotel guests to see. The roots are the owners, the trunk is the managers and the branches are the employees and some guests that have become part of the family. In the break room, employees are reminded of their achievement with an awards wall and positive words painted around the room. Jungwirth said the room used to be plain white and dusty. Now, they are trying to make it more enjoyable for employees. I wouldnt want to work anywhere else, she said.
ecook@bizjournal.com / (612) 288-2109

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How well do you know Torgerson Properties?

Frontenac State Park

Across
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. This TPI Regional Vice President is a devoted Cheesehead. This TPI hotel was chosen as Mariotts Hotel of the Year in 1999. The value Mitch Peterson placed on the TPI Central Administrations Office team in a past newsletter. The names of a famous tiki hut bar in Naples, Florida. The last name of TPIs Senior Vice President of Finance and Development. Last name of the new GM at Country Inn & Suites Willmar. The brand name of TPIs most recently opened hotel. This TPI executive is affectionately known as El Presidente. TPIs 2006 restaurant First Impression award winner. This GM began his hotel career as a bellman at the Sheraton Metrodome in Minneapolis at the age of 19. A hotel General Manager in Willmar. The last name of an expecting member of the TPI Central Administrations Office. Location of TPIs only non-Minnesota location. Brand name of TPIs first hospitality business. The TPI Central Administrations Office is located on the shores of what body of water? City where the 2004 awards banquet was held. This company started as a mens clothing store in 1929. This company makes TPI sassy. The hotel located in this city just did something to help in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. TPIs 2003 restaurant Property of the Year. Whatever it takes for __________ guest service... TPIs first waterpark location will be located in this area. This member of an Eagan hotel graduated from the University of WI - Stout, but grew up in the Minneapolis area. ...___ have the power Last name of the GM at Bloomingtons most southern location. This person took first place in the 2003 Super 8 regional bedmaking competition. The last name of Rochesters King of the Court. The first name of TPIs Senior Vice President of Administration and Accounting. This person received the Six Continents Hotels 2002 Best of the Best award for General Managers. Hermann the Germans favorite fall festival. The last name of TPIs only husband and wife GM couple. The last name of TPIs newest Holiday Inn GM. This GM is known as a live one. The last name of the GM at TPIs southern-most property. This Green Mill GM returned to TPI in 2003. Director of Catering that lives in St. Ansgar, Iowa. The last name of a TPI Regional Vice President that cant seem to stay on the road. Hotel GM who is good friends with Hermann the German. Staybridge Suites Naples is located on _______ Trail North. The model of vehicle used by Mitch, Joel, Dennis and Pete. Not Walton, Ryan, Runke or Sheffey. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42.

Down

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TPI Regional Vice President who recently adopted a child from Russia. First name of the mother of TPIs Chief Executive Officer. The last name of the Fairmont GM hired on 9/11/01. This Willmar hotel won the Gold Award from Choice Hotels in 2002. Donna Jungwirth was chosen a 2005 Hilton Spirit of _____ award winner. This member of the TPI Central Administrations Office previously worked at Comfort Inn Willmar. The letters that identify the newest TPI location set to open early in 2007. This person was on the opening teams for both the Holiday in Austin and the Courtyard Rochester. TPIs first business location was opened in this town in 1929. This north metro General Manager doubles as a fireman. These items were used as props at the 2000 TPI Managers Conference in Willmar. The hotel in this town recently won the 2006 Outrageous Guest Service award. This TPI property won the 2002 restaurant Property of the Year Award. Teresa Runkes maiden name. The first name of TPIs Chief Executive Officer. The last name of the Perkins GM known as Broadway before joining TPI. This GM is known as Dave Howie Mandell ____. A main ingredient on the Perkins menu. A TPI restaurant is named after this German. The first name of TPIs longest-tenured restaurant GM. The last name of TPIs Senior Vice President of Administration and Accounting. This restaurant GM likes to kick up his heals with Hermann the German. The last name of TPIs southern-most Hilton Garden Inn GM. This person joined TPI as a GM at the Holiday Inn Fairmont on Christmas Day, 1979. The last name of TPIs northern-most Hilton Garden Inn GM. The last name of the Eagan Hilton Garden Inns 2003 Associate of the Year. This restaurant GMs home town is Fargo, North Dakota. TPIs previous Central Administrations Office was located on what avenue in Willmar. Regional Vice President Joel Vogler attended this university. A Holiday Inn Express General Manager, but its not Kvamy. TPIs first buffet restaurant was _______ Buffet. A Holiday Inn General Manager on I-90, but its not Steve. What products did the first Torgerson Properties business offer when it opened back in 1929? This north metro group has Do It Your Best Bear as its mascot. This Eagan GM likes to have a holly-jolly Christmas. The last name of the GM whose hotel won the 2005 Sales Achievement Award. Hometown of the only three-time winner of the Property of the Year Award. This GM recently won the Hilton Spirit of Success Award. This person was recently promoted to Assistant Kitchen Manager at the Hilton Garden Inn Shoreview. The Shoreview campus is located on this road. Regional Vice President Pete Bromelkamp attended this university. Holiday Inn Express General Manager, but its not Randy.

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Making a difference
Dennis and Arliss Wallenta help deliver hope to dozens of Russian orphans

At the recent Torgerson Properties awards banquet, Regional Vice Presidents Dennis Wallenta was given the opportunity to tell us about a moving experience he and his wife had while visiting the orphanage from which they are adopting their two-year-old daughter, Karina. While at the Pechory Original Childrens Orphanage (in the Pskov region) which houses 120 children from birth to 3 years old, they were able to get a behind the scenes look at the orphanage and what they experienced moved them to action. When we saw the room that Karina shared with 14 other two-year-olds it was shocking and very sad, Dennis said. There was a wooden play pen in one corner and there were four children in it. There were no toys at all in that area. One of the children was lying on the floor sleeping while the other children were basically walking over the top of him. All of the children were clean, but they had mild to severe rashes from the lack of sun light (the children are rarely allowed outside) and the poor health conditions. There were ten other children in the room and they were all just standing around. They were not playing with toys since there were only four toys in the entire room. The children dont know how to play, they have never been taught how to play with toys since there are so few to play with, said Dennis. Its so sad. They had the most helpless looks on their faces and they just didnt have any hope. You cant imagine the helpless feeling we experienced while looking a small child in the eyes and knowing that they literally have no future! There are 250,000 orphans in the Pskov region alone, and Russian statistics tell us that 80% of all orphans are never adopted. The children that are not adopted have a 60% chance they will end up homeless. 40% will end up in prison and 20% will end up committing suicide. At 18 years of age the children are put on the streets and from there many boys go into the army and the girls typically end up in prostitution or worse! Its a really sad outlook! As you can imagine the cost of adopting a child from Russia is very large and to come up with another $2,000 for those children being left behind is just not possible, Dennis said. I had never thought of asking for help from our TPI teams. I was thinking of churches and service clubs and Arliss school. But Sue Torgerson, a member of the TPI Board of Directors as well as Tom Torgersons mother, and Mitch Peterson, President of TPI Management Company, had another idea. Mitch invited Dennis to the stage to share his story. Dennis shared all of the information in front of the management teams at the banquet, hoping to bring some cash to Russia to buy toys for the children. Dennis appealed to the teams and $1,650 was raised that night. A local service club in Willmar (Sertoma), as well as family and friends helped raise the rest. In total $2,200 was raised. Because of these contributions, Dennis and Arliss will be on their way to Russia at the end of October to make a difference in the lives of at least 120 children!

The Pechory Original Childrens Orphanage is home to over one-hundred orphans.

A childrens play area near the orphanage lies unused and in disrepair.

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The TPI Notebook

>
The Country Inn & Suites of Willmar is going smoke-free! When their guests speak, they listen. The guests have been requesting non smoking rooms more and more, and the last rooms to fill are always the smoking rooms. By January of 2007 the entire hotel will be non-smoking. Its an exciting time because the guests are thrilled about the change and are letting the staff know. The SpringHill Suites received an unusual comment card recently. Under the question If there is anything we could do to make your stay more enjoyable, what would it be? the guest answered Change the soap, its too soapy. I felt like I couldnt wash it off. General Manager Ian Freeburg is working on it. Hilton Garden Inn Shoreview made another great fan recently. Guest Kathy Jensen wrote We spent a couple days at your hotel. The service was wonderful. Im so grateful for your prompt call when I left my cell phone in your lobby. I received it within two days! Thank you so much for helping us out and going beyond the call of duty. We appreciate all of your hard work. Cheryl Hainka, a waitress at Perkins Redwing received this unusual note recently... Hey, Im so sorry. I would tip you more because youre an awesome waitress, but I leave for college tomorrow and I just cant tip you very well, sorry. Have a wonderful weekend! Ah, the life of a college student!

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Where is your 401(k) account heading?

Sweet Financial, advisor to the Torgerson Properties 401(k) retirement plan has some ideas
With the recent stabilization of interest rates and a substantial drop in oil prices, a question I get frequently is, Where will the markets go from here? One way to address that question is to analyze historical trends. In the 16 calendar years from 1990 to 2005, the S&P 500 has suffered a negative total return during only two of the fourth quarters in that period. The average fourth-quarter return for the stock index throughout all 16 years is 6.9%, twice the average return of the other three quarters combined. In other words, most of the gains within the last 16 years have come in the final quarter. This, however, is no guarantee that the markets will go up in the last three months of 2006. The best strategy is to maintain a diversified portfolio that matches your risk tolerance. Locking in some interest rates at their current levels can also be a good strategy. Since there is uncertainty about which direction interest rates will go, locking in a portion in case rates drop provides a safeguard and a no-lose situation (The largest bond manager in the world, Bill Gross, is forecasting a drop in interest rates). In addition, we are continuing to recommend an overweighting of our stock portfolios into blue chip stocks. And as we look to the future to provide you with the best advice for long-term investments, the ebb and flow of economic data has done little to clarify the direction of the markets. Given the changing nature of Federal Reserve policy, which has become increasingly data dependent, there exists a greater degree of uncertainty than in the past. Despite that, we believe there are a number of changes underway that will affect how we advise you in your long-term financial goals. First, a policy of no change in the federal funds target was enacted at the September FOMC meeting, following a similar action at the August one. After 17 consecutive rate increases since mid-2004, the two no-change decisions are significant. Furthermore, that policy is likely to be upheld at the next meeting regardless of the nature of the economic data to be released over the next month, particularly in light of the upcoming congressional elections. With housing under duress, the Fed a culprit in its demise, and the politically sensitive nature of that sector, another pause is more than in order. Second, the supply of equities continues to decline. In 2006, there have been a record $400 billion of leveraged buyouts. Additionally, in the flow of funds data, new issues of non-financial corporate businesses declined at an annual rate of $554 billion in the 2nd quarter of 2006. Such declining supply and rising demand flow creates an interesting valuation opportunity. Third and finally, equities in general are selling at a 30-35% discount to the bond market. The valuation gap, a changing Fed and an equity market that appeared to have bottomed in July, could offer a more interesting,and potentially more promising, fourth quarter for the stock market. All the best, Bryan J. Sweet

...continued from page 15 Kendra Evanson We are very proud to have her as a part of our team because she is constantly exceeding expectations and does this with very little conscious effort. She is a natural and here to make a difference in the lives of each and every person she comes in contact with. I believe that she not only makes the Hilton Garden Inn a great place to stay but also makes Bloomington, Minnesota a very memorable destination for all tourists.

...continued from page 15 Sue Lawson On one occasion, during a party at our hotel, Sue noticed we were running low on beer and in this particular instance we did not have any extra in stock. Rather than telling the group we were out, and potentially ruining the mood, she took ownership of the situation and got an order in right away. The group noticed what she had done for them and was extremely grateful that Sue was so willing to go the extra mile. Aside from all these examples, Sue does the little things that make a visit great. She always shows up on time wearing an infectious smile that puts everyone in a great mood, both guests and staff. Her upbeat attitude fosters a great service attitude and makes it easier for the entire staff to live up to our companys philosophy, Whatever it takes for outrageous guest service YOU have the power, and Sue certainly uses her powers to benefit everyone!

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Julie Fuller honored by Hampton Inn

Hampton Inn General Manager receives the Spirit of Success Award
The Hampton Inn Shoreview has done it again! Julie Fuller, General Manager, was awarded the Spirit of Success Award by Hampton Hotels this past spring. This award is given to an individual that has shown outstanding performance and consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty. Julie was nominated by her entire staff. The following is the nomination letter they sent in support of her nomination. We as a TEAM would like to nominate Julie Fuller, General Manager at the Hampton Inn Shoreview, for her Git R Done attitude. What is Julie doing to Git R Done today? Is she in the breakfast room greeting guests, doing dishes or restocking the food? Is she in maintenance installing lamps, bed frames, HVAC units, painting the pool, caulking or replacing grout? Is she in laundry, loading machines or folding towels and pillow cases? Is she in housekeeping, making beds, stripping beds or inspecting rooms? Or is she at the front desk taking care of the phones and guests? While doing just about everything, Julie never fails to recognize the guests and her employees with a very positive and upbeat attitude! Where is Julie?.....Gitting The Job Done!
Julie Fuller Spirit of Success Award Recipient

Congratulations Julie, on a truly outstanding accomplishment!

Three strikes and youre.....Out - standing!

Brandon Rabe, Assistant General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott of Rochester is a homerun with the hotels guests! When a guest mentioned to Brandon that he forgot his electric razor at home, Brandon drove home to get his old electric razor and gave it to the guest. Marriott Central Reservations made a reservation for a gentleman in one of our suites. Central Reservations told him that the suite had two bedrooms but discovered when he got here that it was only one bedroom and too small for his needs. Brandon called the Marriott downtown to reserve a two bedroom suite for him there. The cost difference was $60. Not knowing if he should actually use hotel dollars for this, he took $30 out of his own pocket and gave it to the guest. When a guest had mistakenly thought the shuttle that was going to the Rochester airport was going to the Minneapolis airport, she was found crying in the lobby. Brandon came to her rescue. He coordinated a ride for the guest with a delivery truck driver that was going to Minneapolis. That makes three strikes, and it makes Brandon Rabe Out-standing!

...continued from page 2 Toms Fall Harvest Season Tom would have to retire if something ever happened to Sheryl Nobody in the company works harder than Pete Dennis works way too hard, why is he so committed Joel just gets it These are REAL comments my ears have heard, I did not make them up. As I just said that, I thought to myself, I dont need to convince you of that, because each of the above comments actually came from one of you. This TEAM is impressive and I couldnt be more blessed than to be able to call them Toms Team! Take care and please enjoy reading this edition of Inside Torgerson Properties! ~Tom

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Deal, or No Deal?
Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington tried to find the answer at the 21st annual Bloomington Expo
Once again it was time for the Annual Bloomington Expo, and once again the Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington was up to the challenge. The Bloomington Expo is an opportunity for businesses to present their properties to corporate meeting planners, managers and executives. Attempting to come up with another original idea for their exhibit was a daunting task. The Bloomington team met the challenge by staging a Deal, or No Deal theme, based on the red hot television reality show. General Manager Dave Brott was the master of ceremonies (AKA Howie Mandell) while Barbara, Loretta and Katie greeted each guest with Its always a deal at the Hilton Garden Inn of Bloomington. Brochures, business cards and invitations to come and tour the Hilton Garden Inn were extended to each of the attending meeting planners. Of course, it wouldnt be Deal or No Deal without the suitcase girls, so Kerry, Cadee, Patti, Lori, Audra and Kendra opened up the suit cases for the Deal or No Deal game show. The event drew record attendance again this year. To top things off, the Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington again won the Exhibitors Choice Award for their creative and impactfull presentation. Congratulations to the entire Bloomington team! This will be a tough act to follow...what will they think of next year?

Whatever It Takes For Outrageous Guest Service ...You Have The Power!

At Torgerson Properties, we believe in our associates...

Torgerson Properties, Inc. Waters Edge Professional Building 103 15th Avenue NW Suite 200 P.O. Box 1020 Willmar, MN 56201 Phone: 320-235-7207

Check us out on our web site at www.torgersonproperties.com