Radisson Announces New GM of Its Marquee Property

Judith Kalfon is New GM

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. October 14, 2008

FEBRUARY 21, 2008. Most recently, Kalfon served as General Manager for the Marriott Hotel inRichmond, Virginia and prior to that assignment, was General Manager at theLenox Suites Hotel in Chicago. Kalfon has experience with numerous brands,including Omni Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Sheraton. Kalfon hasher B.A. degree from the University of Florida and will be completing herMasters Degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management this year from RooseveltUniversity-Chicago. In addition, Kalfon possesses the designation of CertifiedHotel Administrator awarded by the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

"I am excited to be a part of this innovative, full-service brand and lookforward to becoming a valued member of the downtown Minneapolishospitality community," said Kalfon. "As a AAA four diamond property, TheRadisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis is unique in that it offers a real connectionto the history of the city, but provides the style and modern amenities thattoday's travelers demand. With the help of the talented team at the Plaza, Iam confident that we will continue to deliver the highest quality Radissonguest experience."

Over the next several years, the Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis will focuson building relationships with business travelers and organizations looking toutilize the 19,000 square feet of newly renovated meeting space - from thebrand new Fjord conference room to the opulent Scandinavian Ballroom.Leisure travelers also have plenty to enjoy at the Radisson Plaza HotelMinneapolis including the updated 17th Floor Health Club, the award-winningFire Lake Grill and Cocktail bar, and refurbished Plaza Club level, offering aconcierge lounge, deluxe continental breakfast and other premium amenities.In addition to the recent updates, a major renovation of all guest rooms andpublic meeting areas was completed in 2003.

"After investing more than $15 million into renovations at the Radisson PlazaHotel Minneapolis since 2003, it was important that we move into the new eraof this historic property with an experienced, dynamic leader," said BjornGullaksen, executive vice president of Carlson Hotels Worldwide ManagedHotels & Resorts - The Americas, and president of The Regent LuxuryGroup. "Kalfon is a perfect fit for the organization, and we're delighted tohave someone with her extensive resume and notable accomplishments in theindustry join the Radisson family."

The hotel, which was developed by Carlson founder Curtis L. Carlson on thesite of the original Radisson Hotel in which he was a partner and thenacquired in 1962, was later razed in the 1980's to build the Radisson PlazaHotel. The hotel was developed as part of the $108 million Plaza VIIdevelopment with a 325,000 square foot office tower, to meet the city'sdemand for more meeting space, larger contemporary guest rooms and moreexpansive parking facilities. The hotel is company-owned and managed andhelped spur Radisson's rapid expansion of its hotel operations to nearly 400hotels in 66 countries.