Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(R) Announces Second Year Charity Donation
	MINNEAPOLIS, May 29 Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(R), the successful international mid-tier lodging chain of Minneapolis, Minn.- based Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, today announced a $12,000 contribution to its charitable partner ProLiteracy Worldwide on behalf of its Book It And Return program.
Book It And Return is the brand's in-house lending library program implemented at Country Inns & Suites hotels in the United States and Canada. The program was launched two years ago to commemorate the brand's 98 percent guest return rating which Country Inns & Suites has enjoyed for the past 11 years. As a way to thank guests for their loyalty to the brand, Country Inns & Suites lends guests complimentary books based on the assurance they will return them during their next visit. For every book returned to Country Inns & Suites, the company makes a $5 donation to ProLiteracy Worldwide. "We are very pleased with the success of Book It And Return. Our guests have commented on how much they love the program because not only does it provide a nice amenity for them, but it supports a worthwhile organization that has affiliate programs throughout the world," said Nancy Johnson, executive vice president/brand leader, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. "Since the launch of Book It & Return, $32,000 has been generated in support of ProLiteracy's efforts to help adults and young people improve their reading, writing, and basic math skills," said Kirk Shisler, vice president of Fund Development, ProLiteracy Worldwide. "We value our partnership with Country Inns & Suites and appreciate their support of the program." Book It And Return offers copies of bestsellers; business books; novels; and self-improvement books among many others. More than 300,000 copies of 17 different books are currently in the Book It And Return system. Two new book titles are added quarterly. In addition to Book It And Return, Country Inns & Suites offers many other unique programs to thank guests for their dedication. The Gold Points Rewards program is Country Inns & Suites' guest loyalty program offering 10 points for every dollar spent on accommodations at all U.S. and Canadian properties. Enrolled members can earn a free night's stay when 15,000 Gold Points are accumulated. Points can also be earned and redeemed for rewards at other Carlson branded hotels and restaurants, as well as a wide variety of network partners.