The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption today named Carlson as one of two "Best Adoption-Friendly" hotel and travel companies in America. The recognition is based on adoption benefits that companies offer their employees.

In addition to ranking Number One in its industry, Carlson ranked Number One in Minnesota and Number 51 in the foundation's overall Top 100 list. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. tied Carlson for the top industry honor.

Carlson has had an adoption-assistance policy since 2000. In 2005, the company increased the benefit to $5,000 from $2,500, and the paid leave to six weeks from one.

"As a family-friendly organization, Carlson recognizes adoption as an important life change, and we are dedicated to supporting colleagues throughout the adoption process," said Jim Porter, Carlson's executive vice president of human resources. "In order to make Carlson a great place for great people to do great work, we must ensure a great atmosphere at home as well."

Jan Lubar, senior director of risk management at Carlson, said that when she and her husband adopted their daughter, having time away from work was important to their family, and helped them adjust to the significant changes in their lives.

"The time I spent with my child at home was critical to developing a bond and laying the foundation for a strong family," Lubar said. "I came back to Carlson ready to work and without stress or guilt about time away from my family. I also have a better understanding of my employees' needs relative to their family lives and how I can best support them."

The Top 100 list was compiled based on a survey of chief executive officers and human resources executives from more than 760 U.S. companies. Employers were ranked based on their adoption benefits, including financial support and paid leave available to employees who adopt. In addition to the Top 100, the foundation recognized the leaders of each industry, the top 10 by size, and companies that support adoption and adoptive families in other ways. Additional information was to be posted at www.AdoptionFriendlyWorplace.org.

For five of the last six years, Carlson has been on Working Mother magazine's list of the Best 100 Companies for Working Mothers. In addition to adoption assistance, Carlson's benefits and programs include onsite childcare; alternative work arrangements; and an employee assistance program, which provides services ranging from advice on family matters and health and financial assistance, to home repairs.