Staybridge Suites of Bloomington began operations in May of 2001. This 127 unit hotel is posi-tioned in the competitive Bloomington market located on the corner of Interstate-494 andNormandale Boulevard, and accommodates primarily corporate clients traveling for training,special projects, consulting or relocation. This prime location is also ideal for MinneapolisInternational Airport and Mall of America travelers. The Staybridge Suites brand is a new,upscale concept in extended-stay lodging. It offers three types of residential-style accommoda-tions; a studio suite, a one-bedroom suite and a two-bedroom/two-bathroom suite. Each of thesesuites offer a fully- equipped kitchen in addition to a work desk with complimentary high speedinternet access. Additional conveniences for business travelers include a 24-hour business centerfeaturing internet access as well as copy and fax capabilities. When it’s time to relax, theStaybridge Suites offers a fitness center, guest library, indoor pool, whirlpool and even an out-door courtyard complete with gas barbeque grills! It’s the next best thing to being home.

The Staybridge Suites of Bloomington has received numer-ous awards, including the 2004 Torgerson Properties“Property of the Year” and “Top Gun” awards (see page thirteen for pictures of the SSB team receiving their awards).The hotel team is also extremely proud of employee PramelaBharrat, who was honored at the 2004 TPI awards banquetwith the first annual “Heart and Soul Award”, recognizingher relentless efforts to do whatever it takes to satisfy thehotel guests. In 2003, Virgil Jones received the “GuestService Agent Diamond Service Award” from theBloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau, in recognitionof his outstanding guest service abilities. In addition, theBloomington location received the 2003 “Quality ofExcellence Award” from Intercontinental Hotels Group.

An outstanding facility combined with an outstanding staffhas made the Staybridge Suites of Bloomington one of themost highly regarded extended-stay hotels in the Twin Citiesarea. Teamed with the Hilton Garden Inn located next door,they provide the best of the best for Twin Cities business orleisure travelers.

INNSIDEP R O P E R T I E S

Spring 2005

Staybridge Suites of BloomingtonProvides Your Home Away From Home

TPISpotlight

The Staybridge Suites of Bloomington, located at the corner of Interstate-494 and NormandaleBoulevard, provides all of the comforts of home to business and leisure travelers.

Seems there are always things happening around TPI. This year we are embarking upon$4,000,000 in renovations to our existing facilities. Some of the larger projects includecomplete interior décor remodels for SpringHill Suites Rochester and Staybridge SuitesNaples. Holiday Inn Express Eagan, Holiday Inn Willmar and Holiday Inn New Ulm willbe replacing all of their furniture this year. Not too glamorous a project, but a necessitynone-the-less, is Holiday Inn Fairmont ripping out its entire parking lot and replacing it.And there are many, many more projects. They all require a lot of planning and hard workto execute by all of the associates at TPI. We want to ensure our guests are not compro-mised during these renovations and of course, enjoy the benefits once the projects are com-plete. Whatever it takes for Outrageous Guest Service, you have the power!

Our new construction projects are proceeding quite well. In Rochester, our CourtYard byMarriott is topped out and all enclosed. What an impressive building and facility! ThisCourtYard will have a full-service restaurant, bar and meeting facility along with all of theother amenities you’d expect from a CourtYard. Additionally, it has an enclosed privateparking ramp integrated into the hotel. We are projecting an opening for late summer.

The full service Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in Arbor Lakes (NW Minneapolis) is now scheduled to go through Planning Commission inconjunction with the entire next Phase of Arbor Lakes. The next phase is called The Fountains At Arbor Lakes with one large pond fullof fountains and additional water amenities filtered throughout the development. Our Venetian themed hotel and water park sits right atthe gateway to Arbor Lakes and on the shores of the large pond. The arrival at this signature hotel will be extremely dramatic. Ourfriend, Gary Sauer, has been instrumental in positioning the hotel in this location. In our next addition of the TPI Newsletter, we will beable to insert construction photos of this project.

Our Green Mill & Conference Center in Willmar is venturing into new territory for TPI. Though many of our restaurants do deliveryand some occasional off-premise catering, Willmar is going to put both feet into off-premise catering. We have invested in a “kitchen-on-wheels”. This truck is currently being custom fabricated and should arrive soon. Our new business will be launched early summerand focus towards the more upscale catering needs in Kandiyohi county.

I am also happy to report that our launching of Harvest Buffet in Austin last fall is off and running. This too is a first time concept forTPI. We are already achieving great customer satisfaction and profitability with sales trends showing growth. What a nice complementto our Torge’s Live nightclub at that location.

Recently, we bought out our Limited Partner Investors at the Staybridge Suites in Naples, FL. The result is a more typical ownership andmanagement scenario for TPI whereby TPI is now a 50% owner of the hotel and our partner is Ray DeAngelis. Additionally, TPI man-ages the hotel under contract. This opens doors for a lot of upside potential for the hotel and TPI. This was the only asset in TPI’s port-folio whereby TPI had a minority interest in ownership. As a result, TPI either wholly owns the assets it manages, or at the very leasthas a 50% ownership stake. Though Naples had a happy ending, TPI has no intention of making future minority investments.

I am excited about 2005 for all of us at TPI. I believe this is an exciting and great company to work at and “make a difference” at. Wecontinue as a company to evolve our leadership abilities resulting in “rock solid” operations in each of our properties. Leadership setsthe culture within each of our operations, and the associates take us home from there. We need both working harmoniously to achieveOutrageous Guest Service, and remember, You Have The Power!

Tom Torgerson

A Message From Tom Torgerson

Tom TorgersonChief Executive Officer

Torgerson Properties, Inc.

The Hampton Inn Shoreview’s Care Committee is in full gear. With a commitment to outrageous guest serv-ice, the committee consists of three employees from each department. The committee meets every otherWednesday and analyzes all guest surveys from Hilton, and selects goals to conquer. They have team icebreakers, challenges and games like “Hampton Bingo” to spread the news about what’s going on in the carecommittee and to promote staff involvement and keep the energy we create alive. And yes, they get prizes.Our next goal is to paint our training room and add our five elements of the Hampton Inn training, postersfor each department with each employee’s hand print and the date they started. As you can see, our mascotis the “Do-Your-Best-Bear”. One committee member from the front of the house and one from the heart ofthe house has our mascot key chain that they carry around all day to remind the team members of our vision.

HIN Care Committee Continues To GrowDo-Your-Best Bear Acts As Mascot

Mitch Looks At The Lighter SideWhen you work in a business that revolves around interaction with the general public, anynumber of situations can, and do, arise. When presented with a guest challenge, the resolu-tion is sometimes clear and yet at other times it is not. We work diligently on a daily basisto insure that our guests do not experience anything less than “outrageous” guest service.There are however, on occasion, service breakdowns that do occur. In the case of these rareoccurrences we are all empowered to “do whatever it takes” to alleviate the guests concernsand ensure their continued patronage. Based on my day-to-day experiences, TPI associateshave done a tremendous job of providing our guests with the finest service possible. Forthat I am both pleased and proud.

The nature of the hospitality business is such that we often find ourselves faced with situa-tions that at times leave us speechless. In these circumstances there are often no clear cutforms of resolution to satisfactorily address the guest’s concern. The effective handling ofthese occurrences involves a solid understanding of the “not so fine line” between principleand correctness. In many instances the situation seems to be totally irrational and we say toourselves “huh?”. When this occurs we have a choice to make. We can choose to ignoretheir concern and do nothing, or we can accept responsibility for their situation and resolve the issue that in principle, we do not own. Asdifficult as it may be to accept at the time, these occurrences often turn out to be not only an opportunity to impress our guests, but asyou will see are sometimes quite humorous!

I again have dug deep into my TPI Opinions.com file to extract some humorous examples of situations where our guests have not onlyleft us speechless, but have allowed us to smile as well. Here are just a few:

“I called the Staybridge Suites in Bloomington and they told me that the Staybridge van would be there in a couple of minutes and toldme where to meet it. I got on the Staybridge Eagan van when it arrived at the airport and it took me to Eagan instead of Bloomington.To make a long story short, I had to take a taxi to Bloomington because it was my fault that I was in the wrong place…just one bad andthoughtless (and costly) experience for me.”

Humorous note: Got on the “Eagan” van to go to “Bloomington”.

“Upon my check-in I requested a room on the highway side of the hotel where I had parked my trailer in order to keep an eye on itthroughout the night…I opened my window, checked on my trailer, and went to sleep…the noise on that side of the building was unbear-able…the least the staff could do is to allow the guest an option of getting a room on the non-highway side of the building!”

Humorous note: The guest requested a room on the highway side.

“We returned to the hotel after spending the day out and realized that no housekeeping service had taken place in our room. Granted,we had put out the do not disturb sign but, you’ d think that at least the bed would be made, garbage emptied, and towels replaced”.

Humorous note: What is the “Do not disturb” sign for?

“Initially, we chose your hotel because you accepted pets which was important to us as we were traveling with our dog…When wechecked into our room it was clear that the previous guest was the owner of a dog, how disgusting!…Lastly, I cannot believe you allowcats in the hotel. They are not clean animals and they shed all over the room which some future guest will have to deal with!”

Humorous note: Apparently, cats are not pets.

“We had a gift certificate for $20.00. We had a bill totaling $15.00 for our evening out. When we went to pay for our bill we were toldthat there was no money given in change for those gift certificates. If we would have known that was the policy, we would have foundother ways to use up the balance (on dessert, appetizer, etc.). Incidentally, the only statement that is clearly identified on the certificateis “Certificates must be used in full. Not redeemable for cash, credit or gratuity””.

Humorous note: Huh?.

“At Christmas 2001, my wife and I were given $40 in Holiday Inn gift certificates purchased through a local raffle. We used one of the$10 certificates in January but didn’t realize that they had an expiration date of June 31, 2001 until we decided to use them on Saturday,

July 5th…I was astounded that they would even question the validity of these certificates as so little time had passed from the expirationdate!”

Humorous note: The gift certificate in question was redeemed on July 5th, 2004.

...continued on page 6

Mitch PetersonPresident of Operations

Torgerson Properties, Inc.

Hilton Garden InnEagan

President’sAward

In Recognition Of AchievingThe Greatest Percentage Of

Growth In Income Before Fixed

Holiday Inn Austin

SalesAchievement

Award

In Recognition Of AchievingThe Greatest Percentage Of

Growth In Revenue

Staybridge SuitesBloomington

Top GunAward

In Recognition Of AchievingThe Greatest Excess Income

Before Fixed, Actual To Budget

Holiday InnNew Ulm

TeamworkAward

In Recognition Of Maintaining The Lowest

Rate Of Employee Turnover

Hampton InnShoreview

Chairman’sAward

In Recognition Of AchievingThe Greatest Percentage Of

Growth In Revenue

Hampton InnShoreview

CloserAward

In Recognition Of AchievingThe Most Exceptional OverallFourth Quarter Performance

Torgerson Properties 2004 Hotel Awards

Perkins Austin

SalesAchievement

Award

In Recognition Of AchievingThe Greatest Percentage Of

Growth In Revenue

Green MillWillmar

President’sAward

In Recognition Of AchievingThe Greatest Percentage Of

Growth In Income Before Fixed

PerkinsAustin

Top GunAward

In Recognition Of AchievingThe Greatest Excess Income

Before Fixed, Actual To Budget

Torge’sFairmont

TeamworkAward

In Recognition Of Maintaining The Lowest

Rate Of Employee Turnover

PerkinsAustin

Chairman’sAward

In Recognition Of AchievingThe Greatest Percentage Of

Growth In Revenue

Green MillWillmar

CloserAward

In Recognition Of AchievingThe Most Exceptional OverallFourth Quarter Performance

Torgerson Properties 2004 Restaurant Awards

Continued from page 3, Mitch Looks at the Lighter Side...

“This past Friday, my wife and I were having dinner at this particular Green Mill. We were sitting close to the “kitchen area”…we wereabout 8-10 feet away from the man making the pizzas. In an effort to impress several children watching him, he kept tossing pizza doughhigher and higher. Fine, no problem, have fun at your job. But it becomes a problem when he tosses the pizza over the glass barrier,over all of the children watching, and over the back of our booth and lands on my wife. Now while I’m normally a pretty patient guy,when a pizza lands on my wife I tend to get a little p****d off. If I’m at McDonald's and a fry comes flying out of somewhere, fine, I canhandle that. However, I don’t expect pizza dough to hit my wife in the head. Disappointing, to say the least, and I don’t know if I can goback there after this experience”.

Humorous note: Thank goodness there wasn’t pizza sauce on it!

We could argue that in the vast majority of these situations, in principle we are not responsible for resolving the individual guests con-cerns. Any court in the land would side with us, but unfortunately no hospitality court exists today!. However, the correct thing for us todo is to work towards finding a way to ultimately satisfy these guests. In most cases a small investment in terms of a resolution, can cre-ate a lifetime guest in return. Some of the most loyal guests are created through the process of problem resolution, irregardless of who isat the source of the issue. As a matter of fact, when we help a guest out of a problem that they have created for themselves, withoutreminding them of that same fact, the potential exists for even greater loyalty. One final note; all of the above guest concerns were han-dled to the complete satisfaction of the contributing guests. Congratulations to each of the teams that did the “whatever it takes”.

Final Note: It’s not about who is “right” or who is “wrong”...it’s about “satisfying our guests”.

Mitch

Presenting... The 2005 TPI Decade Club

Fairmont HotelsCindy Benton 6/12/80Stacy Hanning 7/25/90James Kokoruda 4/25/95Rita Lunz 3/15/93Regina Nelson 8/01/91Vicki Wehner 5/04/88Barb Young 3/06/91Dave Zellmer 5/24/87

Holiday Inn New UlmDonna Nichols 8/21/89Sue Pederson 4/16/88Debbie Schmidt 8/13/90

Perkins AustinKaren Dion 10/22/90Ann Jette 9/20/91Teresa Wilde 10/22/90

Perkins FairmontCassie Connelly 5/01/94Lynette Ellman 10/18/83Gena Geerdes 8/20/85Eileen Grefe 10/18/83Randy Kruse 5/08/94Tim Rasche 2/05/95Bruce Thompson 5/22/88Laura Truslow 2/06/93

Torgerson PropertiesMitch Peterson 12/12/88Dennis Wallenta 8/13/90Sheryl Walton 1/26/80

Perkins Red WingGinny Horstmann 9/12/93Tammy Mathews 9/12/93Kim Murphy 9/12/93Mary Odman 4/25/95Ronda Swenning 9/12/93Jen Swenning 3/10/94

Torge’s FairmontBrad Bearson 4/29/90Kari Buntjer 10/16/91Ron DeBoer 10/21/88Alison Farrow 8/15/87Steve Fausch 4/14/06Angela Garbers 12/18/91Jerry Goblirsch 12/15/88Linda Gronewold 11/29/83Diann Irmiter 7/24/89Phyllis Kragness 10/20/91Lynn Marushin 5/01/92Karie Nelson 3/14/95Mark Neubauer 5/22/85Ellen Neubauer 12/10/91Tena Schultz 9/13/89Lori Smith 3/07/95Terry Stade 9/29/87

Austin HotelsMary Bates 12/04/94Kristi Bredfelt 2/13/94Shirley Desart 5/17/89Carolyn Tindal 7/03/94Elizabeth Haack 7/14/93Maynard Wolfe 3/06/90

Otto’s New UlmLisa Braulick 10/23/91

Green Mill WillmarAnita Beuning 11/24/87Larry Jorschumb 1/16/93Norene Medici 4/10/92Brenda Muller 5/01/83Inge Wilson 10/31/81

Hampton Inn ShoreviewJanet Johnson 3/20/92

Staybridge Suites Maple GroveTodd Roy 7/13/92

Harvest Buffet AustinTerry Coleman 5/20/89

Holiday Inn WillmarJackie Augustson 4/11/79

Torge’s Live AustinJamie Goligowski 11/30/92

Holiday Inn Express EaganSusan Baldwin 11/13/94Lois Pollihan 4/18/94D Vongsaphay 12/02/94

Holiday Inn Express GVRiley Kvam 12/01/91

Great people are the heart and soul of what makes Torgerson Properties a leader in the hospitality industry. On behalf of the entire TPIorganization, we salute each of these 69 individuals for their ten-plus years of loyalty and commitment towards the success of TPI.

The Austin Holiday Inn and Conference Center wasthe proud host to the Minnesota Twins 2005 wintercaravan. Over 300 twins fans from all over southernMinnesota joined in to welcome the Twins and preparefor another exciting season of baseball. Even TC, theTwins bear mascot, made an appearance and was a bighit. Harvest Buffet General Manager Terry Phillipstook a moment to join TC in cheering the Twins (lowerleft). After feasting on a traditional baseball mealincluding hot dogs, brats, beans and chips, FSN Twinsbroadcaster Clay Matvick introduced current Twinsplayers Joe Mauer (upper left) and Carlos Silva. Both players spoke to the fans and fieldedquestions about the upcoming season. Next, three-time American League batting championTony Oliva brought down the house as he was introduced. Tony was very gracious and saidhe was excited about the upcoming Twins season. Before the night was over, everyone inattendance was able to get an autograph from each of the Twins players. It was an excitingevening in Austin, and we look forward to hosting this event again in the future. Now, it’stime to “take me out to the ballpark!”.

Investing in the Torgerson Properties Retirement Savings Plan is a simple and effective way tosave for the future. One benefit is that the contributions are deducted from your pay, so there isless temptation to spend now rather than save for later. In fact, it can be easy to forget that youare even putting money away for the future.

But this may be one reason many investors fail to make necessary adjustments to their holdings.With fluctuating market conditions and different investments performing better – or worse – thanothers over time, your portfolio’s investment mix may stray from your original intentions. And,while you likely considered which investments best matched your personal objectives and risktolerance when you first invested in the Torgerson Properties Retirement Savings Plan, you maynot have re-examined allocations to ensure they have remained in line with your financial goals.

That is where rebalancing can help. This process, in which you sell some of your better per-forming investments and invest more in those that have fallen behind, is important to a long-term plan. By periodically reviewing your holdings and realigning assets to your initialallocation, you may help reduce the volatility of your portfolio and keep your investmentstrategy on track.

And that process can be as simple as making contributions to your account. The Torgerson Properties Retirement Savings Plan allowsyou to make an election to have your account automatically rebalance on a quarterly basis. If you have not already elected your accountto be rebalanced, the process is simple. You can call Alerus Retirement Solutions at 800-433-1685 and request an Account RebalancingForm to be completed and submitted to your Human Resources office.

Once you have done so, you will be reassured that your retirement plan is best allocated to help you realize your savings goals.

If you wish to access your account online, you can log on to the following website:

www.alerusretirementsolutions.com

Click on the Participant Log In and enter your Social Security Number and PIN. If you need to create or reset your PIN, you can call800-433-1685 and a Service Representative can assist you.

Torgerson Properties Retirement Savings PlanPortfolio Rebalancing: An Important Part Of Long-Term Investment Success

Unless you have a money tree, it only makessense to keep your 401-k investment up to datewith your financial goals.

We’re Gonna Win Twins!Austin Campus Hosts The 2005 Minnesota Twins Winter Caravan

Tiffany Wimmer recently joined thestaff at TPI’s Administrations office.She most recently worked at theComfort Inn of Willmar where she wasthe Night Auditor. Tiffany is a native ofLitchfield, where she currently resideswith her fiance, Jeremy. In her sparetime she enjoys bowling, sewing anddancing. Of course, right now she iskept busy planning her Septemberwedding. She has been a fantasticaddition to the TPI Administrationsteam. Sheryl Walton says “Tiffany hasbecome our resident expert on chemi-cal fertilizer.” Welcome aboard Tiffany!

Otto’s Feierhaus & Bier Stube ispleased to introduce General ManagerMarti Bennet. Marti has a great dealof experience in the restaurant/loungeconcept, most recently as the Food &Beverage Manager at the BestWestern Hotel in Mankato. Marti alsoowned his own restaurant/lounge inMankato for many years. He hasquickly acclimated to New Ulm, as hisfirst two weeks as General Managerwere during Oktoberfest. Martianswered the bell, and has been astrong leader for the entire Otto’steam. Welcome to New Ulm Marti.

Terry Phillips has joined TPI asGeneral Manager of our newestrestaurant concept...Harvest Buffet ofAustin. He has an extensive back-ground in buffet-style restaurantsthrough his four-year managementexperience with Old Country Buffet inthe Twin Cities area. In his spare timeTerry enjoys fishing on a quiet lakeand also collects (and smokes) rare orhard-to-find cigars from all over theworld. Terry has been an invaluableasset in developing TPI’s first buffetrestaurant. Welcome to TPI Terry,we’re glad to have you on the team.

The Austin Holiday Inn andConference Center is pleased to intro-duce Sharon Kaplan as their newDirector of Sales. Sharon’s back-ground includes operating an in-homedaycare, administrations with theAustin Public Schools and Marketingwith the Xerox company. She and herhusband Scott have four children andtwo grandchildren. Sharon enjoyswildlife oil painting, scrapbooking andreading. Welcome to the Holiday Inn,Sharon. The Austin crew is glad tohave you on their team.

Springhill Suites Rochester is pleasedto introduce Ian Freeburg as theirGeneral Manager. Ian started in thehotel business when he was 19 yearsold as a bellman at the SheratonMetrodome in Minneapolis. Over timehe worked his way up to his mostrecent position as Front OfficeManager at the Marriott of Rochester.Ian says he is married to “my bestfriend and inspiration, Tracy, who hasher own morning show on Fox Country102.5 FM in Rochester.” Ian is a hugeTwins and Viking fan and enjoys hunt-ing wild turkeys, pheasants and deer.Welcome to TPI Ian.

Another invaluable part of the HarvestBuffet grand opening team is JeanHoeft. Jean joined TPI asBanquet/Kitchen Manager last fall, andhas been a big part of the success ofHarvest Buffet. Jean most recentlyworked as the Banquet Manager atthe Red Wing Golf and Country Club.She and her husband Ross haverecently purchased a home and relo-cated to Austin. Starting a new con-cept is always an adventure, but Jeanhas been instrumental in building astrong team and making the HarvestBuffet a success. CongratulationsJean.

On The Move With TPI

The Holiday Inn and Super 8 hotels inFairmont are proud to announce thepromotion of Amanda Anderson toAssistant General Manager. Amandastarted at the front desk of the Super 8in December of 2000. She thencrossed-trained and learned the desk,at the Holiday Inn, including bothaudits! She graduated with an associ-ates degree in travel and tourism man-agement from Iowa Lakes College inEmmetsburg, IA. She was promotedto Assistant General Manager inOctober of 2004 and has been doing agreat job. Congratulations Amanda!

In July of 2004, Sue Blackstad joinedthe Perkins Fairmont team as theKitchen Manager. Sue’s backgroundincludes over twenty years of restau-rant experience. She has also workedas a certified athletic trainer for thepast six years, most recently for theFairmont Hockey Association. Sue isa native of New Ulm, MN and haslived in Fairmont for the past fiveyears. She enjoys all sports, especial-ly golf and darts. Sue loves the out-doors and spending time with family,friends and her dog, Bently. Welcomeaboard, Sue. You have been a greataddition to the Perkins Fairmont team.

The Days Inn and the Holiday Inn andConference Center of Austin takegreat pleasure in introducing MelissaKuttner as their Assistant GeneralManager. Melissa says she enjoyscamping and being able to be out-doors. She is also staying very busyplanning for her upcoming weddingthis November. Melissa has been agreat complement to the Austin man-agement team. Congratulations onyour promotion, Melissa!

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery of RedWing is proud to introduce KitchenManager Joe Allers. Joe, who wasborn and raised in near-by Lake City,MN, joined Torgerson Properties as aline cook while in high school in 2000.He enjoys fishing, hunting andbowling. In addition to his outdooractivities, Joe is a big NASCAR fan,naming #48 Jimmy Johnson as hisfavorite driver. Joe has been a greataddition to the Red Wing managementteam. Congratulations Joe, and goodluck in your Kitchen Manager position.

The Austin Holiday Inn andConference center is proud to intro-duce Molly Kennedy as the newDirector of Catering. Molly possessesa great deal of catering experience,most recently as Catering Manager atthe Marriott in Rochester. She and herfamily make their home in St. Ansgar,Iowa. Molly is looking forward toshortening her daily commute by a halfhour each way. The entire Kennedyfamily are huge NASCAR buffs. Theyenjoy attending races whenever possi-ble. Welcome to Austin Molly, we’reglad to have you on the TPI team!

The Staybridge Suites of Eagan wel-comes John Neuser to their propertyas Chief Engineer. John has beenwith Torgerson Properties since 2000,and has worked at all three Eaganhotels. John’s previous position wasin the engineering department at theHoliday Inn Express. Congratulationson your promotions, John. We allknow you will do a great job!

On The Move With TPI

An e-mail received by Tom Torgerson...

“I travel 50-75 nights a year for business. I am not easily satisfied. I routinely complain when I am not happy with hotels that I stay at.Your hotel has really been problem free. You have empowered your staff and that seems to make the difference. This last stay we were tocome in Wednesday night and leave Sunday morning. We had a nightmarish experience on our flight to Minnesota. We missed our flightand didn’t make it back home until early in the morning. We woke up at 5am to try again. I never called to let the hotel staff know thatwe were delayed. We got into town the next morning. I called the hotel when we arrived. I was told that I would be charged for not ful-filling my commitment of staying the prior night. I explained to the front desk person, Tracy, that we were delayed and that we were atthe airport until 2am. I also explained that we wanted to stay Thursday through Sunday. Tracy explained that there would be no chargeand the rooms would be held for us. After we got our luggage, we decided to drop it off at the hotel. I knew the rooms would not beready. When we got there Tracy said, ‘Oh, Mr. Miller, since your rooms were saved you can check in right now.’ This was done withoutconsulting with her supervisor, and without upsetting me and then relenting and ‘allowing me to win an argument’. It is evident that thisresults from instilling your desire with the staff. I applaud your efforts. Please let Tracy know that I really appreciate her ability to makea decision. Right or wrong, you allowed it. This is so much more refreshing than being told, ‘I’ll have to ask my supervisor’.”

Murray MillerDiscover Communications

“Whatever It Takes For Outrageous Guest Service...

A note received at the SpringHill Suites of Rochester...

“To the SpringHill Suites: We’re thinking of how you’ve touched our lives. Perhaps you’ve never realized how your thoughtful, caringways have made such a difference to others, and how your many small kindnesses have grown into ever-widening circles that havetouched so many lives, especially ours. We’re thinking of how you’ve touched our life and hoping that those many kindnesses will bereturned to you each day; and remembering all of the things you do that make all of you someone special.”

Bill and Judy Curtis

A letter received at Hilton World Wide...

“I just wanted to let you know that the night audit person, Sherry, at the Hampton Inn Shoreview represents the best of what Hiltonstands for. She was not only pleasant and extremely courteous at 6:30 am after a long evening on the job; she was absolutely vibrantand genuinely wanted to help me over the phone.

She not only saved the day after I was indifferently treated over the phone at another location, but I then later cancelled twelve individ-ual rooms of multiple nights stay at the Holiday Inn of Vadnais Heights and booked them at the Hampton Inn for a meeting I was hostingin town because of Sherry’s commitment to her guests.

After trying to get a reservation at the other location, I placed a call to your Hampton Inn Shoreview at 6:30am and yielded this chippervoice welcoming in the day to me, inquiring what she could do to assist me. Asking if anything opened up for that evening and lettingher know how poorly I was treated by the other locations, Sherry went into action. She explained that she really wanted to help me, butcouldn’t commit to anything until 8am. She asked if I could call her back then or if I preferred, leave my cell number with her and shewould call me back. I explained that I would be in flight at that time. ‘That’s not a problem,’ as she assured me that I would have avoice mail from her when I landed. True to her word, the voice mail was on the phone confirming a room for that night and requestingthat I call to confirm that I received the call.

Calling in to the Hampton Inn, someone else answered the phone. I identified myself and was immediately told that they were expectingmy call as Sherry alerted them to our conversation. Now that’s customer service! When I arrived that evening and identified myself, theattendant’s response was ‘Mr. Wenzel, welcome, we have been waiting for you. I hope you had a good flight.’

I had the pleasure of meeting Sherry personally the next morning and told her she was my ‘Hilton Hero’.

I am pleased to say that I have cancelled my scheduled meeting sleeping rooms and since rebooked everyone at the Hampton Inn. I amconfident Sherry will treat my meeting guests with the same warmth, respect and more importantly, with the same ‘Hilton spirit’. Again,thank you Sherry.

Mr. Wenzel

...You Have The Power!”An e-mail received at TPI Opinions.com concerning the Staybridge Suites Maple Grove...

“This letter to you is long overdue. I started staying at the Staybridge Suites in Maple Grove shortly after the hotel opened. My motherwas in a nursing home and I visited her every two months. The hotel provided me with a safe environment, as many times I had to travelalone. It also provided a home-like setting in which I could have my mother with me during the day if I wished.

The staff was always so kind to me and to my family, knowing that many times my visit was not an easy one if a problem arose with mymother’s health. I had to change reservations, extend my stay, etc., and they were always very helpful. The staff became like my familyaway from home, always asking if there was anything I needed, how my mother was doing, and letting me know that there was someonethere who cared. Through the years, we had many family gatherings at the hotel when our four children all came with their families andwe have many happy memories from those times.

Todd is really a wonderful manager and the people that work for him always speak about him with the highest regard. Fran, who is inthe food service department of the hotel, is so special. She would always tell me that I should be sure to eat with all that I was goingthrough and always had a smile on her face and a kind word. The hotel was always very clean and the ground were so nice as well.

My mother became very ill a little over a year ago. I moved into the hotel and told my mother that I would be with her until the end.Every day I was there during those almost three weeks, the staff couldn’t have been more dear to me. I received a phone call in the mid-dle of the night from the nursing home that my mother was critical and I should get there quickly. I didn’t return to the hotel until a dayand a half later. The room was held for me and there was a sympathy card from the staff with a note telling me that they were there if Ineeded anything. I stayed there with my family until we left from the town where we had the funeral.

I wasn’t sure how I would feel about going back to the hotel to stay without my mother being there, but we have been back about three orfour times and the staff was so happy to see us and made us feel so welcome, as usual. We have stayed in many hotels in our travels, butthis is a special place, and I just thought that you should know. I wish there was some kind of award that they could win for the waythey make people feel and I know they treat everyone that way.”

Sincerely,

Patt Bolduc

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

“We would like to thank you for all of the wonderful service you provided us for our wedding block the weekend of October 22-24. Yourhotel was fantastic! We appreciate the professionalism of your staff, as well as all of the accommodations you provided to our guests.We had such a positive response from all of our guests who stayed with you.

We also cannot thank you enough for the transportation to and from the reception. You hotel was so considerate, your staff even provid-ed rides for our guests the following morning to go and get their cars from Buck Hill. We are also so thankful that your staff providedone of our ushers a ride to the church Friday night, after his flight arrived late so he could attend the rehearsal. Our guests were able toenjoy their evenings so much more, knowing they did not have to worry about driving.

Thanks again for such wonderful service! We have informed Kraemer’s Catering, Buck Hill of the wonderful services you have provided,and they have recommended your hotel to their clients who are using their facility for weddings, etc. We will definitely be staying at yourhotel and other Hilton hotels again!

Jami Duncan

A note received by Marriott Guest Relations...

“I had the occasion to stay at the SpringHill Suites in Rochester, Minnesota and I had to write to tell you how pleased I was. The staffwas efficient and friendly. They worked hard to assure our comfort. The premises were kept in excellent condition including the gar-dens, the lobby and the breakfast area. The manager and his entire staff could not have done more to please us.”

Ms. Joanellen Walsh

“Whatever It Takes For Outrageous Guest Service...

A true story from the Hilton Shoreview...

Living in Minnesota has taught all of us that the cold can be a cruel and unwelcome guest during the winter. Unfortunately, sometimesunfamiliar visitors are unaware of just how cold it can be. During a visit this past winter, two gentlemen from Australia were staying atthe Hilton of Shoreview and, unbelievably, they were walking almost a mile to their destination in 25 degree below zero temperaturesand 40 mile-per-hour winds. To top things off, neither of the guests were wearing a jacket! They were obviously unprepared and notfamiliar with the weather conditions that we regularly experience here in the ice capital of Torgerson Properties...Shoreview. SheilaStuart, Director of Catering and Josh Porter, Guest Service Agent, made sure that both guests were picked up by the hotel van anddelivered safely to their destination that day, and for the rest of their stay. We hope this service left our Australian friends with a bettermemory of their trip to Minnesota.

An e-mail received at TPI Opinions.com...

“I wanted to take the time to applaud the staff at one of your Hilton hotels. I joined a new company approximately a year ago and inthis position, I travel extensively. I try to stay at Hilton hotels whenever possible. As such, I have been exposed to a number of differentstaff members in many different cities. The staff - everyone with whom I came into contact - at the Eagan, Minnesota Hilton wereexceptional!

I immediately noticed how friendly the woman was who checked us in. You expect some level of friendliness when you first check in, butshe was incredibly warm and joyful. She stressed with great conviction, too, that if there was anything she could do for me, just to lether know. She even anticipated needs and questions, such as the need for an area map or a wake-up call. This hospitality, kindness andhelpfulness extended to everyone with whom I came into contact, including the evening and night desk staff, the early morning staff andthe airport shuttle staff. Each person stood out individually, as I mentioned, and what was even more impressive was that the entire staffas a whole stood out. In these days and times, when customer service and appreciation seems to be waning, it is rare to find a staff likethe one in Eagan. I must warn you though, the ‘pressure’ will be on the other Hiltons to measure up to this one location.

Again, I wanted to take the time to commend these individuals and share what a great job they are doing. Congratulations on this staff!

Melissa FryrearExtremely Satisfied Hilton Patron

A letter received at the Staybridge Suites of Eagan...

“Just a note to applaud your facility and staff. My wife, son and his wife and sick granddaughter stayed last Wednesday through Sunday.We had just helped them move from Ithaca, New York to Minneapolis and chose to stay at the Staybridge Suites in Eagan. While my wifeand I cared for our grandchild, our son and his wife made appointments to tour homes and duplexes and traveled about with cell phones.Did the internet come in handy? Did two lines in the room get used? Did having a two-room suite work with a crying, ill child? Didthe kitchen come in handy? All I can say is a big ‘Thanks’ to your staff and your excellent facility for an excellent stay.”

Larry Debbert and family

A letter received at the Holiday Inn of Fairmont...

“As you may know, our wedding reception was held at your hotel on February 12, 2005. The reception was held Saturday night, and wehad a large number of out-of-town guests staying at the hotel on Friday and Saturday nights. We wanted to let you know what a greatjob your staff did for our wedding. We were very pleased with the effort made by every department, and we wanted to thank all of youstaff members who helped make our day special. I wanted to especially thank the catering staff who worked the reception. They did agreat job of taking care of our guests. We had many compliments on the food and the service at the reception. You have a great team,and they worked very hard to take care of the details and make our guests feel welcome. Please pass our thanks to your employees inhousekeeping, catering, front desk, guest service and all other departments.”

Sincerely,

Carla Rock

A note received at the Hampton Inn of Maple Grove...

“During my January 24 check-in, I was greeted by customer service representative Karen Finnestad. Karen was absolutely phenomenaland exuded all the pleasantries that turn random customers into repeat customers. In addition to her courtesy, she detected that I hadbeen overcharged. The HiltonHHonors website booked my stay as a government rate, but charged my per night rate at $109.00 insteadof your$94.00 government rate. Her friendliness and concern did not end there. As we later passed in the hallway, Karen referred to meby name, asked if my accommodations were acceptable and if there was anything else she could do to make my stay better. I haveviewed Hampton Inn commercials where the level of customer service has been grossly embellished. Karen was a real person providing“commercial level customer service” to the average guy. It would be an understatement to say that you don’t find this type of serviceevery day. I have never found this level of service in my 44 years, that is until January 24. Mr. Maves, Karen is a “keeper” and wouldserve as a fine customer service mentor. On a final note, I thank you and look forward to meeting you during my next stay.”

Don Laney

An e-mail received at the Hilton Garden Inn of Eagan...

“People will find time to complain, but seldom do they bother to give a compliment. I would be remiss if I did not write in and informyou of a fine experience I had at your Hilton. On September 18th I checked in at the Hilton Garden in of Eagan and was greeted by twopleasant women at the desk. One was just finishing her shift and was about to leave and the other remained on duty and checked me in.After checking in I had to return to the front desk for several other transactions and was again treated in a very friendly manner. I wasso impressed that I asked for her card. Her name is Valerie. I am a member of the Hilton Seniors and do a lot of traveling in the USand abroad, always staying at Hiltons whenever possible. I must say that Valerie is a great asset to the Hilton Garden Inn. She leavescustomers with a warm feeling of hospitality and greets them with a big smile. I would appreciate it if you would compliment her onbehalf of my wife, myself and my niece who also checked in the same day. Seldom do you find such dedicated employees working in thiscapacity.

Richard C. Michaels

The Staybridge Suites of Bloomington (Hotel of the Year) and Perkins Restaurant & Bakery of Austin (Restaurant of the Year) took tophonors at the Torgerson Properties 2004 awards banquet. The Austin Holiday Inn and Conference Center was host to over 100 manage-ment-level personnel representing all thirty-two TPI properties as well as the central administrations office. The evening began with abrief social hour, followed by a buffet-style dinner featuring Mexican, Asian, Italian and American Favorites. A chocolate fountain creat-ed a unique and very popular dessert option. After dinner, it was on with the show! Nine different properties received awards that recog-nized their outstanding performance during the past year. Spotlights, a video display and heart-pumping music made for a memorableceremony. One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the new Heart and Soul Award, recognizing the people who cre-ate the heart and soul of Torgerson Properties...the hourly associates (see page 14). It was certainly a night to remember, and createdgreat anticipation for the 2005 awards banquet. Congratulations to all of the 2004 Torgerson Properties award recipients.

...You Have The Power!”

TPI Recognizes It’s Top PerformersStaybridge Suites Bloomington and Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Austin Take Top Honors

Two New TPI Project Begin To Take Shape

Torgerson Properties Honors It’s Heart And Soul

Above is the conceptual drawing of TPI’s newest project, the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suitesof Maple Grove. The hotel, located at the corner of Interstate-494 and Hemlock Lane isscheduled to break ground some time this summer.

The two newest additions to Torgerson Properties are the Courtyard by Marriott in Rochester (upper left) and the Holiday Inn & Suites ofMaple Grove (upper right). To say that these new properties are going to be impressive is an understatement. The Courtyard by Marriottbroke ground last fall just down the street from TPI’s SpringHill Suites in Rochester. Located directly across the street from St MarysHospital, the Courtyard is well-positioned to cater to the ever-growing demand for hotel rooms around one of the largest private hospitalsin the world. This facility will feature 117 rooms built above an enclosed private parking ramp, full-service restaurant, bar, meetingfacilities, along with all of the other amenities your would expect from a Courtyard by Marriott. It is sure to be one of the finest hotelfacilities in the city of Rochester when it opens some time during late summer of 2005.

The Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, located in the next phase of the Arbor Lakes development in Maple Grove, promises to be anunmatched facility in the Twin Cities area. This Venetian-themed hotel will be situated at the gateway to Arbor Lakes, in the Fountainsat Arbor Lakes phase. The architecture incorporates 136 rooms, and will complement the recently completed Shoppes at Arbor locateddirectly across the street. Many of the 34 suites will feature exterior balconies. In addition, the facility will boast a full-sized water park,providing a destination for families from throughout Minnesota. Plans call for a late 2005 ground breaking.

Construction of TPI’s newest hotel, the Courtyard by Marriott, is progressing on sched-ule with an anticipated grand opening of late summer 2005. The hotel is located acrossfrom St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

At Torgerson Properties, the heart and soul of our success comes from the hun-dreds of hourly associates that day in and day out do whatever it takes to makeour guests feel special. It is in this spirit that TPI introduced the Heart and SoulAward at the 2004 awards banquet. After receiving dozens of nominations fromTPI General Managers, seven very special people were chosen as 2004 Heart andSoul Award nominees. These individuals were invited to attend the awards ban-quet and be honored for their outstanding performance. Pramela Bharrat andLinda Gronewold were chosen as recipients of the 2004 Heart and Soul award.All of us at Torgerson Properties salute each of these incredible associates forshowing us what it takes to be the best. Congratulations gang!

Pramela Bharrat

Fran Daniels Ade Dowodu Ron DeBoer Patti Greseth Sherry Mueller

Linda Gronewold

The Austin team says good-bye to an era as they remove theold Torge’s Grille sign (left) to make way for the introduction of

TPI’s newest concept...Harvest Buffet (right).

Torgerson Properties Blazes A New TrailWith The Creation Of Harvest Buffet

On Friday, October 15, 2004, months of planning and anticipation brought a dream to reality with the opening of Harvest Buffet,Torgerson Properties’ first endeavor into the buffet-style restaurant market. Located in the Austin Holiday Inn and Conference Center,Harvest Buffet has quickly become a destination for those people looking for great food and lots of choices for lunch and dinner. Eachday at the Harvest Buffet features a unique menu theme. Guests can enjoy freshly prepared Italian, Mexican, Asian and Americanentrees, as well as many regular entrees served daily. Over sixteen different entrees and side dishes are available every day. The buffetalso includes a salad bar with over a dozen different salad ingredients in addition to a selection of freshly prepared salads. After youhave finished your salad and dinner, it’s time for the dessert bar, featuring hot and cold desserts as well as soft serve ice cream with allthe toppings kids love. Recently, a Sunday brunch was added to satisfy the demand for a buffet-style, after-church destination. For onelow price, guests at the Harvest Buffet have lots of choices and enjoy a complete, fresh-made meal including salad, dessert and beverage.

The buffet concept has been a great addition to the Austin campus, and serves a variety of needs. Whether you’re a business personlooking for a quick, quiet meal, a group from the office with limited time for lunch, or a family hoping to find something for everyone,Harvest Buffet has just what you’re looking for. Tour buses and convention attendees have also found the buffet to be the perfect com-plement to their functions.

The next time you’re in the Austin area, stop in and experience the Harvest Buffet. General Manager Terry Phillips, Kitchen/BanquetManager Jean Hoeft and Assistant General Manager Deb Mason would love to introduce you to Torgerson Properties’ newestconcept...Harvest Buffet.

Steve Fausch Comes To The RescueThis story goes far beyond just being outrageous. Steve Fausch, a Torge’s Fairmont Bartender, has beenemployed with TPI for nearly twenty years. Never has he been more needed than recently, when he saved thelife of a child. Steve saw the child laying on the bottom of the pool. He instantly jumped into the water andpulled the child out. After getting the child out of the pool, he began CPR and saved a life. Steve happenedto be in the right place at the right time and reacted quickly to avoid catastrophy. Thanks, Steve, for doingmuch more than “whatever it takes”!

Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington Goes GreekThe Hilton Garden Inn held nothing back at the 19th annual Bloomington Lodging and Meeting Expo.Over 550 corporate and government meeting planners and executives attended the expo to gather infor-mation for future meetings and conventions. The theme of the expo was “The Bloomington Games”,modeled after the olympics. The Hilton Bloomington team created a “Hilton Garden Inn - in Athens,Greece”. Belly dancers graced the lobby at check in with Barb and Loretta, while each guest waspampered with a hand held back massager. Brochures, business cards and an invitation to come andtour the Hilton Garden Inn were extended to each planner. After all that work, it’s no surprise that theHilton Garden Inn was awarded the Exhibitor’s Choice Award for their creative and impactful display.Congratulations to Loretta, Dave, Barb and the entire team at the Bloomington Hilton Garden Inn!

In response to employee feedback to Julie Johnson, General Manager at theHilton Garden Inn of Shoreview, a number of employees formed a CareCommittee that meets every month to plan staff events, prepare for upcomingbirthdays and holidays and provide feedback and ideas for problems and solu-tions at the hotel. So far they have not offered to take the managers out to din-ner, but they have helped to lift employee morale and lead by example. Way togo team!

On November 4th, the Harvest Buffet and Holiday Inn of Austin hosted aspaghetti dinner to raise money for flood relief victims in the Austin area fromthe September flooding. Over $1,400 was raised through their efforts, providingover 100 families with a Christmas gift basket and ornaments. Once again, theTPI family in Austin looked within themselves to see what greater good theycould do for those in need.

Andrea Balboa was named Employee of the Year at the Country Inn andSuites of Willmar. She brings a smile to work every day and is not happyunless you are. Andrea would also like to introduce the staff that helped win theaward; they are as follows...Deb Rivera, Brenda Plowman, Candice Mack,RheAnna Iverson and Butch Swenson. Congratulation to Andrea and her team!

Southern Living magazine recently chose Torgerson Properties’ StaybridgeSuites of Naples, Florida as “the best deal for a place to sleep” in their annualGuide to Beach Trips on a Budget. Congratulations to the entire StaybridgeSuites team for this national recognition.

Torgerson Properties, Inc.Water’s Edge Professional Building103 15th Avenue NW Suite 200P.O. Box 1020Willmar, MN 56201Phone: 320-235-7207

Check us out, we’re on the web! www.torgersonproperties.com

For reservations or information visit Marriott.com or call (888)287-9400

This note on SpringHill Suites stationary was given to the crew at theSpringHill Suites in Rochester. Great job gang, Katie G. may one

day be your most frequent guest!

At Torgerson Properties, we believe in our associates...“Whatever It Takes For Outrageous Guest Service...You Have The Power!”

Now Hear This!