Carlson Companies Inc.

Minnetonka-based Carlson Cos. said recently that it's laying off 200 employees, citing a slowdown in business travel. Affected employees will be notified soon and leave the company over the next several months. They will be given an unspecified severance package as well as outplacement career assistance. Positions that will be cut are mostly in Minnesota and include corporate center functions as well as some in the hotel and marketing business units. Carlson Cos. employs 5,000 people in Minnesota, including 670 at its headquarters and 1,000 in franchised operations. Carlson brands include Regent Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Country Inn & Suites and T.G.I. Friday's.