Bill Foussard Inducted into the Minnesota Lodging Association’s Hospitality Hall of Fame

Dec. 16–A businessman with St. Cloud ties has been honored by the Minnesota Lodging Association.

Bill Foussard was inducted into the Minnesota Hospitality Hall of Fame on Thursday for his work in the lodging industry.

Foussard began his hospitality career in 1976 at a family hotel resort in Carefree, Ariz. When that hotel was sold, he came to Minnesota and managed the Leamington Hotel in Minneapolis until 1985, when he bought the Best Western Americanna Inn in St. Cloud.

Foussard acquired the Country Inn by Carlson in White Bear Lake in March 2000 and converted it to the Best Western White Bear Country Inn. That hotel was named Property of the Year (More Than 50 Rooms) at Thursday’s ceremonies.

Foussard is active in professional and civic organizations and has been recognized for his community service. He is a past president of the Minnesota Hotel & Lodging Association and a member of the St. Thomas Academy Board of Trustees. Foussard founded and chairs Explore White Bear and also Manitou Days, a summer festival.

He co-founded an annual Thanksgiving Meals On Wheels program, which prepared and delivered 18,400 holiday meals to 3,500 families with the assistance of 2,500 volunteers last month.

In St. Cloud, Foussard has been known for his work with the annual Dinner with Santa program, which is presented for senior citizens.