Bill Morrissey — whose St. Paul-based Morrissey Hospitality Cos. run the St. Paul Hotel, Pazzaluna and Tria Restaurant in North Oaks and many other outlets, as well as the restaurant and catering business (not the hot dogs and beer, though) at the Xcel Energy Center — has been named to the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Morrissey, of Eagan, employs more than 1,000 people in his enterprises. He's been board chair of the Minnesota Lodging Association, Hospitality Minnesota, Historic Hotels of America and the St. Paul Convention and Tourism Bureau.

The Explore Minnesota Tourism Council promotes the state's travel and tourism market. It has 28 members, including 23 appointed by the governor.