Royal Caribbean International was recognized as the Business of the Year by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce in Oregon, at the Chamber’s recent Annual Awards & Installation Banquet.  The global cruise brand was recognized for its ongoing community support, emphasis on employee satisfaction and wellness, and creation of more than 225 jobs in 2011.

“We are honored to be named Business of the Year by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce,” said Carlos Leyva, vice president of Trade Support and Services, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “This recognition reaffirms one of our company’s core vision statements, which is to help enhance the well-being of our communities. The greater Springfield metropolitan area is populated with so much talent, and Royal Caribbean is proud to be a member of the community.”

Royal Caribbean has maintained a call center in Springfield since 2005 and is employing nearly 600 area residents to help the cruise line’s customers plan vacations of a lifetime. The cruise line’s expansion has helped fill positions in three new departments at the Springfield campus.

“We have become a part of Springfield and Springfield has become a part of our Royal Caribbean family,” said Ken Muskat, vice president of Consumer Outreach, Royal Caribbean International. “The Business of the Year award is a wonderful acknowledgement of the jobs that have been created and our commitment to the community.  We look forward to continuing to build a bright future together from the strong foundation we have in Springfield.”