Links 

Carrots.com
Authors and consultant Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton have several good books and resources for employee recognition.

Nelson Motivation Inc.
Bob Nelson is one of the leading speakers/authors on employee motivation and recognition; his web site has some articles and a list of his books.  

O.C. Tanner Consultants
Consultants in the field of employee recognition; some information about recognition programs and best practices.  

Recognition.org
Recognition Professionals International, formerly NAER, is an international non-profit association of employers existing to study, develop and promote systems that enhance employee engagement and performance through employee recognition.

Books

Handle With Care: Motivating and Retaining Employees (2002)
Author: Barbara A. Glanz
"Creative, low-cost ways to raise morale, increase commitment, and reduce turnover." This offers a lot of great ideas for motivation and retention beyond recognizing and rewarding.

Love 'em or Lose 'em - Getting Good People to Stay (1999)
Authors: Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans
Lots of good, practical ideas for motivating and retaining employees using various forms of recognition and acknowledgment.  

Make Their Day! - Employee Recognition That Works (2003)
Author: Cindy Ventrice
This is a great resource; addresses many of the common challenges inherent in developing a successful recognition program.