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Benchmark Hospitality International a “Top 100
Privately Held Company in Houston”

In the Top 50, according to the Houston Chronicle

The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, July 2009 ... Benchmark Hospitality International has been named one of the Top 100 Privately Held Companies in Houston, Texas, according to the Houston Chronicle, one of the nation’s leading newspapers and the largest paper in Texas.  The Houston Chronicle based its 2009 list of the top private companies on revenues achieved during the previous year.  Benchmark Hospitality was in the top 50 companies, placing 42nd on the list with companywide revenues across all properties in its management portfolio of $326 million.

“It is an honor to be included on this list and in the company of such prestigious corporations,” said Burt Cabañas, Chairman and CEO.  “For our company to be extended this recognition within our ‘hometown’ is especially gratifying.”

Benchmark Hospitality International is one of the leading privately held hospitality management companies in the United States with a portfolio of hotels, resorts and conference centers spanning coast-to-coast, off shore in Hawaii, in Japan and with projects in development in Central and South America.  The company employs over 5000 hospitality professionals.  In 2010, Benchmark Hospitality will celebrate its 30th Anniversary. 

Benchmark Hospitality International was founded by Burt Cabañas in The Woodlands, Texas, a suburb of Houston.  Mr. Cabañas and Benchmark Hospitality are both founding members of the International Association of Conference Centers, the leading professional organization governing the multi-billion dollar conference center industry on five continents and the recognized authority on the critical elements of the Total Meeting Experience.

Mr. Cabañas, who immigrated to the United States from Cuba at age 10 as Castro took power, began in the hospitality industry as a lifeguard.  After graduating from Florida International University, and growing his career with a variety of leading hospitality organizations, he became affiliated with The Woodlands Corporation, a subsidiary of Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. of Houston, developing resorts and conference centers.  He launched Benchmark Hospitality International in 1980.

For a complete listing of the Houston Chronicle’s Top 100 Privately Held Companies in Houston, please reference:  http://www.chron.com/databases/chron100-privatecompanies.html

About Benchmark Hospitality International

Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels™.  The privately held company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.  Benchmark Hospitality is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations.  Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston, with regional offices in New Jersey and Connecticut.  International offices are located in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark’s properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality..com.  

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