Benchmark's growth philosophy is based upon the conviction that maximum long-term profitability is the result of an optimum balance of financial considerations, product and guest experience, and human resource considerations. The policies and procedures in place throughout all Benchmark operations reflect this balance.

Benchmark Hospitality continues to grow under the following guidelines:

• Benchmark concentrates its efforts on the management of projects in targeted areas having a strong corporate presence and/or areas having strong destination characteristics.
• Management staff and systems strengths are main­tained through the hiring of key personnel as well as the promotion of in-house management staff whenever possible. Every management and marketing system is evaluated on a regularly scheduled basis to guarantee and maintain Benchmark's competitive edge.

• Benchmark restricts the number of new project openings to those that can be effectively supervised and managed. This ensures the level of quality and the continuity of service to our customers.
• Due to our success in meeting the goals of financial institutions and individual owners in the takeover of underachieving properties, Benchmark continues to evaluate the potential of other distressed properties that are better served by our marketing and management strength.
• When applicable, Benchmark introduces financial resources, developers and projects to each other in order to create successful partnerships.