HOUSTON, TX, May 7, 2008. Benchmark Hospitality International has recognized the newest recipient of its annual Chairman’s Award of Excellence: George Ables, guest services manager at Stonewall Resort, located in Weston, West Virginia. The award, which was launched by Benchmark in 2005 to recognize extraordinary employee contributions to their communities and the company, was presented by Burt Cabañas, chairman and chief executive officer.

“George truly lives the Benchmark Core Values every day,” said Mr. Cabañas. “He is an unassuming leader who positively influences everyone he meets and gives back to the community in every way he can. He embodies the concept of leading by example and we salute him.”

George Ables was selected out of a field of nominees from Benchmark’s 5200 employees worldwide as he personifies the company’s core values of integrity, the intrinsic value of the individual, entrepreneurship, partnership, realism and dedication to service.

Although the list of how Mr. Ables exemplifies these core values is lengthy, his sensitivity to others on major holidays, when people can be most in need and feel most alone, is an example of how he actively reaches out to his community. Every Thanksgiving, Easter, Halloween and Christmas, Mr. Ables quietly prepares plates of food and other goodies and then personally delivers these packages to single persons without families, the elderly, and shut-in members of his community. He delivers more than just the food and gifts, he delivers fellowship and joy to these individuals at a time when this is so important. Also, every year Ables uses his resources to purchase toys that are wrapped and delivered at Christmas to underprivileged children. In his way, he is a true philanthropist who is making a difference in so many lives.

At work, Mr. Ables’ enthusiasm and work ethic are contagious. He esteems his position and his fellow team members in ways that cannot be taught and he has become a leader for the entire property. His community benefits by his generous spirit in ways that cannot be fully calculated.

Burt Cabañas concluded his presentation with, “I believe George exemplifies and lives out Benchmark’s culture in everything he does. He is a uniquely gifted humanitarian. I am privileged that he is a part of our company.”

About Benchmark Hospitality’s Chairman's Award of Excellence
The Benchmark Hospitality International Chairman's Award of Excellence is presented annually by Burt Cabañas, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of the company. Recipients are selected from employees nominated by general managers of Benchmark properties globally.

To be nominated for the Chairman's Award of Excellence, employees must meet an established set of criteria, some of which include: providing a truly outstanding act of community service that is recognized by the community; initiating a service or idea that exemplifies the company's entrepreneurial spirit; delivering performance during extremely difficult circumstances that far exceeds job description and job expectations.

The Chairman's Award is designed to recognize and celebrate individuals who demonstrate excellence with significant impact and exemplify Benchmark's core values.

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 is a worldwide organization operating over 30 properties representing major metropolitan and resort destinations.