Benchmark Hospitality appoints Erin Mercer Director of Human Resources for Chaminade at Santa Cruz

The Woodlands, Texas, October 2007 … Benchmark Hospitality International has announced the appointment of Erin Mercer as director of human resources for Chaminade at Santa Cruz, the historic resort and spa overlooking Monterey Bay, California. Mike Butler, acting general manager, made the announcement.

“We are so pleased to welcome Erin to our senior management staff here at Chaminade,” said Mr. Butler. “She comes to us equipped with important experience in human resource management within our industry and we look forward to her contributions to our executive team.”

Ms. Mercer was previously the director of human resources for the Northern California Golf Association and the Poppy Hills Golf Course; both of Pebble Beach. Her professional background includes employee management for the San Jose International Airport, and working in legal affairs for Alaska Airlines with a focus on employment law.

A California native, Mercer is originally from Manhattan Beach and is a graduate of Sonoma State University. She, her husband, and their young son live in Santa Cruz.

Chaminade, a Full Service Conference Resort, www.chaminade.com, offers world-class hospitality on the California Coast. Built high on a bluff, the mission-style luxury resort commands a panoramic view of the Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Chaminade's superior location offers a sense of peaceful seclusion only minutes from world-renowned golf, beaches and downtown Santa Cruz. The remarkable setting combined with the renowned quality and personalized service of Benchmark Hospitality International keeps guests coming back time and time again. At Chaminade, our goal is to exceed the expectations of guests during their stay at one of the finest conference resorts in the Bay Area. Benchmark Hospitality International operates Chaminade.

Benchmark Hospitality International, an independent hospitality management company based in The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, operates resorts, conference centers, hotels and condominium resorts both domestically and internationally. For locations of Benchmark Hospitality properties and for additional information, visit Benchmark's Website at www.benchmarkhospitality.com.

# # #