"It is with great pleasure that I welcome Tom to The Chattanoogan," said Mr. Upshaw.  "He comes equipped with significant leadership experience, as well as intimate knowledge of the property, having served on its pre-opening team."

Tom Cupo was previously the general manager at Virginia Crossings Resort, a Benchmark Hospitality property located in Richmond, which achieved Four Diamond status during his tenure there.   It was before this appointment that he served as director of operations for The Chattanoogan, assuming this role prior to the opening of the hotel.  

Mr. Cupo has been active throughout his career with Benchmark Hospitality in providing operational and leadership support to several other properties within the company's portfolio.  He has served as interim general manager for The Northland Inn of Minneapolis and for The Kingbridge Center in Toronto, a property previously operated by Benchmark.

Cupo joined Benchmark Hospitality as director of property operations at the former North Maple Inn of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, which was managed by Benchmark at the time.  He began his hospitality career in 1990 in engineering at The Governor Morris Hotel, located in Morristown, New Jersey.  

Tom Cupo is a certified Real Property Administrator and Facilities Management Administrator, a designation he earned from the prestigious Building Owners and Managers Institute of Arnold, Maryland. The certifications cover all aspects of property management with an emphasis on asset management, design and operation, real estate law, finance, and business ethics.  Cupo's avocation is flying and he has a private pilot license. He and family are relocating to Chattanooga.

The Chattanoogan, a 210,000 square-foot five-story upscale urban resort with 199 guest rooms and suites, features a 25,000 square-foot conference center with comprehensive meeting planning and audiovisual support services, three outstanding dining establishments, and a spa with four treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna, fitness center, indoor pool, whirlpool and patio overlooking the hotel's courtyard.  The Chattanoogan is conveniently located within a two-hour drive from Atlanta; Nashville and Knoxville, Tennessee; Huntsville and Birmingham, Alabama.  For more information or reservations, call (423) 756-3400, toll free (877) 756-1684, or visit The Chattanoogan's website at www.chattanooganhotel.com.  Benchmark Hospitality International operates The Chattanoogan. 

Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotelsâ�¢.  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. 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 and Santiago, Chile. For locations of properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.  

Ken Ellens
Ken Ellens Communications 
201-758-2864 / 201-758-2865-Fax
[email protected]