Since taking over management of The Founders Inn in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in September 1998, Benchmark has begun a sweeping $8 million renovation and expansion effort that will redefine the way the facility is used. The changes range from investing $4 million on an ambitious new conference wing to extensive renovations to a thorough overhaul of the business atmosphere. The evolution from a regionally known meeting facility to a highly professional and sophisticated conference center with a national reputation involves intricate changes to all aspects of the business. 

Since assuming management responsibilities, Benchmark has seen to every detail, down to providing staff uniforms, initiating new training programs and designing a stylish new logo featuring the silhouettes of our country�s founding fathers. Visiting businesses can rest assured they will have the resources and facilities they need to conduct fruitful meetings. 

�We�re changing the look, the feel, the design of all the meeting facilities,� said Eric Whitson, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Founders Inn. �We�re confident that when corporations and associations find that we�ve gone the extra mile here, the Founders Inn will be synonymous around the country with successful meetings.�

The property will stay open throughout the renovation and expansion work with no disruption in service. The project is scheduled for completion by March 2000, with a grand opening to follow in April. Among the highlights:

• A $4 million renovation of guest and meeting rooms, F&B outlets, and public space.
• The 25,000-square-foot conference wing expansion will include six dedicated general session rooms, eight break-out rooms and a 70-seat amphitheater. The expansion will include permanent refreshment break areas and a conference concierge desk. 
• Conversion of all existing conference space to dedicated meeting space consistent with Benchmark�s high standards. Among changes to existing meeting facilities are the installation of walls with improved acoustics and ergonomically correct chairs.
• Modifications to the existing restaurant will accommodate conference dining, including permanent kiosk buffets and an exhibition kitchen. Benchmark has already made substantial improvements to the restaurant�s offerings. The chefs prepare all foods using only fresh ingredients, and they produce their own stock and baked goods, ensuring that the menu is consistent with the high-quality food to which Benchmark clients have become accustomed.
• Since taking over operations of the facility, Benchmark has increased staffing by 30 percent, from just over to 200 to nearly 300, and provided new training. The staff recently received comprehensive customer service training.

The Founders Inn is a Four Diamond property located in the Hampton Road Area of Virginia halfway between Norfolk and Virginia Beach, just 8 miles from the Norfolk Airport, with daily flights from over 200 cities worldwide. 

Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, Benchmark Hospitality is a recognized leader in resort, conference center and conference hotel management.  For information on booking a meeting at a Benchmark property, call toll-free 888-846-6338, or visit Benchmark Hospitality on the Internet at www.benchmark-hospitality.com.