HispanTelligence, the research arm of Hispanic Business magazine, chose the 2007 influential members based on the following criteria:

1. Hispanic leaders were of U.S citizenship and have had recent and national impact, and whose achievements inspire other Hispanics to similar endeavors.
2. Hispanic leaders are from a variety of fields, including but not limited to: Entertainment, the Performing Arts, Media and Journalism, Literature, Sports, Science and Academia, Entrepreneurship and Business, and Government. 
3. Hispanic leaders have promoted the advancement of Hispanics in the United States by their leadership, community involvement or professional achievements. 

Burt Cabañas launched Benchmark Hospitality International in 1980 in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston.  Since then, Benchmark has grown to 30 hotel and resort properties and over 7000 employees internationally.  Most recently the company opened The Heldrich, a new $120 million mixed-use property in the heart of revitalized New Brunswick, New Jersey, within the New York metropolitan area; and reopened the circa 1796 Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford, Pennsylvania � once the summer White House of US President James Buchanan, following a $120 million restoration and expansion program.  The company also announced the Lakeside Resort & Residences, which is under construction in Dallas, Texas; the Naples Bay Resort which is under construction in Naples, Florida; and Costa d�Este Beach Resort which is under construction in Vero Beach, Florida. 

Burt Cabañas was nominated by Mr. Ben Baez, vice president of sales and marketing for Sungrazer Systems, Inc.  Mr. Baez stated in his nomination letter, �Burt�s example and personal advice provided me with the encouragement and knowledge that helped propel my career from the time I first met him when I was a bell boy of a Miami hotel, to later with his help and advice achieve top management positions in the field of hotel operations, marketing and personal entrepreneurship.  His support and encouragement culminated in my being able to establish my own software company in the Travel Industry � Sungrazer Systems.� 

Upon learning of his selection, Mr. Cabañas said, �I am deeply honored to be included in this pantheon of leaders within the Hispanic community.  This recognition is especially meaningful to me and my family.  As a 10-year old child of Cuba, I never imagined the opportunities that awaited me in the United States if I worked hard and kept a positive attitude.  I am profoundly grateful.� 

Cabañas continued on to say, �I would also like to congratulate the other hoteliers included in the 100 Most Influential Hispanic Leaders -- Carlos Cabrera, Senior Vice President Field Operations for Florida and the Caribbean of Hyatt Hotels and David Rodriguez, Executive Vice President Human Resources for Marriott International.�

To access the Top 100 Most Influential Hispanic Leaders list, visit http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/_client/pdf/HB100influentials_2007.pdf

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. 

Ken Ellens
Ken Ellens Communications 
201-758-2864 / 201-758-2865-Fax
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