"It is with great pleasure that I welcome Laura to The Chattanoogan," said Mr. Spann.  "She brings over 15 years of first rate event management experience to her new role.  We look forward to her leadership of this important department."

Ms. Batchelor was previously director of catering and resort services for Mount Snow Resort of West Dover, Vermont, where she managed group events and meetings of 25 to 1500 guests.  Prior to this, she served in operations and facilities management for Dickenson, Shapiro, Morin and Oshinsky LLP, a large law firm based in Washington, DC, which features a continuum of 400 attorneys.

Batchelor began her career working in operations and food & beverage for Hyatt Regency hotels located in Lexington, Kentucky, and in Washington, DC. 

Laura Batchelor is a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, located in Hyde Park, New York.  She and her daughter are relocating to Chattanooga.

About The Chattanoogan
The Chattanoogan www.chattanooganhotel.com, a 210,000 square-foot five-story upscale urban resort with 199 guest rooms and suites, has three outstanding restaurants, a 25,000 square-foot conference center with comprehensive meeting planning and audiovisual support services and a spa with four treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna, fitness center, indoor pool, whirlpool and patio overlooking the hotel's courtyard.  The property is conveniently located within a two-hour drive from Atlanta; Nashville, Tenn.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Huntsville, Ala.; and Birmingham, Ala.  It is within walking distance of the city's museums, galleries, retail stores, restaurants and The Tennessee Aquarium.  The Chattanoogan is operated by Benchmark Hospitality International.

About Benchmark Hospitality International 
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
[email protected]