The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, February, 2010 � For the second consecutive year, Benchmark Hospitality International has been named one of the �Best Companies to Work for in Texas.�  Benchmark�s position on the top companies list rose from #26 in 2009 to #15 in 2010.  The Best Companies awards program was created in 2006 as an initiative of the Texas Association of Business, the Texas State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management, Texas Monthly and the Best Companies Group. 

�In such challenging economic times, we are pleased to receive this award, which recognizes us as one of the best companies to work for in Texas� said Burt Cabañas, chairman and CEO of Benchmark Hospitality International.  �We have a dedicated team of hospitality professionals within our company that earn this award day after day, serving our customers and each other.  This is a tremendous honor for all of us at Benchmark Hospitality.�

The Best Companies program recognizes and honors the best places to be employed within the state of Texas.  Taken into consideration is the level of satisfaction among the company�s workforce and the contribution the business makes to the state's economy. 

To be eligible for consideration as a Best Company to Work for in Texas, the following criteria must be met:

• The company must be a for-profit or not-for-profit business or government entity
• Must be a publicly or privately held business
• Must have a facility in the state of Texas
• Have a minimum of 15 employees working in the state of Texas
• Must be in business a minimum of 1 year 

All nominated companies engage in a two-part process to determine eligibility and ranking.  The first part consists of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, and demographics. Secondly, an employee survey is engaged to measure employee satisfaction. The combined scores are used to determine placement and ranking on the list. The entire process is overseen by Best Companies Group.

For more information on the Best Companies to Work for in Texas program, visit www.bestcompaniestx.com or contact Jackie Miller at 877-455-2159.

Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels�.  The independent company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.  Benchmark Hospitality is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations.  Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston.  The company�s northeast regional office is in New Jersey, with international offices in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark�s properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.