HOUSTON, TX, August 22, 2008. Benchmark Hospitality International has announced that Cheyenne Mountain Resort, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is an official Partner Member of the Green Hotels Association®. The partnership further solidifies the resort's commitment to protecting the environment through a multi-faceted, resort-wide program of water- and energy-saving and waste-reducing practices, as well as other eco-friendly actions.

"At Cheyenne Mountain Resort, we have been steadily reducing our carbon footprint by adopting such practices as buying local and organic produce, switching to energy-efficient lighting, using environmentally friendly paints, and implementing cost-effective towel and linen reuse options for multiple-night guests," said Vice President and General Manager Laura Neumann. "Now we are cementing our commitment to the environment by becoming a Partner Member of the Green Hotels Association and further expanding the measures we are taking."

Since its founding in 1993, the Green Hotels Association www.greenhotels.com has been a leading force within the lodging industry to help preserve the environment. The association has successfully moved the hospitality industry toward environmentalism through a variety of programs and messages, from showing hoteliers that conservation both saves money and is socially responsible to demonstrating that conservation is wanted and expected by today's hotel guests.

"The 'Green Hotel' flag flying at the front of the property signals to our guests that Cheyenne Mountain Resort is committed to operating an environmentally friendly resort," said Ms. Neumann. The property has put into effect a number of green practices and actions to reduce its carbon footprint.

Cheyenne Mountain Resort’s Green Practices
- One of the first in the region to offer green-friendly menus for corporate, social and wedding events, including organic wines and eco-friendly décor ranging from invitations, linens, candles, and to take-away gifts.
- Installation of recycling containers throughout the front and back of the house, including a custom millwork recycling receptacle installed in the resort’s main refreshment break station.
- Cleaning products used by the resort meet green standards, are purchased in bulk, and dispensed in reusable bottles.
- Disposable eating utensils and Styrofoam cups have been significantly reduced at the property.
- Incandescent light bulbs have been replaced with fluorescent lighting throughout the Clubhouse, Health & Fitness Center and Aquatics Center, and all guestrooms are on a schedule for changing to energy efficient, green lighting.
- All new paint supplies purchased and utilized throughout the resort are the most environmentally-friendly products available.
- A linen and towel reuse option is in place in all guestrooms.
- The resort has switched to 100% recycled facial and toilet tissues and 40% recycled paper towels.
- Copy paper used throughout the resort is now composed of a minimum of 30% recycled products.
- Large copy machines have been programmed with a default setting that automatically copies documents double sided.

At Cheyenne Mountain Resort, the Four Diamond comfort and spectacular natural surroundings enhance a resort getaway and the productivity at a meeting. In an environment designed for focused and inspired thought, Cheyenne Mountain Resort takes the responsibility to recycle, reuse, and reduce very seriously. Located in beautiful Colorado Springs with its crisp, clean air and breathtaking scenery, Cheyenne Mountain Resort draws from the natural charm of the Rockies while providing exceptional amenities, activities and services. Whether it's an intimate escape, invigorating family getaway or inspirational business event, the resort is the perfect choice. Comfortably set in eight residential lodges, 316 guestrooms including five Presidential suites blend elegant luxury with rustic style. Private balconies open to spectacular views of Cheyenne Mountain and the golf course. The impressive array of recreational facilities and leisure activities ranges from a championship Pete Dye-designed golf course to five swimming pools, 18 tennis courts, a Health & Fitness Center, an Aquatics Center and a 35-acre recreation lake where guests enjoy sailboards, canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, volleyball on a sand beach, and catch-and-release fly fishing. For more information contact 719-538-4000 or toll-free 800-428-8886 or visit www.cheyennemountain.com. Cheyenne Mountain Resort is operated by Benchmark Hospitality International.

Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels™. 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.