Press Releases

Virginia Benchmark Hospitality Resorts Go Green…  Virginia Green!

Virginia Beach, Va (August 2007) – The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) presented its Virginia Green Lodging Certificate of Environmental Commitment to two Benchmark International properties -  The Founders Inn and Spa and Virginia Crossings Resort in July, 2007.  Lansdowne Resort has also taken steps toward receiving the certification.

This certificate acknowledges the commitment from each resort to minimizing its environmental impacts by conserving community resources wherever feasible in its operations.  At a minimum, the facility has committed to core activities:  optional linen service, recycling opportunities, water conservation, energy conservation and green conferences.

“One of our primary goals is to be an integral, positive part of this community.  This includes doing our part to conserve our region’s natural resources,” states Ellen Ruane, General Manager at The Founders Inn and Spa.

In addition to the Green Lodging Certificate, Virginia Crossings Resort received the Clean Business Award presented each year to local businesses who demonstrate outstanding landscaping projects, sufficient trash receptacles and recycling efforts.

“We are very pleased to accept these awards and to do our part in maintaining higher standards of environmentally intelligent business procedures,” states Mr. Cupo. 
The Virginia Green Lodging Program is the Virginia DEQ's initiative to advance pollution prevention methods in the tourism and hospitality industry. Virginia Green Lodging encourages hotels, resorts, and other hospitality operations to be aware of their impact on the environment and to take steps to reduce these impacts.

About The Founders Inn and Spa
Boasting old-world charm and the finest southern hospitality, The Founders Inn and Spa provides the appeal and warmth of a country inn, accented by beautiful antiques and historic artifacts, with a new $5 million full-service resort spa, grand scale pool featuring a circular slide and interactive fountains, luxurious amenities and award-winning cuisine.   The Inn's 240 guestrooms and suites include High Speed Internet access, generous workspace and views of 26 landscaped acres.  Select rooms include gas fireplaces, and views of the lake and formal gardens.  The Founders Inn and Spa is located at 5641 Indian River Road in Virginia Beach near exit 286B off Interstate 64 East.   For reservations and additional information, please call 800-926-4466 or visit www.foundersinn.com.  

About Virginia Crossings Resort
Virginia Crossings Resort (www.virginiacrossingsresort.com) is central Virginia’s premier, full-service resort.  Managed by Benchmark Hospitality International, the resort is located just 15 minutes north of downtown Richmond, VA on 20 + acres of flourishing landscaped campus grounds.  With design inspiration courtesy of Virginia’s rich colonial
history, Virginia Crossings Resort features 183 spacious master guestrooms and suites,
25,000 square feet of well-appointed function space, 18 holes of championship golf, activity Glen and multiple dining outlets.  Our newly renovated fitness center opens in March 2007.

Benchmark Hospitality manages The Founders Inn and Spa, as well as three other Virginia properties:  Lansdowne Resort near Leesburg, a suburb of Washington, D.C.; and Virginia Crossings Resort in Richmond.

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.

CONTACT:  Jean Mackay Vinson
Public Relations Coordinator
The Founders Inn and Spa  www.foundersinn.com
Virginia Crossings Resort  www.virginiacrossingsresort.com
757.366.5711 direct
757.366.5785 fax
jvinson@benchmarkmanagement.com