Benchmark to Operate the $50 million Resort
Press Release
July 10, 2000
ROANOKE, WV -- Senator Robert C. Byrd, Governor Cecil H. Underwood and other state dignitaries gathered Thursday
with key representatives from Benchmark Hospitality at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park in Roanoke, West Virginia,
to celebrate the official groundbreaking of the new $50 million resort and conference center currently under construction.
Benchmark will operate the complex. McCabe-Henley-Durbin of Charleston, West Virginia, is the primary developer
of the Stonewall Resort.
At the groundbreaking, Rudy Henley, a partner with McCabe-Henley-Durbin, noted that, “this celebration is to recognize
the efforts of Senator Byrd, the State of West Virginia, and many other organizations and individuals who have
worked tirelessly over the years to make this project a reality.”
Also providing comments was John Rader, Director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, who stated
that the project served as a model on how a state can work with a private developer to create a world-class resort.
“This one-of-a-kind public / private partnership will create hundreds of new jobs, infuse millions of dollars
in economic development into the community and central West Virginia, and will result in a resort that will serve
millions of visitors from throughout the eastern part of the nation.”
According to Rudy Henley, the Stonewall Resort’s private / public partnership is unique in that West Virginia
Governors, both past and present, the state’s Congressional delegation, many West Virginia Legislators and local
community groups played key roles in assuring the successful development of the resort.
“Senator Byrd,” Mr. Henley continued, “is the person who made this project possible.” Through
Senator Byrd’s efforts the state will be able to pay off debt to the United States government for the original
project cost by receiving credit for its investment in the new and greatly expanded resort. Henley continued,
“this is a project where everyone wins and it is a remarkable, yet typical, example of how the Senator works.”
Jack Schmidt, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Benchmark Hospitality, stated, “Benchmark is thrilled to
be a part of this unique private / public partnership resulting in this exciting new project. The Stonewall Resort
will serve a growing need in the region for first-class resort amenities and meeting facilities. We look forward
to successful completion of the project in Spring, 2001.”
Benchmark Hospitality will operate the 2000-acre lakeside resort complex which will include a 196-guest room lodge
with conference center, restaurants, complete fitness center and swimming pool. Other amenities will include guest
cottages and an 18-hole championship golf course.
With headquarters in The Woodlands, Texas, Benchmark Hospitality is a recognized leader in resort, conference
center, and conference hotel management.
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Contact:
Ken Ellens
KEN ELLENS COMMUNICATIONS
136 PORTSIDE DRIVE
EDGEWATER, NJ 07020
(201) 840-8036
KenEllens@aol.com
www.benchmark-hospitality.com