Seattle-based Columbia Hospitality Inc. Has Been Named One of Washington’s Best 100 Companies to Work For

SEATTLE, Wash. — June 2007 — Columbia Hospitality, Inc. has been named one of Washington’s Best 100 Companies to Work For by Washington CEO Magazine. Columbia Hospitality has worked hard for this respected recognition. “Our mission at Columbia is to provide a phenomenal experience for our guests everyday,” states Bret Matteson, Columbia’s Chief Operating Officer. “The basic formula to support that mission is to provide an equally phenomenal experience for our employees. We utilize our values to create a culture that attracts excellent team members and then we strive everyday to improve their lives. We are driven to become the employer of choice in our industry.” Columbia Hospitality was selected from companies throughout Washington nominated for consideration.

The overall rankings will appear in the magazine’s July issue in four categories—large, medium, small, and nonprofits. “The companies included in the list have demonstrated that they value their employees and their contributions to overall success,” said Bob Ritter, publisher and chief executive officer of the magazine. “Our evaluation is extensive. It included surveys of both employees and management and review by a distinguished group of human resource professionals.”

Hebert Research, Inc. tabulated all surveys and supplied analysis. Those results were then reviewed by five judges who determined the final ranking. Ritter said all 100 companies will be honored June 28 with dinner, music, and a celebration of success. The event will be held at the Washington Sate Convention and Trade Center.
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About Washington CEO Magazine Washington CEO Magazine covers business and economics on a statewide basis. It publishes 13 issues annually with reports on business and industry and public policy issues that impact the state’s economy. Its mission is to provide “essential perspectives for Northwest Decision Makers.” About Columbia Hospitality, Inc. Columbia Hospitality, Inc., a leading hospitality management and consulting firm, was founded in 1995 by John Oppenheimer. Columbia Hospitality creates exceptional experiences for guests and employees while achieving phenomenal results for its property owners. Specializing in luxury hotel and resort management, Columbia Hospitality expertly transforms each vision for a unique property into an enduring and profitable business. Columbia Hospitality’s premier properties include boutique hotels and secluded resorts such as the following:

• Kenwood Inn and Spa in Sonoma’s Valley of the Moon in Kenwood, Calif.
• The Inn at Langley on Whidbey Island, Wash.
• Friday Harbor House on San Juan Island, Wash.
• Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes, on San Juan Island
• Darnell’s Lake Resort on Lake Chelan, Wash.
• The Resort at Deer Harbor on Orcas Island, Wash.
• Holmes Harbor Golf & Beach Club on Whidbey Island, Wash.

The company also manages a portfolio of conference centers and event venues in Washington state, including the following:

• Bell Harbor International Conference Center in Seattle
• Kitsap Conference Center at Bremerton Harborside
• Talaris Conference Center in Seattle
• Washington Mutual Leadership Center at Cedarbrook in SeaTac, Wash. Columbia Hospitality represents unique venues as well, including the following:
• World Trade Center Seattle
• Club Cielo, a private Seattle club opening at ESCALA in 2009
• WaMu Center in Seattle
• Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center in Seattle
• Pier 30 Event Center in Seattle The company additionally supports an active consulting division that has worked on more than 80 hospitality development projects in five Western U.S. states and Canada. For more information about Columbia Hospitality, visit www.columbiahospitality.com.
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