Stephanie Stone (l) is greeted by Mickey Jordan representing the Men’s Club before her talk at the Men’s Club meeting.

Stephanie Stone, Assistant Director of Golf, Recreation and Club Services of the Hot Springs Village POA, addressed the Sacred Heart Men’s Club on Tuesday, February 8^th at the club’s regular monthly meeting.  Stephanie has worked for the POA for 21 years having started in 1990 in Accounting.  She has two sons, one attending the University of Central Arkansas and one a high school senior enrolled at the University of Arkansas for the fall.

Stephanie, who started in her current position only 9 months ago, talked about the many challenges now confronting the POA including the significant changes in management that have occurred over the past year.  She emphasized that she sees a lot of positive change coming.  Her group has received the recently developed strategic plan for the Village and is currently developing and evaluating action plans to meet the plan’s goals.  In addition, there is an increased emphasis on marketing the Village through advertising and promotion.  In the past this was an activity done by Cooper.  Now it is a priority of the POA.

In talking about some of the current challenges she is facing, Stephanie discussed the concerns about some of the aging facilities and the Village restaurant situation.  The POA and the Community Foundation are cooperating on plans for a major fund raiser in order to provide upgrades at the Woodlands and the Coronado Center.  They hope to be able to provide a state of the art lighting and sound system at the Woodlands so the facility can attract outstanding entertainment.  As part of her responsibilities, Stephanie deals with the ten restaurants that are under the POA’s supervision.  There has been a steady turnover of in restaurant management due to a variety of reasons including health, costs and labor.  At the present time the POA is looking for new management for the 19^th Hole at DeSoto and the Wood N Iron at Cortez.

Stephanie responded to numerous questions that were raised by the members.  She appreciated receiving some of the recommendations and suggestions that were made about possible areas for improvement.  She encouraged people to contact her with any recommendations or suggestions.  She enjoys hearing what Village residents believe is important or in need of improvement.

The Sacred Heart Men’s Club is an organization that provides fellowship and spiritual support to the men of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church and who provide financial and other support to the church and the community.