Lakepoint far ahead of budget
The Marketing and Communications Committee heard from the POA’s general manager, the Business Development director and Golf Operations manager during the July 10 meeting. Updates on several projects were on the agenda.
Tommy Lee, director of Business Development, said that the Independence Day event at Lakepoint Events Center was very successful. The dining room was full and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Next year, they will probably get a special beverage license so they can serve alcohol outside the building. Meanwhile, the event center side is well used with weddings and other events booked throughout 2017 and into 2018.
General Manager Tom Judson added that Lakepoint, which opened in April, is bringing in about 40 percent more than was budgeted.
The Country Club renovation has started, Lee said, but he doesn’t have a timeline to complete it. He explained that finding subcontractors has been a challenge and the POA Maintenance and Construction Division has taken over some aspects of the project. He hopes to have a timeline soon so he can plan how to staff the new restaurant when it’s ready to open.
Ruth Hatcher, a member of the Board of Directors and a liaison to the committee, asked about restrooms for golfers in the Country Club. When it’s completed, the pro shop will move into the main building and what is now the pro shop will become offices and storage. Hatcher was concerned that golfers needing a restroom stop will not want to go up the stairs to the pro shop in the middle of a round of golf. Judson said he will see if they can find space for restrooms on the lower floor.
The Highlands Clubhouse will be ready to open when the course is reopened later this year, Lee said.
He also reported that an alcohol permit for the Tennis Center will be ready this week. An application has been filed for an alcohol permit for the Tanyard Creek Driving Range, he added.
Darryl Muldoon, manager of Golf Operations, said almost all the promotional cards sold by Channel 5 have been purchased.
The Junior PGA team is two for two for the season, he said, and a kids’ golf camp is scheduled to begin July 31. Muldoon said he expects the junior league to grow next year now that parents have seen it in action.
Judson said that the annual golf membership fee has sold well this year. A new program, Play More Pay Less, which allows members to pay half price for the annual fee for a second amenity has been successful. The number of kayaks registered with the POA is also way up, he said.
Marketing Director Kim Carlson said lot sales and transfers have been very good this year.
She showed the committee a new rack of promotional brochures that will soon be located in each amenity. POA couriers will be tasked with keeping the racks full, she said.
Kyndall Ardoin, assistant to the general manager, told the committee that the POA is working with the city on the placement of up to 20 way-finding signs that will be installed soon.