Kim Carlson chose to move to Bella Vista before she became marketing director for the Property Owners Association. In fact, she lived here for two years before becoming an employee. Living in the Kansas City area, she knew a bit about Bella Vista.
"We love the outdoors and fishing," she said about the decision to move to Bella Vista. She already had 25 years of experience in marketing in both nonprofit and corporate. It was a good time to make a move, she said.
She accepted a job at Northwest Arkansas Community College in workforce development, setting up professional development programs for businesses.
"In marketing, you pay attention to everything," she said. Part of her job was keeping up with employment opportunities around the area. That's how she learned about the POA position.
"It's a good fit," she said. She felt comfortable even during the interview and she's happy to be able to answer questions her neighbors ask about the POA.
The Marketing Department has a staff of five and operates its own print shop. Carlson is used to managing people, including large numbers of volunteers.
The biggest challenge will probably be prioritizing, she said. With so many projects going on, it's important to know which ones come first and which are "pie in the sky." She also wants to help her staff prioritize.
The Marketing Department puts out a quarterly magazine which is paid for through advertising. There's been lots of interest from advertisers and the magazine may expand. With the next issue, the name will change to "Inside Bella Vista," a decision that was made before she took the reins.
Some of the writing and some of the photography is done by freelancers, she said, because her staff stays busy with other responsibilities.
The Marketing Department sends out emails to remind members of important dates, such as when their boat registration is due and events, such as the welcome event planned in coming weeks. Email is a good avenue to send out information, she said, and it's getting easier as more and more residents get used to using computers. Most of the golf groups now use email, she said.
Although they help get the word out about events, the Marketing Department doesn't plan many events. The exception is a new event called Flea in the Park, a community flea market coming in the spring.
Carlson didn't meet her predecessor, but she respects his work setting up the processes that she continues to use daily.
She loves the idea of living and working in the same community, she said.
General News on 02/22/2017