Bringing more golfers to Bella Vista courses was a topic at the POA's Marketing Committee meeting on Monday. The Committee, made up of board members, committee members and POA staff, meets each quarter at the Country Club. Kim Carlson, marketing director, ran the meeting.

Golf operations director Phillip Wright told the committee about some ways his department is bringing in nonmembers to increase the rounds of golf played on the POA's seven courses. People outside of Bella Vista don't realize they can play here, he said. They can also book charity tournaments and business outings.

Recently, he sent flyers home with all students in the Bentonville School District to promote Junior Golf Camp and the PGA Junior Golf League which was new to Bella Vista last year. He's already received calls, he said.

It's difficult to promote outside of Bella Vista because of the lack of lodging, he said. Golf groups want to stay close to the golf courses. Sometimes they can find a house through vacation rentals, but it's not always what people want. He has tried to work with The Greens and The Greens Two which are condominium developments, but that also presents problems. At times he has to refer visitors to the Bentonville Chamber's lodging page.

Wright said the tournament schedule for this summer is available.

Director of business Tommy Lee told the committee that the staff for the new BV's Bar and Grill will begin training next week. Part of the new staff training will take place at Lakepoint, he said. A happy hour is also being planned for the new location.

Lee said there isn't an opening date for the new restaurant yet, but it should be open before April 1. It may open quietly to avoid a large crowd with a brand new staff the first week.

Lakepoint is doing well, Lee said, with many private events booked for this month. He expects to be able to serve alcohol outside for summer events like a Fourth of July cookout.

Answering a question from a board member, Lee said his staff is monitoring the food choices in the Highlands bar to find the most popular choices. He's also working on signage for the bar.

Creative director Greg Sellers reported that a flyer for Lakepoint was inserted into Inside Bella Vista magazine. The magazine is available at the airport and other locations around the region. He's working on getting permission to put it in the state-run Visitor's Center.

Carlson said advertising revenue pays for all the publications her office distributes.

General News on 03/14/2018