Bringing the HSV Visitor Center to Life: A Community-Driven Success Story
When the Property Owners Association (POA) of Hot Springs Village expressed interest in creating a visitor center near the West Gate, I immediately recognized the opportunity to do more than open a new space—I saw a chance to unite organizations, strengthen partnerships, and elevate the visitor experience for the entire community.
At the time, both the Hot Springs Village Chamber of Commerce and the Board of REALTORS® were actively searching for rental space. By negotiating a collaborative arrangement with Century 21, the property owner, I helped bring all three organizations together under one roof. The result was a shared Visitor Center that served multiple purposes while maximizing value for every stakeholder involved. As part of this strategy, the Board of REALTORS® took on the role of the on-site sales team, ensuring visitors had direct access to knowledgeable professionals ready to showcase everything Hot Springs Village has to offer.
Beyond coordination and negotiations, I led the design and execution of the Visitor Center itself. From planning the interior layout to securing favorable terms on furniture and purchasing everything needed, I focused on creating a welcoming, functional environment that reflected the community’s warmth and professionalism. I also designed the signage and marketing materials to clearly communicate the center’s mission and guide visitors through the space.
To launch the Visitor Center in a way that truly captured the spirit of Hot Springs Village, I organized a high-energy flash mob dance event. More than 50 resident volunteers participated, committing to two months of training to make the event a success. The launch was dynamic, memorable, and deeply engaging—an authentic celebration of community pride that generated excitement and attention.
Following the grand opening, I continued to manage the Visitor Center’s operations throughout my tenure with the POA. This included overseeing lead generation efforts to ensure the space delivered measurable value to its partners. I also developed and presented a comprehensive three-year operating budget to the board, which was approved and provided a clear roadmap for long-term sustainability.
The HSV Visitor Center stands as a testament to what’s possible when strategic thinking, collaboration, and creative execution come together. By connecting organizations, managing complex logistics, and delivering an engaging launch, this project helped strengthen Hot Springs Village’s appeal to visitors while creating lasting value for the community.