JUNE, 2020
www.diamondheadms.org
VOL. 37, NO. 6
Message from DHPOA President Bob Marthouse Greetings everyone! As you read this, I am approaching the end of my term as your POA president. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who supported me in my election and who continued to do so throughout my term. I’m grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve you as president, and I will continue to serve you as your ex-officio board member. As the election nears, I would like to reflect with you on our accomplishments over the last two years. When this board took office, we were faced with the daunting prospect of potential revenue loss as covenants begin to expire. Like you, we were gravely concerned with how this legal conundrum would impact us. We were concerned we would be unable to continue maintaining and
operating our beautiful Diamondhead amenities. We worried that those losses would damage our property values and our quality of life. We had to act quickly and decisively and we did. Our efforts to address the challenge had us looking at several different paths. Ultimately, we chose the important strategy of overhauling the business. We had to make sure we had a flexible and sustainable POA ready for any economic environment. The ongoing COVID-19 crisis has been a severe financial stress test that has proven we made the right choices. We’ve passed with flying colors! I’m proud to say that our efforts to revamp the business have been an unqualified success. How did we succeed? The only real choices for any business wanting to
survive and thrive in a challenging business environment are increasing revenue, lowering operating costs, and improving the product. Thanks to an incredibly dedicated board, hard-working committees, and a talented management team lead by our General Manager, Tom Koger, we accomplished all three of these objectives. Dues collections have improved dramatically, business revenue increased, administrative costs were slashed, and waste was eliminated as aging and costly systems were modernized. As for the product, all you have to do is look around, and see that our facilities are just spectacular. In short, all the hard work and tough choices over the last two years have resulted in the most durable POA you have ever had.
And there is more good news. If it’s true that people “vote with their wallet,” then evidence suggests that the vast majority of our members desire to remain in good standing with the POA after their covenants expire. Most notably, the yearly dues payment rate for members with June expiring covenants remains the same. I know many members were expecting a grand plan of some sort. The truth is, we just chose to fix the problems now rather than talk about what we might do sometime in the future. The real plan was to create a lean operation delivering a high-quality, high-value product. We succeeded. As you contemplate who you choose to join the POA board in this election, keep a few things in mind. Your POA is very healthy. The majority of
FATHER'S DAY BUFFET JUNE 21
Omelet Bar Tossed Salad
Country Style Green Beans Squash Casserole
Seasonal Fruit
Broccoli and Cheese
Macaroni Salad
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Potato Salad
Risi Bisi Honey Butter Roasted Chicken Bourbon Glazed Salmon BBQ Ribs Prime Rib Carving Station ssorted Cakes & Pies
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Ice Cream Station pple Cobbler
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Banana Pudding
dults: $26.95, Kids 6-12 $13.95, 4-5 $6.95, 3 & under Free
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Seatings at 10:30, noon and 1:30
Diamondhead Country Club Call for Reservations ♦ 228 255-2918
INFORMATION ABOUT CANDIDATES FOR THE JUNE 2020 DHPOA ELECTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGES 14 AND 15. MAIL-IN BALLOTS AND PROXIES DUE JUNE 19. SEE THE STORY ON PAGE 20. us will continue to support our POA financially as long as we get excellent service and great value. We don’t need a government “safety net” or an unfair parcel tax as touted by some. Sustaining our POA requires experienced
THE DEADLINE FOR THE JULY ISSUES OF DHNEWS IS JUNE 10.
business people who will protect your right to choose. Please choose strong, hard-working leadership with energy, imagination, and the commitment it takes to deliver the POA you deserve. Thank you, Bob