On June 9, the HP Board of Directors distributed its annual Operations Survey through Club Benchmarking, a nationally recognized company that provides data and analysis for private clubs across the country. This member survey has become an important part of our culture—serving as a “report card” from our members on how well we are meeting expectations and fulfilling our mission.
Results are in, and have been communicated with you on September 12. There are 255 pages of member comments listed at the end of the survey results. Some of these comments reflect misunderstandings or misconceptions of HP in several areas which I’ve attempted to address below:
Stated misconceptions regarding overall Communications:
Between the Palms Comments
- I would like printed edition of Between the Palms and would be willing to pay for it.
- We know it’s expensive to mail but it would be interesting to see how many members open Between the Palms. Loved it when it was a paper newspaper.
As has been communicated in the past, Seabreeze Communications, the publisher of Between the Palms, had historically published, printed, and mailed BTP at NO COST to our members. Seabreeze transitioned to a digital format due to a number of reasons … as noted in the article Between the Palms Going Digital! in theSeptember 2024 edition. To see, go to: https://btp.seabreezecommunications.com/issue/september-2025/
To clarify, the newsprint edition of BTP is no longer available, however, the digital version has many benefits:
• Wider Reach: Any adult with an email address in HP’s data base will receive their own copy.
• Mobile Accessibility: BTP will be available on your laptop, tablet, or cell phone, whichever you prefer.
• Only one BTP per month. Since it will be in a digital format, there’s no limit on the number of pages available for copy and photos. So, there will no longer be a need for BTP EXTRA.
• Interactivity and Engagement: Links will be clickable, and can include email links, links to HP’s website, videos, etc.
HP Directory Comments
• Finding members in the Directory by address, in addition to last name, would be very helpful.
• To find members by last name and address.
• Would love to be able to access members by last name AND address.
Our current online Directory DOES allow you to search by name AND address. Go to https://www.hpgcc.com/Roster/Roster.aspx. At the top of the “Club Roster” page there is a “search” option which includes Name and ADDRESS. It defaults to name when opened, so you have to change the search option to “address.” Then simply type in the specific address or the street you’re looking for. See below…
HP Visitor Management Comment
• A more automated way of alerting security to guests or vendors. Calling and getting a voice mail to leave information seems a bit dated.
Our current website has always had a Visitor Management tab, which is an “automated way” of alerting security to guests and vendors. Go to: https://heritagepalms.gatehouseportal.com/Home/Index/
Once logged in, you can register guests or vendors, and the length of time they’ll be visiting. See below…
Something new: In addition to the above, HP just announced that the Visitor Management System is now accessible through the GateHouse Solutions® Resident Phone App. This app allows you to conveniently manage your visitor list and view your account profile directly from your smartphone.
Getting Started:
• Download the app from either the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) by searching GateHouse Solutions or TEM Systems.
• Once installed, log in using the same username and password you currently use for the resident web portal.
• Client Code: 195195
HP Facebook Page Comment
• Have better guidelines for the Facebook app. Too often, a handful of members use it to stir the pot concerning events happening in the community, misrepresent what is going on, spread gossip, border on defamation of someone’s character, and generally promote division.
There are only Official Club Social Media Pages.
For clarity, please note that the Club has only one official Facebook page and one official Instagram page. While other pages may exist and appear to share Club-related information, these are private groups run by Members. Club Management and Staff are not involved with these groups and are not responsible for their content.
Links to the official business pages managed by the Club can always be found at the bottom of Traci’s Friday Blast, or by searching @hpgolfandcountryclub within Facebook or Instagram.
HP Financials Comments
• Monthly financials do not have a balance sheet or income statement. These are the most valuable pieces of information.
• More information about the club’s financials. Lack of transparency. Could have a monthly financial Q and A section.
HP’s monthly financials, which are posted on the HP website, are some 35-38 pages long. They begin with an overall “Financial Overview” which highlights our Revenue Breakdown by Department; Cost of Goods Sold; Accounts Receivable Aging Analysis; Capital Improvement and Reserve Expenditures; and Other Income and Expenses. In addition, there is a Treasurer’s Report; Resales and Transfers listed; and 2025 YTD New Capital, CIP & Reserve Spends. There are INCOME STATEMENTS as well – broken down by specific departments, and include a Monthly Variance Report. Lastly, at the end of the report there is a BALANCE SHEET. Check it out here: https://www.hpgcc.com//getattachment/3942ecd1-5700-4656-8957-6b79cea9cea3/July_2025_Financials.aspx.
In addition, our Annual Budget is also posted on the HP website – https://www.hpgcc.com//getattachment/048f653d-275c-45c8-80d8-9a5262ace311/2025_Budget_Presentation.aspx.
Finance Committee member, Mark Carter, launched a column in Between the Palms this year titled Between the Numbers to help members better understand our finances, and to promote “financial transparency.” See his September, 2025 article here: https://btp.seabreezecommunications.com/2025/08/19/between-the-numbers-lifes-great-mysteries-solved-sort-of/. Also, check out his most recent article, It’s Budget Season! on page 18.
Stated misconceptions regarding the Activity Center Library:
• “I would like more large print books.”
• “Need to grow the library book selection.”
• “Very good selection of books; would like to see more Steven King though.”
• “The inventory is getting old and needs a ‘refresh.’”
All of the above comments are made assuming HP supplies books to our library. That is simply not the case. ALL of the library inventory – fiction and nonfiction books, CDs, and movies – are DONATED by HP members… none are purchased by the Club. We can’t dictate what books members contribute… we have no say whether they are large print or Stephen King! We’re just grateful for all books that are donated by our generous HP members!
• Need to include books that are more than ten years old and in good condition.
• The older books could be donated to organizations/entities in need.
Library volunteers routinely go through our inventory and pull any books that are older than ten years and DONATE them to many worthy organizations and non-profits for resale. We simply don’t have the space in the Activity Center to house older books.
Editor’s note: The 2025 Member Survey results are now available and posted on our website http://www.hpgcc.com. Go to My Heritage Palms> Documents> Survey Results. Please note, due to the size of this document, it may take several minutes to load.
