Communications

Keeping Our Community Informed: How the POA Keeps You Updated

At the Property Owners' Association (POA), our mission is to ensure that residents have access to accurate, timely, and useful information. To achieve this, the Communications Department employs a range of tools and resources designed to keep you informed and engaged. Here’s a look at some of the key ways we keep the lines of communication open in our community.

Publications

Plantation Living

Our monthly newsletter, Plantation Living, is a cornerstone of our communication efforts. It delivers current news and historical insights to residents, the general public, and off-site property owners. Not only does it provide valuable information, but it also serves as a platform for local businesses through paid advertising. We're thrilled to report that in 2023, advertising revenue reached an all-time high, surpassing our annual target. This achievement reflects the positive feedback we've received from both advertisers and residents.

To ensure the best value for our community, we regularly seek competitive printing bids. Over the years, Plantation Living has evolved from three color issues in 2013 to a full-color publication every month since 2020. In 2024, we've taken another exciting step by expanding the newsletter to 40 pages, allowing us to include more editorial content and vibrant community photos.

Additionally, Plantation Living underwent a redesign in mid-2024, giving it a fresh, modern look. We've also made strides in reducing postage costs by encouraging out-of-town property owners to opt for digital delivery. This move not only saves money but also promotes the convenient online viewing of the newsletter.

Annual Report

Each year, the Communications Department is responsible for designing, printing, and distributing the POA's Annual Report and election materials for the Annual Meeting. In some years, we've separated the Audit from the Annual Report to accommodate special elections, such as the Short-Term Rental Amendment in 2019. This approach has proven cost-effective, allowing us to print fewer copies and save on postage. Hard copies are available at the Annual Meeting, the POA Service Center, and on our website.

The History of HHP Booklets

In 2016, we finalized the publication of a historical booklet, titled General Howard A Davis, that captures the rich history of our community. Sponsored by the HHP Conservancy Foundation, these booklets are available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the foundation. In 2019, a rebranding effort led to the booklets being renamed The History of HHP, which resulted in a successful sale of 121 copies. You can purchase a copy at the POA Service Center.

Website: hiltonheadplantation.com

Our website serves as a vital resource for the community, offering a variety of features to keep residents connected and informed.

• Online Classified Ads: This popular section of the website allows residents to buy, sell, or rent items and services within the community.

• Email Services: Since 2006, we've offered email notifications for various services, including urgent information, safety alerts, and updates on community activities. Nearly 5,000 residents have signed up to receive these emails, ensuring they stay informed about important events and issues.

• Hurricane and Weather Alerts: During hurricanes and severe weather events, our Communications Department works tirelessly to keep residents informed. This was especially true during Hurricane Matthew in 2016, when we provided multiple daily updates to keep everyone safe and prepared.

Electronic Community Announcement Boards

In collaboration with the Administration and Maintenance Departments, the Communications Department introduced electronic announcement boards at the Main Gate in 2010, with a second board added at the Cypress Gate in 2013. These boards are updated daily with important messages and have become a key part of how we share information. We've also installed electronic boards in the POA Service Center lobby, providing residents with up-to-date news while they wait in line.

Special Communications Projects

The Communications Department also takes on various projects to keep residents engaged and informed:

• Note Cards: Featuring scenes from around HHP captured by resident photographers, these note cards are sold to benefit the HHP Conservancy Foundation.

• Hurricane Guide: Our comprehensive Hurricane Evacuation Guide was included in the June 2019 issue of Plantation Living and is also available on our website.

• Resident Opinion Survey: The 2024 Resident Opinion Survey, which appeared in the June issue of Plantation Living, saw the highest participation rate to date, with about 1,680 residents taking part. The results are available online under the Documents/Forms/Minutes tab on our website.

Through these efforts, the POA's Communications Department continues to prioritize clear and effective communication, ensuring that every resident has access to the information they need to stay informed and engaged in our vibrant community.