THE VILLAGE EMPLOYEE BENEFIT FUND – DID YOU KNOW?

This is the second in a series of articles to help property owners understand exactly what the VEBF is, but more importantly, what it is not!

The Village Employee Benefit Fund (hereinafter VEBF) is a non-profit organization founded in 1999. It is a separate entity and not part of the POA or tied to POA employee benefits. VEBF was founded by property owners to recognize and thank hourly workers for their service. Monies come from the generous donations of property owners and businesses in and around the Village.

Did you know that the VEBF began in 1999 following an ice storm? The original founders, Bud Holt, Bob Smith, and Bill Brusenhan, met to find a way to say “THANK YOU” to each of the POA employees whose work so directly impacted the quality of their lives. That first year, the founders were able to raise donations from their friends so that each employee was given a $16 “THANK YOU” holiday gift from the Fund. By 2023 that amount grew to $320 for full-time hourly employees and $160 for part-time hourly employees.

Did you know that the VEBF is a totally volunteer organization comprised of fellow property owners? There are no salaries paid and all funds collected are for the sole use and benefit of hourly employees of the POA. Any expenses incurred support our ability to educate, inform, and fundraise for this mission.

Did you know the VEBF is not an extension of, department of, or in any way associated with the POA, other than the property owners saying thank you to hourly employees for helping make Hot Springs Village the great place that it is?

Did you know that the VEBF awards continuing education scholarships to POA employees to expand their skills and expertise and better serve Hot Springs Village?

Did you know that the VEBF provides catastrophic assistance for POA hourly workers who experience a serious personal emergency and need financial assistance?

What the VEBF is all about is recognizing those hourly employees who show up day in and day out and get the job done by acknowledging what they mean to the community once a year with an appreciation cash gift. We will also assist those who apply and are approved for continuing education to increase their value to the community and their job function.

The three R’s of maintaining or retaining employees are Respect, Recognition, and Reward. As property owners who expect great customer service when we have a need, it is in our best interest to do all we can to help retain employees. Our part in that process can be acknowledging that we appreciate our employees come the end of the year.

Want to learn more about, or donate at the VEBF website at www.vebf.org.

Please like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VEBFund.

By Lloyd Sherman, VEBF Board Member

Click here to read “Understanding the Village Employees Benefit Fund.”