Money spent at Robins FSS facilities pays back

  • Published
  • By Jenny Gordon
  • Robins Public Affairs
The Horizons Event Center has been up and running in its new role for several months now and its benefits are available to all members of Team Robins.

Built in the 1940s as an officers' club, the former Horizons Club was re-opened last August as an event center. It will not only allow the base to have more conference space, but serves as a community spot for a variety of functions.

"As an event center we have more capabilities to do more things for our people at Robins than we could as a club," said Alexander Kovras, 78th Force Support Squadron director.

For example, in the past food could not be brought in, but now if you'd like to have an event catered with meals brought from a pre-approved list of off-base restaurants, you're able to do so. Fees are charged for set-up and cleaning. Fees are not charged for FSS-catered events.

Participation in the Air Force Club membership program continues to pay and remains the same across base. Club members in good standing receive a 10 percent discount for on-base purchases; 2 percent cash back on 78th FSS activities, at the commissary and exchange, and 1 percent elsewhere. Members are also eligible to receive $2 off special functions on base, $1 off plated luncheons and participation in giveaways and other benefits.

By contributing to the club membership program, Team Robins received $120,000 in discounts. If you bought something at the golf course, bought bowling shoes or ate at a base facility, you contributed to that discount total.
At the event center now, you may choose to host a wedding reception, for example, and decide who will cater the function.
Perhaps you'd like to host a training session, plan a retirement, birthday or promotion party. There is plenty of space to do it.
"It's actually a better deal for the club member," said Kovras.

With about 35,000 square feet of space, there are several rooms to choose from. They include: The main room (former dining area) - which can seat from 125 to 140 people; the Daedalian Room, which can seat 35 to 40; the Georgia Room, with space for 50 to 60, along with a lounge and side room which can comfortably seat up to 60; a spacious ballroom which can seat 160; the Magnolia-Camellia Room for up to 75 guests, and an atrium which can also hold about 60 people.

Adequate parking is available as always, and out-of-town guests can make use of lodging just across the street for convenience.

"The more you use the facilities on base, the more products you buy from us, the more money we can give back to you," Kovras said. "That's what we promise you."

FSS finds ways to continue to give back to Robins, including the Team Robins Bash conducted last month. For the first time, admission and carnival rides were free. To learn more about the HEC, visit http://www.robinsfss.com. To make a reservation, call 926-2105 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Reinvesting in the community
For fiscal 2012 and the first quarter of fiscal 2013, profits distributed throughout Robins from the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fund will have equaled $1.2 million. That reinvestment - profits from all our non-appropriated fund activities - has come in the form of many benefits.

Renovations were recently completed at the bowling center's On Spot Café, complete with new and modernized kitchen equipment, new furniture and more.

Two vans are being purchased to allow children to take advantage of after-school programs at the youth center; and sprinklers will be updated at the youth fields.

More boats have been purchased at outdoor recreation, a new driving range was also installed, replacing the former 40-foot fence; and six additional pads were built for RVs at the base's family campgrounds.

Those are just a few examples of projects that have taken place to enhance the experience of the community.

"We're spending the money where we need to because we want to increase quality of life at Robins," said Kovras.

During this time of financial challenges, Robins is striving to keep as many things open as possible, including services such as the Arts and Crafts Center, golf course, Auto Hobby Shop and dining facilities.

Money spent at Robins FSS facilities pays back

  • Published
  • By Jenny Gordon
  • Robins Public Affairs
The Horizons Event Center has been up and running in its new role for several months now and its benefits are available to all members of Team Robins.

Built in the 1940s as an officers' club, the former Horizons Club was re-opened last August as an event center. It will not only allow the base to have more conference space, but serves as a community spot for a variety of functions.

"As an event center we have more capabilities to do more things for our people at Robins than we could as a club," said Alexander Kovras, 78th Force Support Squadron director.

For example, in the past food could not be brought in, but now if you'd like to have an event catered with meals brought from a pre-approved list of off-base restaurants, you're able to do so. Fees are charged for set-up and cleaning. Fees are not charged for FSS-catered events.

Participation in the Air Force Club membership program continues to pay and remains the same across base. Club members in good standing receive a 10 percent discount for on-base purchases; 2 percent cash back on 78th FSS activities, at the commissary and exchange, and 1 percent elsewhere. Members are also eligible to receive $2 off special functions on base, $1 off plated luncheons and participation in giveaways and other benefits.

By contributing to the club membership program, Team Robins received $120,000 in discounts. If you bought something at the golf course, bought bowling shoes or ate at a base facility, you contributed to that discount total.
At the event center now, you may choose to host a wedding reception, for example, and decide who will cater the function.
Perhaps you'd like to host a training session, plan a retirement, birthday or promotion party. There is plenty of space to do it.
"It's actually a better deal for the club member," said Kovras.

With about 35,000 square feet of space, there are several rooms to choose from. They include: The main room (former dining area) - which can seat from 125 to 140 people; the Daedalian Room, which can seat 35 to 40; the Georgia Room, with space for 50 to 60, along with a lounge and side room which can comfortably seat up to 60; a spacious ballroom which can seat 160; the Magnolia-Camellia Room for up to 75 guests, and an atrium which can also hold about 60 people.

Adequate parking is available as always, and out-of-town guests can make use of lodging just across the street for convenience.

"The more you use the facilities on base, the more products you buy from us, the more money we can give back to you," Kovras said. "That's what we promise you."

FSS finds ways to continue to give back to Robins, including the Team Robins Bash conducted last month. For the first time, admission and carnival rides were free. To learn more about the HEC, visit http://www.robinsfss.com. To make a reservation, call 926-2105 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Reinvesting in the community
For fiscal 2012 and the first quarter of fiscal 2013, profits distributed throughout Robins from the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fund will have equaled $1.2 million. That reinvestment - profits from all our non-appropriated fund activities - has come in the form of many benefits.

Renovations were recently completed at the bowling center's On Spot Café, complete with new and modernized kitchen equipment, new furniture and more.

Two vans are being purchased to allow children to take advantage of after-school programs at the youth center; and sprinklers will be updated at the youth fields.

More boats have been purchased at outdoor recreation, a new driving range was also installed, replacing the former 40-foot fence; and six additional pads were built for RVs at the base's family campgrounds.

Those are just a few examples of projects that have taken place to enhance the experience of the community.

"We're spending the money where we need to because we want to increase quality of life at Robins," said Kovras.

During this time of financial challenges, Robins is striving to keep as many things open as possible, including services such as the Arts and Crafts Center, golf course, Auto Hobby Shop and dining facilities.