Robertson a new addition to the C.A. Vines 4-H Center team
By Emily Thompson
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Jan. 26, 2018
Fast Facts:
- Robertson brings nearly a decade of hospitality industry
- ASU alumnus joined team Jan. 2
(625 words)
(Download this story in MS Word format here.)
FERNDALE, Ark. — An Arkansas native with nearly a decade of experience in the hospitality industry has been hired as the marketing specialist for the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center – an opportunity his heart couldn’t pass up.
Marshall Robertson grew up in Pocahontas and graduated from Arkansas State University with a degree in journalism and minor in marketing. Before taking his new position with the 4-H center, he spent nearly a decade working for Delaware North, a hospitality company that manages dining, retail and lodging at large venues. While with Delaware North, Robertson worked for the Nashville Predators and Southland Park Gaming and Racing in West Memphis.
“I was seeking an opportunity to use my marketing skills in a position that provided some real fulfillment on a day-to-day basis,” Robertson said. “Working at this beautiful facility with such nice people and being affiliated with 4-H has given me that wonderful opportunity.”
Job one for Robertson is to bring to the center to the forefront of people’s minds when looking for an event space to accommodate their organization. The center is located about 18 miles west of downtown Little Rock, surrounded by the eastern Ouachita Mountains. The center was built to house 4-H programs, but also serves as a conference center for a wide variety of groups.
“I would like to really generate some buzz about the Arkansas 4-H Center -- to make it truly become ‘top of mind’ for groups, organizations and corporations across the state, so that it may be recognized and appreciated for the amazing facility it is,” Robertson said.
Robertson also said he wants the world to know that the center is not only a great destination for 4-Her’s and youth to gather, but also a prime location for adults to meet.
“My goal is to help adult groups understand that we provide exciting, engaging experiences that are like no other in the state - while being affordable, convenient and hospitable,” Robertson said.
Having a marketing specialist on board was necessary for the center’s sustainability, said Ewell Welch, executive director of the Arkansas 4-H Foundation, which owns the center.
“We are very fortunate to have someone with the background and qualifications of Marshall working to promote the C.A. Vine Arkansas 4 H Center and helping us to further the mission of the Foundation,” Welch said.
The Arkansas 4-H Foundation supports the programs of the youth development program operated by the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
About the C.A. Vines 4-H Center
The C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center is located in the foothills of the Ouachita mountains, just outside Little Rock. The 228 wooded acres were purchased by the Arkansas 4-H Foundation in 1976. In 1986, they opened the doors to the "Arkansas 4-H Educational Center.” It was later renamed the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center after its founder C.A. Vines. The center is an ideal for educational organizations, businesses, civic clubs, schools, church groups, government agencies and professional organizations to hold their next conference or meeting at a reasonable price. For more about the C.A. Vines 4-H Center visit, http://www.arkansas4hcenter.org.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu
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