May 11, 2007 marked my two and a half year anniversary of attending the VMA meeting and breakfast mixer. During that period, I have forged many friendships and initiated valuable business contacts. The impressive fact about this event is it’s ability to attract a loyal and consistent following, attendance is in the 150+ range, while in turn attracting many new faces as well.
One of the major reasons for this meeting’s success is the leadership of VMA and Alain Pinel Realtor Roy Dronkers. One of Roy’s best moves was to secure Tommy T’s Comedy Club as the event’s venue. Tommy T’s is an expansive two tiered layout with comfortable seating, great acoustics, and an elevated stage. The venue sets the tone for each event; it gives attendees a “show biz” feeling and it is a major draw for it’s comfort and privacy. Toss in the professional sound system and video capabilities and this meeting feels like a business trade show event.
In addition, Dronkers provides a wide variety of guests and information. Some of the past guests have been the Pleasanton Chief of Police and Bay East Association’s political lobbyists. Another valuable segment is Dronker’s Market watch up-date which highlights Pleasanton home sales, median prices, and inventory to date.
The final final is the money raffle at the end of each meeting. Friday’s meeting was special as a two night stay at the beautiful SandPiper House Inn in Mendocino county’s village of Elk, California was the major prize.
Networking happens at the end of this meeting. I was able to catch up with John Harper nationally acclaimed author of the local blog “The Harper Team”; Will Doerlich Windermere East Bay Realty; Pat Griffin budding comedian and Mobile home specialist, and Cheryl Makela of Marples & Associates Realtors.
Sponsorships are available in the following categories:
*Monthly Room Sponsor: $400.00
*Monthly Food Sponsor: $250.00
*Monthly Coffee Sponsor: $250.00
Annual Sponsorships run $250.00 per year which entitles your business name and contact information on weekly tour sheets, advertising on the affiliates table, and VMA website recognition.
Annual Membership costs $100.00 and is a discount off admission.
A few examples of listings presented:
*1599 Oslo Ct., Livermore $899,950 Mike Gama Century 21
*4160 Torino Ct., Pleasanton N/P www.pleasantonrealestate.com Gina Piper Prudential
*1126 Santa Margherita Way, N/T Heidy Hurst
*7424 Stonedale Dr., Pleasanton $589,900 Karla Brown Hometown GMAC
*139 Windward Common Unit #1, Livermore $419,500 Nancy Sutorius Coldwell Banker
*55 West Bradford Ave., Sonora Cheryl Makela Marples & Associates
*73498 Joshua Tree St., Palm Desert, Ca William “Hopalong Cassidy” Boyd’s former retreat offered by Pacific Auction Exchange Stacy Kennedy.
*7292 Bedford Way, Dublin $599,000 Vicky Coker and Pari Kazerooni Windermere `
