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CMAA World Conference Recap

Posted On: February 27, 2017 by ClubProcure in: VGM Club

Written by: Cam Schultz

I should start by saying what a phenomenal CMAA EXPO this year was, and we have been to many great shows through our 20-plus year history. However, this one just felt different. And don't worry, we have a theory on why this was the case: The club industry is truly bustling again and with that uptick, club managers are actively looking for ways to make their facilities better, smarter, faster, stronger.

Services like those VGM Club provides can be tricky to visually represent. If I could steal a line from BASF (that is my blogging way of sourcing references): "VGM Club doesn't make the products you buy. We make the products you buy better." And so, we displayed some of those products and the questions came flying. Below is a top 5 (Okay 6) list of questions from the CMAA EXPO asked of VGM Club to which we think everyone deserves the answers:


How long has VGM owned an insurance company?

VGM has been in the insurance business for 26 years serving over 25,000 companies in a wide array of industries. Two years ago, VGM strategically made their way into the club & hospitality industry by acquiring an underwriting company – Affinity Club Underwriters. This company now is available for VGM Club members and truly creates a win-win. The club can gain access to specialty coverage while not disrupting their local broker relationship. You can learn more about this by visiting www.affinityclubs.com.  

Is this Yeti® cooler really bear-proof? ... Why does it need to be?

Yes, all of the Yeti® Tundra coolers are IGBC Certified Bear Resistant. That is just one of the many reasons why this company stands out from all other cooler & drink vessel companies. VGM Club is very excited to be announcing a partnership program with Yeti® - look for the official announcement soon!

... But why does it need to be? Yeti® products have been a staple with hunting & fishing communities for several years now and are about to make a big splash into the club industry. Their product will surely fly off the shelves in pro shops. Make sure your merchandising team contacts VGM Club to see how.  

How long have you had this myVGMClub page available for my club to use?

Going on three years now. myVGMClub gives every participating VGM Club facility access to see their savings 24/7 as well as visibility to other opportunities your club is not currently utilizing through the VGM Club program. Access your club's myVGMClub page by clicking the green button in the top, right-hand corner at www.vgmclub.com. Looking for further details? Call your VGM Club team to learn more.  

Is there anything VGM Club cannot help with from a procurement perspective?

Yes, there are. Some examples would be the sand for your bunker renovation, natural gas, domestic & craft beer, and I'm sure I'm missing a couple. However, we're working on getting those figured out.

Combining the 450 food & beverage manufacturers with 150+ other companies we work with totals about 2.5 million products and/or services that VGM Club has deals on. Pretty much everything you can buy, rent, or lease at a club, VGM Club can help with. Not quite everything, but almost.  

What's up with the ping-pong table?

Well our initial thought was to play some intense games of ping-pong on that super-sweet, Brunswick Smash 7.0 but...

This was actually the #1 question asked. The table is outdoor-friendly and is available through our friends at Brunswick who coincidentally also owns LifeFitness along with several other fitness & well-being product lines available to country clubs through their VGM Club membership. Check them all out at www.brunswick.com.

While I do love talking with people, I was a little sad about not being able to serve it up in a mean game of table tennis. I guess it is a rain check on that until next year in San Francisco.

Posted On: February 27, 2017 by ClubProcure in: VGM Club

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