VOA Sets New Record Today 2000 Members Worldwide

[SmoknTires]

It's been a goal since the VOA was started, perhaps because it's such a round number, but also because we know that a reasonable projection of active members who would be part of the club is somewhere in the mid 2000's (based on trends seen with the old and new club over the last 10 years, the 2009 downturn, and of course the end of the car this year). Our goal has been to hit 2000 members and as of today - we reached that goal!

When the club was started (along with a large group of people who helped establish it), we expected a starting point of 1000 initially, with the hope of possibly 1600 over the next 2 years based on the majority of regions wanting something new. We hit 1600 quickly, in the middle of the first year actually, and so we simply thought of 2000 as a great goal for the future of the club. Over the following year we quickly got in the ballpark as we crossed 1900. But what a wonderful way to end the best year for the club so far, by reaching that goal.

Those who know me, know well that I care deeply for this club, it's progress, and especially its culture. Along with those who helped start the club (and my fellow cofounder Maurice), its passion alone that builds things like this. It's a privilege to be part of this club, as it's something that far, far less than 1% will ever do when you think about! I'm surrounded by so many regional and national leaders (and all their volunteers) who work to make this club what it is - with 37 regions around the world. That's a tall order to organize on volunteer resources, but an unselfish group of well over 100 people help to lead it daily, along with another 1900 supporting cast! I just wanted to say thank you to all of the members - as they are what make the club vibrant. If this were a club of 500, it wouldn't quote work as you need activity, volunteers, and resources to drive something interesting for people to be a part of (and to be proud of). But thanks to so many who join the cub, support it, and participate in its activities - we continue to grow and can enjoy hitting our milestone.

2017 will be a special year - we are in such a good place as a club moving into the new year. We have more Bucket List events planned than ever before. We also have some nice little surprises (one of them coming in your 2017 member packets), and of course, in Q4, registration opens for the largest Viper gathering on the planet - NVE3!! I'm so excited about this as it's a party people will really enjoy (thanks to all your input on our survey) and at a location that lends itself to some pretty spectacular plans... 2017 is going to be busy!

Thank you all to the members of this club. I've truly been proud to lead such a strong group of people, who in relatively small numbers, manage a pretty serious impact on the automotive community and its brand. Kudos!!

And for posterity's sake:

[J TNT]

A Big Thanks to those working behind the scene's and the executive board who put in the hours to make this club so great !!!
Well Done !!!

[01sapphirebob]

Congrats VOA!!!

[Scott Mannny]

This such Great News!!!!!! Congratulations everyone and Thank you for joining one of the Best Car Clubs out there!!!!!!!!!

[Bill Pemberton]

Cool, One Ton of Members!!!

[Fatboy 18]

27-cream-puff.jpg

Welcome to the Creampuff Club

[Viper Girl]

Awesome news Alex!

I'm really proud of the club that has emerged from those beginning meetings. We have an incredible magazine, that did fantastic at the awards this year! 37 regions that are actively participating with Viper Owners not only in their own region, but inviting other regions to join them.

AND to top it off - 2 new Gen V Vipers given away... wow... For a fairly new club thats an amazing feat in my eyes.

To the next 2000 members!

[Hisser]

Congrats VOA! And special congratulations to Alex, Maurice, and the rest of the leadership team. Increasing membership doesn't happen by itself, it takes a tremendous amount of hard work by those who toil for us behind the scenes.

[BlknBlu]

The numbers are up because of great leadership, vision and drive. An open communication with no hidden agenda. It is also due to the members who stand behind the club and make our events successful. With recent issues on the GEN V cars our numbers still increase.

Great to be part of such a good group.

Bruce

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

HISSSSTORY:


In the beginning, Regional Presidents were challenged by Dodge Marketing to secure all members. Confidential Lists of owners were provided. No "Cool" program to include membership with car purchase existed from 1995 thru 1999.

The BOD in 1999 (led by Gary Lashinsky) adopted a "2000 by year 2000" campaign. 2000 was a lofty goal due to the fact that only about 12,000 Vipers existed by end of 1999. As a % of ownership, 2000 members was a BIG deal.

We met that goal, attaining 2000 paid members for the first time by November 1999.

Chrysler/Dodge Marketing {Jim Julow} performed an extensive mail survey of members to determine all the Chrysler vehicles they owned and their sphere of influence over the purchases of others: family, friends, co-workers, employees etc. Results were a stunning revelation of devoted brand loyalty. So Chrysler then began including paid memberships in 2000, to 'get the message out' to their most loyal owners. At its peak, the club claimed 4000+ paid members.

So, who is # 2000? Id like to send them an historic souvenir. Happy New Year to all...........


JonB~~~:<~

[SmoknTires]

Congratulations to Ms. Akemi Fujita from Irvine, CA!

You were # 2000!

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

shes in a 3+ Viper family ! [I was a Viper Days instructor for the Dad.]

Congrats

[SmoknTires]

People have been asking what our final number was for 2016, we actually hit 2012 by midnight on new years eve.

Great work, a great year. Thanks all!

[davidm0209]

That's great news! I'm looking forward to what 2017 has in store for our club!

[Mopar'er no car]

2000 woot woot!!

[Viper98]

Congratulations Ms. Akemi Fugita. What a great way to start the new year. #2000

[Fatboy 18]

Notice Membership has fallen somewhat since hitting the 2000 number, any reason why? 75 seems quite a lot!

its always good to get feedback on how we could improve things for members

[SmoknTires]

You're comparing the end of last year with the middle of the next. Membership grows daily as people renew and new members join.

And we're actually ahead of where we were last year at this time (1918 now vs 1882 at same point last year).

[Bill Pemberton]

So we shall reach a ton of fun even sooner!!?? Members need to push our friends who are wavering , as it is a VOA get together in Vegas , not a Dodge , MoPar , or other function , so membership do have it's privileges !!!!!!

[Fatboy 18]

Well thats Good to hear

[VIPER BAZ UK]

[SmoknTires]

If only the rest of the world were so easy.