About the Restaurant Vendors' Association
Restaurant Vendors Association started 30 years ago with a few vendors meeting for an early cup of coffee. It was a casual networking group that has evolved into a more structured and disciplined organization concentrating on the hospitality industry. An important feature of the RVA that makes the group unique and successful is members do not compete with each other. Only one company is allowed for each business category - this insures the free flow of information and business leads between all members. Before joining the group, you must call Lee Spencer at 954.584.7330 to determine if your business category is open and you qualify for membership.

Advantages of the RVA
RVA members recommend fellow members to our customers - this networking creates a win-win situation for all concerned. Members generate business for one another and are assured of quality product and services in return. Vendors are protective of their exclusive category status and work hard to maintain good standing in the group. Food and beverage operators recognize RVA members as fair, efficient and reliable.

Our Buyers Guide for the food and beverage industry represents a network of vendors committed to professionalism with ethics. The guide covers all aspects of the hospitality industry - from site location and construction to equipment sales, product and supply purchasing, staff training and all support services. The Buyers Guide has been referred to as "The Solutions Book" by foodservice professionals. Your continued success provides our livelihood, so use the directory to save yourself time and money.

Meeting Information
You must first call Lee Spencer at 954.584.7330 to check the availability of your business category. If your business category is open, Lee will invite you to attend an RVA meeting as a guest. The group meets every Tuesday morning at 8:00 am - breakfast is served. Many members come early to network before the meeting starts.

You will be impressed by the amount of knowledge and information that is exchanged at your first meeting. This information is confidential and should not be shared with non-members. This is important as members give this information openly and freely and will respect what you say in confidence. You are expected to bring information to the table as well as take from it. When you are referred by a member you are expected to respond in a prompt manner because it is not just your word or reputation on the line - you will now be representing the RVA as well.

Membership Information
After attending three consecutive meetings as a guest, RVA members will vote on permanent membership. Regular attendance at meetings is expected of all RVA members. All members are also expected to bring at least two leads per week. Leads might include:

New openings - Owner/personnel changes - Closings - Good and welfare - Other pertinent information

All leads should be as complete as possible including:

Business name - Owners name - Address - Phone - Company contact - Other pertinent information

Take time during the week to qualify your leads so they are as precise and accurate as possible. If you have a hot lead, you can call and network with the appropriate member directly. Your phone will start ringing too. The effort you put into the RVA will return to you many times over.

Membership Dues
Initial membership fee is $250.
Quarterly dues are $200.
Breakfast is included at meetings.