ERA Team VP Real Estate & Vacation Rentals Raises Over $16,000 for ALS Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hannah Raynor, Hannah.Raynor@teamvp.com  

(Chautauqua, NY) – The 13th Annual Agents of Hope Golf Tournament, hosted by ERA Team VP Real Estate & Vacation Rentals and sponsored by The Post-Journal, raised more than $16,000 for the ALS Association, a record high.

The event, held at Chautauqua Golf Club on August 24, has raised over $130,000 to date for the cause. Broker/Owner of ERA Team VP Real Estate & Vacation Rentals, Bill Soffel, has been affected by ALS in several ways which have ultimately driven his commitment to finding a cure, including the passing of his grandmother and the spouse of a long-time employee. Bill is also a current member of The Association’s National Board of Trustees.

“This cause is so important to me, my family, and our team of staff and agents. The support we receive from the community every year is astounding and essential. It really illustrates to the local families battling this debilitating disease that they are not alone in this fight,” said Soffel. “We can’t thank the community enough for their continued support of this tournament and our cause.”

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, causes progressive destruction of the motor nerve cells that contract muscles and inevitably ends in paralysis and death. There is no cure for the disease.

The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. ALSA covers all the bases — research, patient and community services, public education, and advocacy — in providing help and hope to those facing the disease.

The ALS Association (National Office and the Upstate New York Chapter) operates under a shared mission: to help people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and to leave no stone unturned in search of a cure.

For more information about The ALS Association, specifically the Upstate New York Chapter, please visit http://webuny.alsa.org.

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‘Travitude’ is a mood

Isn’t it finally time to get away? Your local oasis awaits!

We can all agree that it has been a tough year! We have been distanced from our loved ones, our routine lives, and we have lost opportunities to travel to our favorite vacation spots.

Have you ever heard of the term Travitude? No, well we have…, and we’d love to share what it means with you…

Travitude is ‘when you get grumpy and sassy due to of a lack of traveling’. (Don’t check that with Mr. Webster, he may not agree with us). This year, we feel pretty confident that many are suffering from a little bit of Travitude, if you will (insert wink here)!  So, if you are “chomping at the bit” to get out and about and make some travel plans, be sure to add the sweet hometown of Ellicottville, NY to your destination calendar! And, book your home away from home today!

  • Do you love hiking, biking, and all things outdoors? ✔️
  • Are you hoping for a much-needed get-away for you and your significant other? ✔️
  • Are you looking to decompress, window shop, and unplug from the everyday? ✔️
  • Are you hoping to create the most amazing memories that will make you want to come back year after year? ✔️💯

If yes, then read on, friends!

Elkdale Country Club

Nestled in the rolling hills of New York’s Southern Tier, Elkdale Country Club offers a challenging 18-hole golf course, beautiful scenery and complete restaurant and lounge facility. The front nine at Elkdale was built in 1927 and is cut through varied terrain and mature trees. The back nine was added in mid-1960’s and is a bit longer with larger greens. The 6132-yard par 70 layout is designed to provide an interesting challenge for players of all skill levels. Our modern tee-to-green watering system insures maximum playability through-out the season. The course includes a challenging 555-yard par 5 followed by a 215-yard par 3. The course men’s rating is 70.2 and the slope rating is 122.[1]

Holiday Valley

Fill your days at the Sky High Adventure Park: 13 courses (largest in NYS and 3rd largest in US), 142 platforms, 170 elements, 43 ziplines, tallest platform is 68 feet & the longest zip line is 350 feet![2] If that doesn’t get your heart racing, I’m not sure what will! If that seems a little too extreme, check out the biking options and journey on one of the several trails via mountain bike or rent an e-bike for the afternoon! Finish your day with a challenging game of golf. The course is a pleasing blend of a mountain and flat terrain.

Rock City Park

A piece of history and a local hidden gem, Rock City Park is the perfect opportunity to take the family for a day of hiking through giant rock formations and trails that descend into crevices. There are spectacular views of the area to enjoy, and events planned all throughout the summer!

Griffis Sculpture Park

450 acres located eight miles outside of Ellicottville, Griffis Sculpture Park is not only a tremendous regional attraction, but holds the distinction of being one of America’s largest and oldest sculpture parks. The park features over 250 large scale sculptures dispersed through miles of hiking trails. Each sculpture was placed with the natural setting in mind, creating a truly unique experience between art and nature.[3]

Holimont

Now if you have heard anything about Holimont, you might think if there is no snow, there is nothing happening there. Let’s talk about biking and trails in this gorgeous area! Access to a fun and flowy, 1 mile trail from the top of our Greer slope to the main chalet area. Recently added is a trail that connects the top of Sunset to the top of Greer. This trail can be found by climbing up the HoliMont multi-purpose trail or from the 30+ miles of single track in the McCarthy Forest. HoliMont has direct access to some of the best trails in Western New York. Whether you like to hike or bike, the single-track trails in McCarthy State Forest has something for everyone. There are over 40 miles of IMBA Epic trails to ride in EVL and surrounding area.


After exploring the area, you are going to be ready to pamper yourself with a fun night out. Vacation calories do not count, right? So, while you are here, make sure you visit one of the 23 eateries or pubs in town. Just to mention a few favorites:

  1. Dina’s Restaurant, rated #1 by TripAdvisor and a fan favorite in I LOVE NY’s Restaurant Challenge. For a more refined palate, check out their extensive wine list and pair it to their filet mignon or their lobster ravioli.
  2. Ellicottville Brewing Company, ranked one of the best bars and brew pubs in NY State. They also serve a mean menu; tasty dishes range from ‘loaded brewer tots’ to Persia Salmon and NY Strip Steak.
  3. The Gin Mill, a house favorite of Bills running back #34, Thurman Thomas. He and his wife say they have, “the best fries around”[4].
  4. Katy’s Café, lighter fare and a morning option for early risers. Come enjoy the local artwork while sipping on a made to order espresso, grab a breakfast bagel or sit and enjoy some homemade French toast. If you get a hankering for something sweet after perusing the town all day, head back here for ice cream or a milkshake.
  5. Villagios, another favorite of Thurman Thomas, Bills running back #34!  Fine, Italian cuisine working with local growers, farmers, and businesses. Winner of 2016’s Taste of Buffalo: Pat Sardina Memorial Award for Best Comfort Food — Meatball.

Enjoy your adventure, you deserve it!


[1] Elkdale Country Club | Salamanca, NY – The Course (elkdalecc.com)

[2] Holiday Valley: New York Canopy Ziplines Aerial Adventure Park

[3] Griffis Sculpture Park » Griffis Sculpture Park (griffispark.org)

[4] Bills Legend Thurman Thomas’s Guide to Buffalo and Greater Niagara (iloveny.com)

ERA Team VP and DFT sponsor OFN Run/Walk/Swim

ERA Team VP and DFT sponsor OFN Run/Walk/Swim

The Old First Night Run/Walk/Swim is a timeless tradition that has recently been given an upgrade.

This year was the first time advance registration for the race was made available online. And in an embrace of the many ways social media can connect Chautauquans — regardless of where one is physically located on Aug. 3 — there will be a new dimension to the Run/Walk/Swim: an Around the World Race.

Those who register for the Around the World Race will be able to participate in the race remotely and share their experience, photos and videos on Chautauqua Institution’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts.

It is DFT Communications, Partners in Technology which has generously sponsored the Around the World Race, expanding the OFN tradition to the virtual world.

Ellen Ditonto, director of sales and business development at DFT Communications, said the company “is thrilled to be a sponsor for the first ‘virtual’ Old First Night race on Aug. 3.”

“What better way for us to showcase our technology solutions company to the Chautauqua Institution community than to help bring together runners from all over the world who want to be part of the Old First Night tradition?” Ditonto said. “We know that Chautauquans can be found worldwide, and with technology, barriers like time and distance can be dissolved so that the community can experience greater camaraderie. We felt it was a perfect match for DFT Communications to expand our partnership with Chautauqua.”

Of course, in keeping with an already well-established partnership with the Institution, ERA Team VP, formerly Vacation Properties Group, will continue to sponsor the traditional OFN race taking place on the grounds.

Bill Soffel, owner and broker of ERA Team VP, is excited for the company to continue its commitment to Chautauqua.

“While our company has grown throughout Chautauqua County and beyond, we started in Chautauqua,” Soffel said, “and supporting the Institution is still a major and important part of our business. We continue to be very involved with real estate sales, vacation rentals and property management on the grounds. We think it’s important to give back to Chautauqua and to support everything that the Institution stands for.”

The OFN Run/Walk/Swim is a tradition ERA Team VP would like to continue to support.

“We’ve enjoyed a nice partnership with Chautauqua over the years, and we look forward to continuing our great relationship into the future,” Soffel said.

ERA Team VP Real Estate Agent Awards

ERA Team VP Real Estate of western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania recently presented awards for 2012 production at their annual Agent Awards Luncheon held in Ellicottville, New York.  Sales associates were recognized from all office locations, which include Chautauqua, Lakewood, Bemus Point, Fredonia, Ellicottville and Cuba in New York and Warren and Bradford in Pennsylvania.

Sales Associates received awards for their 2012 sales production and total number of closed transactions in comparison to their ERA Team VP Real Estate colleagues.  The following sales associates were recognized for their achievements.

Karen Goodell was #1 in sales production and tied for #3 in closed transactions in the Chautauqua Office, while she ranked #2 in sales production for the entire firm, which includes all office locations.  Jane Grice was #2 in both sales production and closed transactions for the Chautauqua Office, while she ranked #3 in sales production and #4 in closed transactions for the entire firm.  Dale Sandberg was #1 in closed transactions and #3 in sales production in the Chautauqua Office, while he ranked #2 in closed transactions and #5 in sales production for the entire firm.  Wayne Weaver tied for #3 in closed transactions for the Chautauqua Office.

Stacy Stalter was #1 in both sales production and closed transactions for the Fredonia Office.  William and Judy Anderson were #2 in sales production and #3 in closed transactions for the Fredonia Office.  Heidi Seddon was #3 in sales production and #2 in closed transactions for the Fredonia Office.

Cathy Pritchard was #1 in sales production and #3 in closed transactions in the Ellicottville Office, while she ranked #1 in sales production and #5 in closed transactions for the entire firm, which includes all office locations.  Tina Dillon was #1 in closed transactions and #2 in sales production in the Ellicottville Office, while she ranked #1 in closed transactions and #4 in sales production for the entire firm.  Ciji Riley was #2 in closed transactions in the Ellicottville Office, while she ranked #3 in closed transactions for the entire firm.  Melanie Pritchard was #3 in sales production in the Ellicottville Office.

Paul Conklin was #1 in both sales production and closed transactions for the Cuba Office.  Linda Simons was #2 in sales production and #3 in closed transactions for the Cuba Office.  Bill Shuler was #3 in sales production and #2 in closed transactions for the Cuba Office.

Joe Whipp was #1 in both sales production and closed transactions for the Warren, Pennsylvania Office.  Stephanie Mathyer was #2 in sales production for the Warren Office.  John McGarry was #3 in sales production and #2 in closed transactions for the Warren Office.  Lori Nuhfer was #3 in closed transactions for the Warren Office.

Jim Anderson was #1 in both sales production and closed transactions for the Bradford Office.  Tammy Bizzak was #2 in sales production for the Bradford Office.  Fred Pysher was #3 in sales production and #2 in closed transactions for the Bradford Office.  Mark Goebl was #3 in closed transactions for the Bradford Office.

The ERA Team VP Real Estate Rookie of the Year Award was received by Debbie Rowe, the highest producing agent new to ERA Team VP Real Estate in 2012.  Dale Sandberg and Ciji Riley were also recognized as the ERA Team VP Most Improved Agents for 2012.  Dale’s 2012 sales production was a 127% increase over his 2011 sales production.  Ciji’s 2012 sales production was a 292% increase over her 2011 sales production.

“Through their dedication, these professionals lead our local real estate market by providing each client the most comprehensive products and services,” remarked Bill Soffel, Broker/CEO of ERA Team VP Real Estate. “Our top producers truly embody the ERA core values of innovation, collaboration and superior service and exemplify ERA Team VP’s commitment to hard work and customer satisfaction.”

Since joining ERA in 2004, ERA Team VP has seen significant growth, both as a result of the agents’ use of ERA systems and tools, and through a series of mergers/acquisitions.

For more information about ERA Team VP Real Estate and the real estate market in the Southern Tier of Western New York visit www.erateamvp.com or call one of the main Western New York office locations: (716) 789-2600 Chautauqua; (716) 672-7990 Fredonia; (716) 699-4800 Ellicottville; (585) 968-2113 Cuba.

ERA Team VP Real Estate Announces Merger

Local real estate firm ERA Team VP Real Estate, based in Chautauqua County, NY, has announced its merger with Coldwell Banker Phil Mathyer Real Estate of Fredonia, NY, Jamestown, NY, Warren, PA,  and Bradford, PA; and ERA Larson Real Estate of Fredonia, N.Y. The combined firm will conduct business as ERA Team VP Real Estate with its Fredonia office located at 25 Day Street, Fredonia, NY and its Jamestown office located at 395 E Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY.  ERA Team VP Real Estate’s Pennsylvania offices will operate in Bradford and Warren, PA.

[Pictured Above: Phil Mathyer, ERA Team VP Assoc. Broker; Bill Soffel, ERA Team VP Broker/CEO; David Bird, ERA Team VP Assoc. Broker; Melody Bohrer, ERA Franchise Senior VP of Broker Services; Theresa Hurt, ERA Franchise Director of Transitions; Mark Jeffers, ERA Franchise Executive Business Consultant]

According to Bill Soffel, ERA Team VP Presient/CEO, “This is a very natural strategic alliance as ERA Team VP has more than 25 years of experience in the Chautauqua Lake and Southern Chautauqua County markets; ERA Larson has more than 30 years of experience in the Fredonia and Northern Chautauqua County markets and Coldwell Banker Phil Mathyer Real Estate has more than 20 years of experience in the Northern Chautauqua County and northwestern Pennsylvania markets.  Clients and customers of all the firms will now benefit from a much broader marketing and networking reach, covering the entire Southern Tier of New York State as well as northwestern Pennsylvania.”  In addition, ERA Team VP Real Estate also operates in Ellicottville in Cattaraugus County and in Cuba in Allegany County.

“Attention to consumer needs has been a trademark of each of the merging companies,” added Soffel. “Now we will be able to deliver our commitment to service to our customers from 9 convenient office locations throughout southwestern New York State and northwestern Pennsylvania and fully leverage the ERA core values of innovation, collaboration and superior service.”

Brokers Bill Soffel, Phil Mathyer and David Bird all share a very similar outlook on the importance of professionalism and ethics within the real estate profession and have been very active within the real estate industry, at both the local and state level.

The transition from Coldwell Banker to ERA will be very smooth, as both national franchises are within the same parent organization, the Realogy Corporation, the world’s largest real estate franchise network.  Soffel points out “While Coldwell Banker and ERA share many of the same marketing and training tools, ERA’s main focus is on innovation and technology. With the real estate market continuing to shift toward web-based technologies, this focus will be a huge advantage to our clients and customers.”  As ERA Larson Real Estate has been part of the ERA Franchise Systems for more than 30 years, this transition will be seamless.

For more information about ERA Team VP Real Estate and the real estate market in the Southern Tier of Western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania visit www.myteamvp.com or call one of the main office locations: (716) 789-2600 Chautauqua; (716) 672-7990 Fredonia; (716) 763-2600 Lakewood; (716) 699-4800 Ellicottville; (585) 968-2113 Cuba.  Follow ERA Team VP on Facebook for regular Real Estate & local news.

ERA Team VP Real Estate Expands Ranks Ted Bogdan & Debbie Rowe Join Firm Focused on Growth

[CHAUTAUQUA, NY] (07/12/2012) — ERA Team VP Real Estate recently announced the addition of Ted Bogdan & Debbie Rowe to its team of real estate sales professionals serving consumers in the Chautauqua County area and Southern Tier of Western New York.

Ted began his real estate career in 1994 when he purchased a gas station in Jamestown, NY.  He has spent twenty-five years in the Retail and Petroleum Distribution business, holding positions from Salesman to Company President.  Ted has negotiated Leases and Transactions with Fortune 500 Companies, McDonald’s Corp. and Exxon Mobil.

Ted Bogdan

 

Ted has been involved in many aspects of his community including serving as a member of the Chautauqua County Planning Board, the Board of Directors and several committees with Lutheran Social Services, Inc., the Church Council of Holy Trinity Church, Former Director of Empire State Petroleum Distributors Assoc., Former Advisory Director of Pennzoil Products Company and Owner/President of Bogdan Properties, Inc.

Ted holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.  He resides in Jamestown, NY with his wife Tracy and two children, Will and Becca.

Debbie Rowe joins ERA Team VP Real Estate with over 5 years of real estate experience.  She is a full-time Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker specializing in Chautauqua Institution and the surrounding area.  In 2010 and 2011 Debbie Rowe earned the Silver Presidential Award from the Chautauqua County Board of Realtors for $2+ Million in sales each year.

Debbie Rowe

Debbie is a member of the Chautauqua Fire Department Auxiliary.  She holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Gannon University.  Debbie resides in Mayville, NY with her husband Dave.

“In today’s market, growth is the only option, and attracting top talent is a surefire way to achieve that goal,” said Bill Soffel, Broker/Owner. “We are thrilled to have professionals of Ted and Debbie’s caliber join our firm.”

“Unwavering commitment to clients has been critical to my success, and ERA Team VP’s culture of collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing combined with its reputation for superior service will not only enhance my career, it will enhance the experience of my clients as well,” said Bogdan.

Debbie Rowe stated, “As part of ERA Team VP Real Estate, I can combine state-of-the-art tools and high standards of service to meet my clients’ real estate needs. Benefiting from top training and national resources, I am ready and eager to help anyone who may be thinking of buying or selling a home in the near future. My new skills will enable me to better serve my clients. My benefits will be my clients’ benefits!”

As a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with ERA Team VP Real Estate, Ted Bogdan, as well as Debbie Rowe, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, will be able to offer homebuyers and sellers, as well as commercial clients, a wide variety of innovative and market-relevant products and services.  These services include the ERA® Sellers Security® Plan and the ERA® Gold Star Property program, as well as robust online marketing programs, extensive listings distribution partners, and related services including mortgage, title and home warranty.

For more information about ERA Team VP Real Estate and the real estate market in the Southern Tier of Western New York visit www.myteamvp.com.  Call Ted Bogdan at (716) 665-1369; Debbie Rowe at (716) 640-6507; or one of the main office locations: (716) 789-2600 Chautauqua; (716) 699-4800 Ellicottville; (585) 968-2113 Cuba.

New Chautauqua Vacation Rental Properties

Team VP Vacation Properties had recently added 4 new rental properties to their Chautauqua Area rental pool! Team VP is known for offering superior vacation rental accommodations in both the Chautauqua and Ellicottville areas. As the summer season draws near vacationers are planning their summer getaways to Chautauqua Lake and Chautauqua Institution. Team VP offers fully furnished and equipped vacation rental homes, cottages, condominiums and town homes. Team VP excels at helping you find the right rental property to fit the needs of your stay! Call Team VP (800) 344-2138 to book your vacation today!

The following four rental properties are the newest additions to Team VP’s rental pool:

5483 East Lake Road – Chautauqua Lake Luxury Home

4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms – sleeps 8

Treat your friends and family to a vacation they won’t soon forget on beautiful Chautauqua Lake. Constructed in 2000, this is one of the areas premier lake front properties. You’ll delight in the beautiful furnishings throughout this professionally designed 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath Craftsman style house. Offers a fully equipped kitchen, glassed sunroom, family room and amazing views from the large lake side deck. Master Bedroom (king bed) with custom marble bath, fireplace, nursery, and private covered porch. Bedroom #2 (queen bed); Bedroom #3 (king bed) Bedroom #4 (queen bed). Need More Room? No Problem! Next door is another work of art, a custom built Guest House offering 1800 sq. feet. Downstairs offers kitchen w/microwave & dishwasher (no stove/oven), livingroom with french doors to lake, dining room with seating for 6, full bath w/stall shower, washer/dryer. Upstairs you’ll find 2 bedrooms (2 sets of bunks/1 queen) plus 2 built-in alcove style beds, 2 full baths, and a 20 foot glassed turret office with beautiful lake views.

9 Root 3B – Chautauqua Institution 3rd Floor Condo

1 bedroom, 1 bathroom – sleeps 4

Fantastic Chautauqua Location! A short walk to either the lake or Bestor Plaza! Bright, modern, elegantly decorated 3rd floor condo features one bedroom with a Queen bed and a murphy bed in the living room. One bathroom with tub/shower. Private porch off of living room/ kitchen area with great views, is a perfect place for your morning cup of coffee or tea! Condo also features ceiling fans, wall a/c unit, tv, and dishwasher.

46 South Lake Drive – Chautauqua Institution Lakefront Home

4 bedrooms, 1.75 bathrooms – sleeps 8

Great 4 bedroom lakefront home in Chautauqua Institution. Large lakeside porch offers amazing views of the lake. Full kitchen with dishwasher. Bdrm #1: twin; Bdrm #2: two twins; Bdrm #3: double w/ half bath; Bdrm #4: 2 twins w/ half bath. Sofa sleeper in parlor. Full bath on 2nd floor. Window a/c’s, washer/dryer, grill, WiFi, cable, parking for 1 car-must purchase pass from Chautauqua Institution. Click here to view slideshow.

12 Morris #3 – Chautauqua Institution 2nd Floor Condo

1 bedroom, 1 bathroom – sleeps 2

Modern 1 bedroom 1 bath condo centrally located in Chautauqua Institution. Located on the 2nd floor (1 flight of stairs-8 steps) in the Lawson Terrace building. Full kitchen, living/dining area w/ Cable TV/VCR, wireless internet. Ceiling fans throughout. Whirlpool bathtub! Covered back porch (private) w/ Adirondack rocking chairs. Sleeps 2 max! Bedroom has KING bed.

Visit Team VP’s entire list of vacation rental properties here.

For more information call a reservationist today at (800) 344-2198.

ERA Team VP Real Estate Honored with National Awards

Chautauqua, NY / Ellicottville,  NY (Grassroots Newswire) 4/17/2012 – 16 members of ERA Team VP Real Estate attended the 2012 ERA® International Business Conference (March 14-17, 2012) in New Orleans, La. While in attendance at the International Business Conference local real estate broker Bill Soffel was recognized as one of the nation’s top ERA® brokers by global real estate leader ERA Franchise Systems LLC. Soffel accepted the President’s Circle designation for superior performance on behalf of ERA Team VP Real Estate.

Some Members of ERA Team VP Real Estate in New Orleans

The President’s Circle is an elite group of ERA companies across the nation that rank among the Top 50 (“Gold Level”), Top 100 (“Silver Level”), or Top 200 (“Bronze Level”) in either number of residential sales completed or total amount of completed sales in the ERA network. These companies set the standard for both ERA Real Estate and the industry as a whole. ERA Team VP Real Estate was named to the Gold Level.

“This is an excellent example, for our brokers and the entire real estate industry, of what can be accomplished through innovative thinking and close attention to customers’ needs, regardless of market conditions,” said Charlie Young, president and chief executive officer, ERA Franchise Systems LLC. “Bill’s achievement is a testament to his unwavering commitment to ERA’s core values of innovation, collaboration and superior service as well as his impressive business acumen and deep knowledge of this market – all of which are invaluable assets to homebuyers and sellers in Western New York.”

Individual Associates of ERA Team VP Real Estate were honored as well. Tina Dillon and Cathy Pritchard of ERA Team VP Real Estate in Ellicottville, NY were each awarded a Leaders’ Circle designation by ERA Franchise Systems LLC. This designation recognizes the ERA network’s top producers for excellence in real estate sales.

Tina Dillon

Cathy Pritchard

To qualify for the Leaders’ Circle designation, ERA sales associates or selling-brokers must have achieved 65 total closed units or $200,000 in adjusted gross commission (AGC) in 2011.

Jane Grice and Karen Goodell of ERA Team VP Real Estate in Chautauqua, NY as well as Melanie Pritchard and Amy DeTine of ERA Team VP Real Estate in Ellicottville, NY were each awarded a Beyond Excellence designation by ERA Franchise Systems LLC. This designation also recognizes the ERA network’s top producers for excellence in real estate sales.

Jane Grice

 

Karen Goodell

 

Melanie Pritchard

 

Amy DeTine

 

To qualify for the Beyond Excellence designation, ERA sales associates or selling-brokers must have achieved 45 total closed units or $100,000 in adjusted gross commission (AGC) in 2011.

“An unparalleled commitment to service has clearly contributed to the successes of both Jane Grice and Karen Goodell and I am pleased to congratulate each of them on this impressive accomplishment,” said Charlie Young, president and chief executive officer of ERA Franchise Systems LLC.

ERA Team VP Real Estate’s Office Coordinator, Anne Walters, was also honored during the ERA International Business Conference.  Anne was named a top 3 finalist for the ERA Office Coordinator of the Year Award by ERA Franchise Systems LLC, in recognition of her local and national contributions. Bill Soffel, Broker/Owner of ERA Team VP Real Estate, nominated Anne Walters for this award because of the role she has played in the company’s success. “Anne has been with my organization since 2002, and has been instrumental in the successful coordination of our real estate sales division as we have navigated through both good and poor market conditions, through the rapid changes within the real estate industry, and most importantly, through all of the change and growth that is part and parcel to the transition from an independent company to a franchise company,” said Soffel.

Anne Walters

Since joining ERA in 2004, ERA Team VP has seen significant growth, both as a result of the agents’ use of ERA systems and tools, and through a series of mergers/acquisitions.

For more information about ERA Team VP Real Estate and the real estate market in the Southern Tier of Western New York visit www.myteamvp.com or call one of the main office locations: (716) 789-2600 Chautauqua; (716) 699-4800 Ellicottville; (585) 968-2113 Cuba.

Chautauqua Institution Week 9 Rental Promotions

Team VP Vacation Properties is offering a great Vacation Rental Promotion for Week 9 in Chautauqua Institution.  A featured selection of Chautauqua Institution Rental Properties will be offered for “10% off the Rental Rate plus one extra night FREE” when rented for Week 9 (August 19, 2012 – August 25, 2012).

Chautauqua Institution’s Week 9 theme is “The President’s Club”.  According to Chautauqua Institution, Week 9 will address the following, “With the U.S. presidency a singular position that only those who have occupied the White House can understand, relationships between current and former presidents cross political boundaries. How do they relate to each other? Where are the boundaries? What role do families play in the presidency? In a week that takes its title from a new book by Time’s Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy, we’ll examine historic relationships between the president and former presidents and their families.”

The following list of Chautauqua Institution Vacation Rental Properties are being offered as part of Team VP Vacation Properties’ “Week 9 Rental Promotion”:

Rent any of these great Chautauqua Institution Properties for Week 9 and save 10% off the Rental Rate plus stay an extra night for FREE!


Arcade 34
1 bedroom, 1 bath
sleeps: 4

Lakeside Location in Chautauqua Institution, just off of Miller Park!

Promotional Rate: $1215.88


15 Ames #5
1 bedroom, 1 bath
sleeps: 2

Beautifully appointed 3rd floor condo, completely renovated in 2006

Promotional Rate: $1238.13


St. Elmo # 407
1 bedroom, 1.5 baths
sleeps: 6

St. Elmo condo with central AC and porch off of living room, overlooking Ames

Promotional Rate: $1793.25


Glen Park C4
2 bedrooms, 2 baths
sleeps: 6

2nd floor, centrally located condo, just off of Bestor Plaza. Nice porch facing the Plaza

Promotional Rate: $1871.62


Pines 2
2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
sleeps: 7

Modern tri-level condo at the North end of Chautauqua Institution. Central AC

Promotional Rate: $2171.25


Pines 25
2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
sleeps: 6

Modern tri-level condo at the North end of Chautauqua Institution. Central AC

Promotional Rate: $2171.25


34 A Forest
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
sleeps: 6

Centrally located w/ shared front porch & patio. Finished basement w/ washer/dryer

Promotional Rate: $2292.63


28 Morris
4 bedrooms, 2 baths
sleeps: 6

“The Breezeway” Classic Chautauqua Cottage. 1 block to the Lake and Bestor Plaza

Promotional Rate: $2419.76


Gatehouse Commons #3
3 bedrooms + loft, 3 baths
sleeps: 9

Large, modern North end townhome. Deck with gas grill. Central AC. Bright & sunny!

Promotional Rate: $2981.00


87 Harper
3 bedrooms, 2 baths
sleeps: 6

Great North End Chautauqua Institution home with 1950s decor. Full kitchen, central AC

Promotional Rate: $1974.13


39 Scott
5 bedrooms, 4 baths
sleeps: 10

“The Samurai House” Classic Chautauqua home. Central location. 3 levels!

Promotional Rate: $3256.38


28 Foster
6 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
sleeps: 14

Large home, centrally located in Chautauqua Institution. 2 porches & deck. 2 kitchens

Promotional Rate: $4016.13


47 Foster
7 bedrooms, 3 baths
sleeps: 15

South end Chautauqua Institution home. Central AC on 1st 2 floors. Private front porch

Promotional Rate: $4066.13

For more information about any of these
properties, or Team VP Vacation Properties
Rental program
, call 800.344.2198 OR
716.789.9298 to speak with a reservationist

ALS Association Adds Soffel to National Board of Trustees

ERA Team VP Real Estate president/CEO William Soffel is now a member of the National Board of Trustees of The ALS Association. He joined in the fight against ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, due to his paternal grandmother Anna Jane Soffel’s battle with the disease for three years.

”I’ve seen firsthand how devastating this disease is for the patient and the family,” Soffel said of his personal experiences.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative muscular; people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease usually have a survival rate of two to five years from their diagnoses.

In 2010, the ALS Association appointed Soffel to the board and he founded a charity golf tournament named ”Agents of Hope,” which raised $15,000 to increase awareness about Lou Gehrig’s Disease and funds for research and patient services. He was formally elected to the board at The Association’s annual leadership summit in January 2011.

As a national trustee, Soffel looks forward to having the opportunity to participate in the efforts to help find a cure for ALS, and he is excited to follow in his father Andy Soffel’s footsteps, who served as a national trustee in the late 1980s to the early 1990s.

Soffel has worked at ERA Team VP Real Estate for 20 years. The Chautauqua, New York, based firm specializes in resort and residential real estate sales, management and development. In 2010, Soffel’s business was a finalist for the Gene Francis Award as a Top Five ERA Company on a national level.

A graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Soffel received his B.S. in business and marketing. hybrid cloud . He lives in Bemus Point, New York, with his wife Kari and their five children.

In addition to serving on The Association’s National Board of Trustees, Soffel serves on the boards of the Jamestown YMCA, Jamestown Business College and the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County.

For more information about The ALS Association, visit our www.alsa.org or call 800-782-4747.