Across the Globe - Australia/Asia
BNI Launches in India!
Ninety visitors attended the BNI-India launch held at the Indian Merchants Chamber, which is a 94 year old Chamber started by Mahatma Gandhi.

Mr. Khorakhiwala, one of India's leading entrepreneurs and social workers, was our chief guest. His family runs a chain of department stores called Akbarally's (similar to Macy's in the USA), which was established in 1897. He is also Chairman of Wockhardt Ltd., a very large and successful pharmaceutical company with operations in the UK, USA and India.

The First chapter of BNI-India meets at the IMC in South Mumbai. Over 50 referrals and 800,000 rupees worth of business have already been generated in the first six weeks!

We are now planning to start two chapters in the Bandra area.

Niraj Shah calls BNI - India’s first ever chapter kick-off meeting to order.	Niraj Shah enjoying a light moment with Mr. F T Khorakhiwala.

Reaping Rewards of Referrals

For three founding members of BNI - India, their participation has already proved profitable! They have booked business valued at Rs. 200,000 in less than three weeks! This is just a taste of things to come! The key beneficiaries have been Ateeq Agboatwala (Hi Tech Printing Pvt. Ltd), Dewang Jobanputra (Travel Cool) and Ralphy Jihrad (Sai Tech Ventures Pvt. Ltd).


Malaysia Regional Luncheon

Performance by future BNI members

Vincent, Camelia and Avryl with Robert and Sherene French

On October 3rd, 2004, the Johor Region of Malaysia had a Regional Luncheon which approximately 150 members attended. Members had the privilege to listen to Robert French during the Leadership Team Training. At the luncheon conference, Dr. Ivan Misner addressed the members through a recorded speech.

The afternoon's entertainment was provided by children of chapter members. They put together a fantastic performance during lunch.

Submitted by: Avryl Au, National Director - BNI Malaysia


Unity in BNI-Australia through Vinegar!
At the Vision chapter in Townsville, Jon Rayner of Northern City Finance, conducted an infomercial that discussed the benefits of vinegar. From this, a great idea was born!

Each BNI Vision member volunteered to bring two bottles of vinegar and donate them to the Picnic Bay Surf Lifesaving Club as a contribution to their annual statewide fundraising appeal.

The result - a massive 200 percent of promised contributions, some 126 litres! Not bad for a brand new chapter with a membership of 31. Peter Gage from Picnic Bay Surf Lifesavers Club was present and spoke to the members outlining just how important this effort was to the promotion. (Vinegar is widely used to neutralise severe stings from sea lice, sea wasps, jelly fish and stingers, which can sometimes be fatal.) This win-win situation was abuzz with excitement, and coupled with the tropical pool setting, made the scene perfect for a photo opportunity. The Townsville Bulletin, the local newspaper, was there to capture the occasion.

Once again, a fantastic demonstration of the "Givers Gain" philosophy of BNI - a genuine community contribution that resulted in fantastic exposure for the Chapter - and BNI! Well done Vision chapter members!