BNI SuccessNet - May/June 2003 - BNI Happenings

Last fall a new BNI chapter in Gothenburg kicked off. It was a huge success. In a very short time the chapter had almost 30 members and lots of business being referred every week. They say that the road to success often runs through your stomach. In this case it must be true. The venue, Sjömagasinet , is a celebrated gourmet restaurant that has had a star in the prestigious "Guide Rouge" (formerly "Guide Michelin") since 1999.

The legendary chef Leif Mannerström has won almost every prize for cooking that exists in Sweden. He also was responsible for the menu served to President George W. Bush when he visited Gothenburg two years ago. As a sign of gratitude, President Bush invited Chef Mannerström to come to Washington and cook for him at the White House. A great honor of course!

Submitted by Gunnar Selheden.

BNI HAPPENINGS — The Netherlands
First Dutch Group Set to Launch


	Standing from left to right: Jos Essers, Regional Director for The Netherlands, Hans Karel, Ronald Beekhuizen, Henk ven der Leest, Ronald Kloots. Kneeling from left to right: Arno Duyvesteyn, Frank van Lier and Geert Nielander.

The first BNI core group in the Netherlands is now meeting in The Hague, where the Dutch parliament meets and the Queen resides. The chapter was set to launch officially at the end of April. The group meets at Mercure Central, Den Haag Hotel for breakfast every Wednesday at 7:00 am. They are great at inviting visitors.

It is very exciting to work with a group of highly qualified professionals who are so dedicated to and motivated by BNI. The picture was taken by Lean Langereis of Ad Lumina graphic design, who has decided to join as well.

Submitted by Jos Essers.

BNI HAPPENINGS — United Kingdom
Members Reap BNI Rewards

The following examples highlight the success that being part of BNI is bringing to members all across the UK:

Neil Caton, Chelmsford chapter, electrical contractor: £200,000 deal.
John Herbert, Colchester chapter, office refurbishment: £300,000 and growing.
Paul Hawkins, Canterbury chapter, security: spectacular business growth and love!
Tony Clifford, Maldon chapter, marketing: £150,000 in first year as a member.
Richard Epps, Ashford chapter, builder: £2 million in 2 years.
Paul Greenham, Maldon chapter, builder: £60,000 in one year.

Submitted by Robert French.

Member Launches New Gallery

Contemporary art enthusiasts and BNI guests celebrated the recent opening of one of their member's new Interior Angle Art Gallery in the West End of Chelmsford. Members of Central chapter worked with Richard Turner to ensure that the refurbishment of the premises was completed in time for the opening. The success of their Colchester gallery and picture framers encouraged Richard and his daughter Soo Turner to create a stunning new art gallery in Wells Street Chelmsford.

"I would just like to say a huge 'thank you' to all the people who have helped to turn our vision into reality: the gallery you see today," said Richard Turner. "We are delighted to return to the center of Chelmsford. We look forward to introducing customers to our new Art Advice Service for corporate and private customers who seek guidance on the best use of art in their office, hotel or home."

The Mayor of Chelmsford, Cllr. Maurice Hurrell joined the celebrations. "I would like to congratulate you, Mr. Turner, on opening this interesting gallery, and I complement Soo on her inspiration," he said. "We, as a council, think that the West End of Chelmsford is calling out for more art projects, and we hope that your vision will encourage others."

The exhibition of contemporary paintings, sculpture and photographs attracted interest from artists (one had traveled from Devon), celebrities, including Simon Brown from Colchester United and existing customers. A donation from sales was given to Multiple Sclerosis Resource Center Colchester and John Grooms.

Richard Turner first opened in the Meadows Chelmsford in 1994. Interior Angle now runs two art centers in Essex: Chelmsford and Eld Lane Colchester.

Submitted by Sally Carpenter.

Breakfast? It's a Haggis Dinner for Tayside Members

Tayside chapter Director Jack Barton is well used to addressing members around the breakfast table, but when the chapter was invited to a fund-raising dinner at the home of fellow member Olwyn Jack, he found himself having to address a very different audience: a huge haggis!

Voice coach Olwyn had organized a Scottish ceilidh for BNI colleagues and friends at her home, Duntrune House, where they enjoyed panoramic views across Dundee and the River Tay while being treated to a traditional Scottish meal including cockaleekie soup and tipsy trifle.

"Jack was the natural choice to perform the ceremonial addressing of the haggis," said Olwyn, "Even so, we made sure he had plenty of whisky to get him in the mood!"

Following dinner, members and partners took part in Scottish country dancing and were treated to a recitation of the old Rabbie Burns classic, "Tam o' Shanter." The evening raised funds for two charities, Carpathian Aid, and the Maggie's Centre being built in Dundee to support cancer victims and their families.

Member Shares PM's Hot Seat

When Carl Barton arrived to chair a meeting of the Leeds Armouries Friday chapter on Valentine's Day, he was taken aback to see Tony Blair suddenly walk past him.

Admittedly, he had encountered some resistance getting through the police and security cordon around the Armouries building, which he knew couldn't possibly have been for him and probably not even for BNI's Executive Director Niri Patel who was due to attend the meeting. But Carl had no idea just who was expected, until he bumped into the Prime Minister.

"It turned out that Mr. Blair had decided to use the same venue for his own breakfast meeting with local businessmen prior to his trip round Yorkshire," said Carl, boss of Im-Press Promotions. "It was strange knowing that he was leading a business breakfast in the room next to ours, but of course the meeting was top secret and the security was very tight. However, I'll bet we generated more business that morning than even he managed!"

Access to the Leeds Armouries might well have been denied to BNI members altogether had it not been for the fact that its corporate sales manager, Jim Vincent, is also a member of the chapter. He had a vested interest to ensure its breakfast meeting went ahead.

"I was only chairing the meeting because our chapter director was on holiday," said Carl, "but the experience gave me a good practice run in the hot seat, which I'll be taking over very shortly."

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Editors