January/February 2006
Art of Networking
IsraelBNI Israel Celebrates Growth
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| Sam Schwartz, Yarden Noy and Ivan Misner |
Upon her return to Israel, Yarden launched Israel's 20th chapter. More than 90 guests experienced a well-organized, professional BNI meeting led by Yarden Noy with the help of her Executive Team and the Chapter Leadership Team.
During the meeting, testimonials were given. The most impressive was by Elan Rhom from the North Business BNI Chapter. Elan shared that he had just closed a deal, worth 150,000 shekels, as a result of his BNI membership. Well done Elan and North Business BNI Chapter!
As a result of the dedication and hard work of the Executive team led by Yarden Noy, this new chapter represents the new spirit and growth in BNI Israel.
Submitted by Sam Schwartz, National Director, BNI Israel
United Arab EmiratesBNI UAE launches 2nd Chapter in 3 months
BNI is building a solid foundation in the Middle East with the launch of a second chapter in Dubai on December 6, 2005.Despite very heavy mist and fog, 120 visitors gathered at the Grand Habtoor Resort & Spa for a morning of some very active business networking. The BNI Early Bird Chapter is headed by Chapter Director Nic Woodthorpe-Wright. Steven Brown is the Membership Coordinator and Sonja Ohly is the Secretary Treasurer.
The core group members have already generated business worth the equivalent of over US$30,000 in the 6 weeks leading up to the launch. We are proud to be able to provide the unique BNI opportunity to business people in this region and are looking forward to a very exciting 2006.
Submitted by Bijay & Anna Shah, Joint National Directors, BNI–UAE
South AfricaHabitat for Humanity
Members of the Mother City Chapter in Cape Town decided to get together as a group outside of the normal meeting. It was suggested instead of just having a social meeting that we participate in something of value. We decided we would contribute to our community by doing some volunteer work building for Habitat for Humanity. Everyone was very exited to participate.We arrived at Wallacedene, a township outside of Cape Town, to put up foundation walls on the second Habitat house in the area. No one has ever done this kind of volunteer work in a township / informal settlement area before, and most members were quite nervous driving in. Within no time everyone felt a real sense of community! We were warmly welcomed and then set to the hard work of mixing the sand and cement. We then proceeded with the building (tradesmen were on site to assist us) and smoothing of the foundation walls. Wow, what hard work! But it was also extremely fulfilling and humbling. What a great day for our chapter!
South AfricaThe Party at Tenterden
Twenty-five children, aged 7-14 years, were treated to a special afternoon of fun arranged by Sandy Hotz, a RE/MAX Estate Agent on our Board of Advisors, who works in the Wynberg area.
The children helped decorate the dining room hall for the party, which was festooned with streamers and balloons. The girls from then performed a dance in appreciation of the party. Guela Wills of Lions International played exciting games outside accompanied by lots of laughter. Members of the Southern Cross Chapter of BNI, together with Jill of Pestguard, helped and joined in the fun.
Then an accomplished group of young dancers, Mo, Ezran, and friends donated and performed modern dances for the children—and to top it off, divided the children into two groups and taught them a dance, which they then performed for each other and the helpers!
Nadia from Zip Print made posters and fun labels for the children, whereafter they were divided into groups to create pictures. The results were fantastic. The children were excited to each receive a T-shirt supplied by Zip Print.
It was a fun afternoon for the BNI volunteers and the children alike!
Submitted by Mike Levin, National Director, BNI South Africa
