Across the Globe - North America
Canada
Canadian Awards Galas

The "Most Notable Networker" award winners from Victoria, British Columbia, pictured here, demonstrate the enthusiasm shared by all those in attendance at the BNI Membership Awards Galas.

Galas were held in Mississaugo, Ontario; Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia; Quebec City and Montreal, Quebec; and Ottawa, Ontario.

Submitted by Ian Scott, Regional Director, Vancouver Island


Barbados
The Biggest Referral in Barbados

BNI Barbados display at the Home Show

History has been made in Barbados with a referral worth over $1.9 million! In August 2005, a referral from the accountant to the banker in the Flying Fish Chapter brought this result. This is a fabulous example of how well contact spheres can benefit your business. Since its launch in May 2002 this chapter has generated BD$2,768,261.00 in business amongst its members.

Also in 2005 we had the opportunity to make a presentation about BNI to final year commerce students at the Barbados Community College. I was joined by our Ambassador, Oral Dowell, who also had an opportunity to address the 40 students.

Finally, BNI members in Barbados won the "Best Service Booth" award at the annual Home Show which was held at the Sherbourne Conference Centre in October 2005. This recognition was achieved by teamwork and dedication. In addition, our booth exposed hundreds of visitors at the conference to BNI and our outstanding members.

Submitted by Marva & Curtis Belgrave, National Directors, BNI Barbados

United States of America
The "Ivan Awards"

The South Florida BNI Regional Conference was just getting underway…over 400 members were in attendance with each chapter dressed thematically and trying to out-do the others in enthusiasm and camaraderie. The crowd excitedly awaited the opening of the conference and the beginning of the 1st Annual "Ivan Awards" presentation.

Several months before the conference, every chapter selected their choice for outstanding member—a kind of "MVP" recognition—to recognize those members who best represent the spirit of "Givers Gain," have a contagiously positive attitude, and exemplify the strengths that lie within each of us. It was a great way to recognize the achievements of outstanding members, and because the award came from their peers it was even more meaningful.

Naming the award was probably the easiest part of the planning process as BNI's founder, Ivan Misner, is well known to every member, and all of the organization's ethics and standards began with him. It seemed only natural. The award itself, chosen for it's elegant and simple lines, is not unlike the "Oscar" in its appearance. The buildup to the awards ceremony rivaled that of the Oscars, at least to those of us in attendance. We even opened the awards presentation with the announcement, "the film industry has 'The Oscar'…and now we have 'The Ivan'." The crowd went wild!

"Ivan Award" winners carried their "Ivans" around with them for the remainder of the conference, receiving congratulations and posing for photos. We are all eagerly waiting to see who will win the 2006 Ivan Awards!

Submitted by Sandy Donovan, BNI Executive Director, Palm Beach and Southeast Florida


United States of America
An Evening in San Diego with Dr. Misner

Ivan Misner, Kathryn Lodal and Riley Cardwell

Over 90 Southern California/San Diego County BNI members enjoyed "An Evening with Dr. Ivan Misner" on October 20, 2005. The event was held at the Handlery Hotel in downtown San Diego. The program kicked off with an "Ask the Founder" session to which chapter leaders brought key questions for this private meeting with Dr. Misner. An open networking hour was held featuring members' display tables, delicious hors d'oeuvres, and cash bar. Dr. Misner met and greeted members during the reception with a broad beaming smile as he shook hands and exchanged business cards.

San Diego Executive Director Kathryn Lodal emceed the evening presentations beginning with a chapter and member Awards Ceremony. The area directors were commended for their time and service to grow the region to more than 650 members.

In his keynote address, Dr. Misner called attendees to follow their passions and to leverage their achievements. Members and guests took away powerful information. The interactive question and answer portion of the evening helped members understand how to take their chapters to the next level. The evening concluded with a BNI Founder's special book signing and, of course, more networking. Members and guests left the evening deeply inspired and renewed in their commitment to BNI.

Submitted by Susan Almon-Pesch


United States of America
"Spotlight" on South Dayton

The South Dayton chapter of BNI in Ohio recently achieved "Spotlight" status. They are the first chapter in Ohio to reach this prestigious level. To qualify for "Spotlight" status, the chapter must maintain at least 30 members, have at least 15 visitors per month, and members must each have at least 2 dance cards per month.

Chapter President Ken Herr says the key to achieving this level was a one year plan to motivate members by continuously emphasizing the benefits of a large and productive chapter. In ten months the leadership team planned to increase chapter membership by 20 people and to triple the number of quality referrals passed. Chapter Vice-President Lee Ann Leal said, "We got back to the BNI basics. We enforced the attendance policy fairly and strictly with every member, then we added some fun to our meetings with a version of the BNI Game. We dressed the Leadership Team in sheriff costumes and talked every week about chasing off "Bad Business Bart." This added a lot of energy and enthusiasm to our meetings and slowly but surely, positive things happened."

In just ten months, the chapter grew from 16 members to 31. The number of referrals grew to more than 120 per month. "With so many visitors every month, we can be very selective of the new members we allow in," said Ken Herr. "Better members create a stronger chapter." Congratulations South Dayton chapter!

Submitted by Steve Teska, Executive Director, BNI - Central Ohio


United States of America
$2100 Raised for Katrina Victims

In September, the Breakfast Champions Chapter of Charlotte, NC began preparing for their 2nd annual golf outing and social. The outing was designed to introduce visitors to BNI in a casual setting and to also raise money for a local charity. Then hurricane Katrina hit and the fundraising side of the event was kicked into high gear.

Breakfast Champions' members (even those who don't play golf) stepped in to plan the event which included the round of golf, a barbeque dinner and a prize raffle.

In December, 2005, Chapter President Lance Bartles and Vice President Jim Lee presented David Alexander, Executive Director of the Atlanta region, with a check for $2,100 for the Katrina Relief Fund earmarked specifically for BNI members in the New Orleans region.

The success of the day prompted the Charlotte Assistant Directors (3 of which are from Breakfast Champions) to plan a region-wide golf tournament during the spring "2006 Member Extravaganza" in hopes of raising $15,000 for the continued use in the Katrina Relief Fund.

Submitted by Kim A. Hellman, CPA, Breakfast Champions Chapter, Charlotte, NC


United States of America
BNI Members Help Biloxi Katrina Victims

Brian Panichelle (Profit Seekers BNI chapter educational coordinator) and Doug Comin (Greensburg BNI chapter president) spent the first week of November 2005 in Biloxi, MS where they volunteered their time working with the relief efforts of the Presbyterian Church of America to restore houses damaged by hurricane Katrina. The group of eleven volunteers was sponsored by Pioneer Presbyterian Church in Ligonier, PA, where Brian and Doug's Nationwide Insurance agency is based. With materials donated by a local contractor, the team labored for five days to completely replace two roofs and place a tarp over a third.

As the team worked it became evident that the devastation throughout the Biloxi and Gulfport areas were more extensive than television coverage could possible portray. The rebuilding of these communities will take many months and even years. Many BNI members are continuing to rebuild their destroyed offices and homes. Remember even as the coverage of this disaster fades: "Givers Gain."

Submitted by Deanna Tucci Schmitt, BNI Referral Institute


United States of America
Chicagoland Executive Director Wins Award

Tom Gosche with his wife Mary and his award

Tom Gosche was recently recognized with a prestigious local award sponsored by The Business Ledger of Greater Suburban Chicago.

The "Today's Young Executive" award was designed to recognize young up-and-coming business executives. Tom, who directs a growing BNI region, is active in community affairs and is very devoted to his family—which includes his BNI team.

When asked what factor will influence his business most in the next five years Tom replied: "Everything will be more expensive. But that will be an advantage in my business because person to person contact is more of an investment of time than money."

Congratulations Tom on your recognition!

Submitted by Don Morgan, National Director, BNI Canada


United States of America
Fast Forward

Emile Paradis, Gordon Rude, and Linda Zuk facilitated a BNI retreat utilizing the Fast Forward Process for the Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Southeastern Massachusetts teams.

During the two-day retreat we accomplished the following:
revisited BNI's Mission Statement,
created a Value Statement for each team (RI/MA and NH/ME),
developed personal goals to be accomplished within 90 days, and
listed concrete steps needed to achieve personal goals.

It was an awesome exercise that really brought the teams together!

Submitted by Linda Macedonio, BNI Executive Director-RI, SE Mass., Maine


United States of America
Founder's Award Given to Newly Chartered Chapter

The Vermont Business Development Association chapter of BNI, chartered less than two years ago, has achieved the prestigious Founder's Award. Members received $500,000 in business through member referrals in 2005. Some members, like Chapter President Kirk Shamberger of CK Financial Services, get 98-100% of their business from BNI!

Submitted by Joe Monaco, Executive Director, BNI Vermont


United States of America
A Perspective on Attaining Excellence

WOMBATS Member Ray De Carlo addressing the chapter

Those in Orange County, CA are not at all surprised that WOMBATS is considered an outstanding chapter.

Visitors and members agree in what they notice about the Power WOMBATS of Irvine: Members are passionate about what they do! Each member does what gives him/her the most pleasure and satisfaction, and this reflects in the quality of products and service provided. John D. Hannesson, the chapter attorney says, "It's easy to refer my own clients to another professional in the chapter because it's another way I can deliver value to them. The quality of service and integrity of the professionals in my chapter make me look good to my clients."

Members also have fun during their meetings. Every guest, without exception, has shared that he/she would like to either join this BNI team or come back to visit because of the friendship and the ease in communication felt among the members. Moty Koppes, Total Life Management, offers this perspective: "Personally I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to coach two-thirds of my chapter members. I truly feel that each member is committed to their professional development and to their fellow members."

Submitted by Moty Koppes and Wendy Florian, WOMBATS Chapter, Irvine, CA