Across the Globe - Europe
United Kingdom
The 2006 BNI European Conference: Togetherness at Its Best

Gillian and Martin Lawson (on ends) with European Directors of the Year Gavin Bain and Beverley Blandford

Recently I participated as a speaker at the BNI European Conference. Directors from 10 European countries gave the conference international flair.

As one of the keynote speakers, I can tell you the British made me feel at home!

The Belfry, Warwickshire golf course was picturesque, and the facility was outstanding. This year's topic was close to my heart: "How to Grow Your Region." It focused on three different areas:

1. Retention of existing members.
2. Conversion of visitors to members.
3. Opening new chapters.

At the Conference, Gavin Bain and Beverley Blandford were presented with the European Directors of the Year Award.

On the second day, we were surprised with a drummer band. The music and rhythm was contagious. We were divided into three separate groups and given a variety of percussion instruments. After the instructor showed us how to use the instruments, we then played together. The energy in the room went through the roof.

This simple exercise showed us that even though we did not know how to play those instruments before, with some guidance we were able to play beautiful music together.

Submitted by Sam Schwartz, Executive Director, BNI Northern Virginia
National Director, BNI-Israel, BNI-Hungary, BNI-Romania


Poland
BNI Launched in 29th Country

Core members and Grzegorz Turniak (middle)

Welcome BNI Poland! With the launch of Warsaw's WSPÓLNA Chapter, BNI is pleased to announce its introduction into the former Eastern Block nations.

The new Regional Director Grzegorz Turniak conducted the inaugural meeting in Polish, and 125 guests were present. WSPÓLNA Chapter, originally comprised of 22 members, already has ten new members after their very first meeting!

Grzegorz Turniak reports: "Members were excited about BNI policies as they recognized how they can help them in their everyday tasks as entrepreneurs. The networking spirit is evident as members are already doing business with each other. Special mention goes to President Andrzej Biesiekirski who gave his commitment and support during the chapter development process."

BNI Poland National Director Gunnar Selheden was very pleased with the first Polish Chapter meting and the infectious enthusiasm of the core group and guests. "If today's experience is anything to go by," he states, "the appetite for the structured networking format of BNI appears to be stronger here than anything I have seen before!"

On May 17th the second BNI Chapter was launched in Warsaw, Poland. Ninety visitors attended the launch of BNI SMOLNA.

The amazing BNI system works in Poland!

Submitted by Gunnar Selheden, National Director, BNI - Scandinavia


Italy
Buona BNI Italy!

Launch of the Boccaccio Chapter in Milan

Since its inception three years ago, BNI Italy continues to grow, opening chapters in Tuscany, Piemonte, and Liguria.

Because Italians are inclined to relationships, BNI's structure and philosophy appeal to most Italian businesspeople. There have been excellent results during the first two years: On March 5, 2004, the first Italian chapter was opened in Lainate; the following two years, five more opened in Lombardia. BNI continues to expand in Milan, Turin, Colle Val d'Elsa (Siena), Cuneo, Alba (Cuneo) and Savona.

BNI is also receiving national recognition from the Italian business community. Paolo Mariola, National Director of BNI Italy, was invited to participate in the national exhibition and convention on woman's entrepreneurship, held in Rome on May 17-18, 2006. Paolo Mariola held the workshop "Developing Business through Referrals."

In July, Norm Dominguez, CEO BNI International, will be visiting Italy and providing a workshop for all Italian BNI members.

Submitted by Alessandra Scheidler, Assistant Director, BNI Italia


Romania
Building the Bucharest Region

I want to welcome Ana Prodan to the BNI family. Ana is the first Executive Director for Romania, and just finished her Executive Directors training. We all wish Ana success in building her Bucharest region.

Submitted by Sam Schwartz, Executive Director, BNI Northern Virginia
National Director, BNI-Israel, BNI-Hungary, BNI-Romania


United Kingdom
Celebrating 5000!

Members of the York Knavesmire Chapter celebrating their 5000th referral

The York Knavesmire Chapter reached a milestone on May 26: the group passed their 5000th referral. For three years, the group has met every Friday morning. The group, comprised of 30 members, currently averages £10000 of business per week.

It's more than business for this chapter. Members also organize an annual ball. This year they were determined to raise more money than the number of referrals they have passed. The event took place at The Royal York Hotel, and raised £7350 for the NSPCC.

Pictured at left are: Chris Cassar, Chris Wilson, Julie Dodsworth and Garry Brown, members of the York Knavesmire Chapter, presenting a cheque for £7350 to John Hinman, Corporate Fund Raising Manager for the NSPCC.

Director Garry Brown said, "I am delighted to see businesses working so well together to crate economic prosperity for each other and raise finances for charity. The members have worked really hard!"

Submitted by Chris Wilson, Tailormade Conference Management


United Kingdom
A Family Affair

When you're having trouble finding the right mortgage, it helps to have a brother who is a BNI member, even if he lives more than 3,500 miles away!

The distance didn't stop Harrow's Success Chapter mortgage broker Alex Brooks from helping his sister, Noele, and husband, Jason, when they found their perfect home in Tampa Bay, FL. When Alex's sister and brother-in-law couldn't find a competitive rate, they sought his help.

Alex quickly used his BNI connections to make his sister's dream a reality. He accessed BNI's international site where he quickly found Tampa Bay's Area Director, Elizabeth Joseph. He asked her to refer local mortgage brokers, lenders, and property surveyors.

She immediately put him in touch with Steve Booth, Chapter Director of the nearest BNI chapter (Business Connections Chapter). The rest just fell into place.

Alex states, "All the BNI members who helped my sister worked really fast. By the time I flew back to the UK, everything had been sorted out. Needless to say, Noele and Jason are very happy."

Last month Noele and Jason moved into their new home and their first 'toast' was to Alex and BNI. Meanwhile, Alex is planning his next visit to Tampa during which time he plans to personally thank the Business Connections Chapter for their help.


United Kingdom
Special Delivery at Brentwood BNI

At 6:45 on a Thursday morning, during her presentation at the Brentwood BNI Business Group meeting, expectant mother Mrs. Jaimie Harrison of Carmichael Browns felt her water break.

Jaimie hurriedly completed her presentation, and, after a quick call to her husband (who fortunately works in Brentwood), they sped off to Basildon Hospital.

Some hours later, 5-week premature baby Rebecca was brought into this world. Following a couple of days in the hospital, Baby Becks and Jaimie are doing fine.