Breaking News
Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort

The BNI-Misner Foundation will be making a contribution to the American Red Cross for the Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort. 100% of all funds donated to the BNI-Misner Foundation will be made available to the American Red Cross.

Please join with us to support our many members and fellow citizens in the hardest-hit regions of the United States by sending your donations to be added to ours for this effort.

Please make checks out to the BNI-Misner Foundation and note "Hurricane Relief Drive" in the memo line.

Checks may be sent to:

BNI-Misner Foundation 545 College Commerce Way Upland, CA  91786  USA

To make a secure, on-line credit card donation, please click here.

If you have any questions, please e-mail: foundation@bni.com or call Ann Longanecker at (909) 608-7575, ext. 143.

Thank you for once again sending your support and for showing the world that "Givers Gain" is more than a platitude—it's an attitude that permeates the very fabric of our organization. We are appreciative and thankful for your generosity in response to our previous disaster relief efforts.

US Member Extravaganza Rescheduled
Due to Hurricane Katrina, the US Member Extravaganza that was planned to be held in New Orleans in November has been rescheduled to a new date and location. The Extravaganza will now be held from Friday, March 10th through Monday, March 13th, 2006, aboard the Carnival cruise ship Fascination. This 3-day cruise of the Bahamas will leave from Miami, Florida. More details will be available in the weeks ahead from your Director and at www.bni.com.


BNI New Zealand Wins Vero Excellence in Business Support Award

Pictured from left to right are Hans Frauenlob from NZTE, Awards organiser Sarah Trotman, Graham Southwell, Andrew Aitken from Vero and Roger Wigglesworth, Principal Advisor and Director SMEs, from the Ministry for Economic Development.

BNI New Zealand recently earned national recognition when it was named winner of the 'Business: One on Many Offering' category at the inaugural Vero Excellence in Business Support Awards.

Presented at a gala dinner at the Small Business Expo in Auckland, the awards were held to recognise the best in business support and those organizations that contribute to small business growth. More than 400 business owners and influencers attended the awards.

BNI NZ National Director, Graham Southwell, said the winners were selected from 32 finalists ranging from multinationals to sole traders and web page designers, banks, publishers and education providers.

"It's an enormous privilege for us to win this award and it also crowns the efforts and achievements of all our members around the country - the positive testimonials we received from members went a long way towards securing us this award.

"The fact that much of our success was based on the reporting and measurement structures of BNI, teamwork and the enthusiasm of our members is testament that 'Givers Gain'," said Graham.

Congratulations to Graham and all members of BNI New Zealand!


BNI Launches 1st South American Country

Not familiar with Suriname? It is nestled between Guyana, Brazil and French Guiana on the North Atlantic Ocean.

BNI Suriname kicked off its first chapter on July 20th, 2005, at the Hotel Krasnapolsky. The BNI United Chapter launched with 18 core members and more than 40 visitors in attendance. The Leadership Team includes President Winston Worth, Vice President Ankie Smiet and Secretary/Treasurer Carlos Mezas. This new BNI Region has incredible potential and development will be headed by Winston Wirth, the new Executive Director for BNI Suriname, and Curtis and Marva Belgrave, National Directors for BNI Barbados. You can reach Winston at bni-suriname@cq-link. Curtis Belgrave was interviewed regarding the BNI launch on a Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation - Barbados radio program. To read more about the interview, click here.