Our History

The BNI Timeline

A New Location - 2025

Michiana BNI moves to Holiday Inn and Conference Center on April 17th, 2025

Our Previous Year - 2019

BNI Michiana continues to grow and last year alone did $4.5 million in referred business just this past year

BNI Michiana Forms - 2001

BNI Michiana begins as a new chapter with the goal of cultivating professional relationships within the Michiana area.

BNI Opens Internationally - Dec. 1993

Canada opened BNI’s first chapters outside the United States in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

The Network Is Renamed Business Network International - Dec. 1990

In 1991, Dr. Misner could see the organization was close to launching internationally, and to prepare for the change, rebranded The Network as Business Network International, and shortly after focusing the name as BNI for simplicity and trademark purposes.

The Network Expands to Two Chapters - March 1985

By the end of the first year, 20 chapters were spread across Southern California.

First Official Meeting - Jan. 1985

The first official meeting of The Network was held by Dr. Ivan Misner and friends in January 1985 in Arcadia, California.

An Idea Is Born - Nov. 1984

Dr. Ivan Misner is looking for ways in increase clients for his personal consulting business. He and friends Carolyn Denny, CPA, Lee Shimmin, insurance agent, and Mike Ryan, financial planner, hatched a plan.

Michiana BNI

1 week ago

Our speaker today is Kevin Fautz from Centier Bank. What makes Centier different? 130 year old bank who will never sell and started right here in Indiana! Learn more by visiting us at BNI! ... See MoreSee Less

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Michiana BNI

3 weeks ago

Our speaker today is Jon Backstrom of Backstrom Insurance Group. From cars to homes to boats and even pets... Backstrom can cover it all! Learn more by visiting us at BNI on Thursday mornings at Holiday Inn on Douglas Road! ... See MoreSee Less

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Michiana BNI

1 month ago

Our speaker today was Nick Thalls from Lochmany Auto Group in Elkhart. Besides his vast experience in selling cars, Nick has a passion for horses. Did you know he actually traveled the country training horses? Set up a one on one meeting with Nick to learn more! ... See MoreSee Less

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Michiana BNI

1 month ago

We are so excited to announce Cody Wittling as our new chapter president! Cody brings an amazing personality along with an infectious demeanor that relates to anyone in any industry. We look forward to what Cody will be able to bring during his tenure with Michiana BNi! ... See MoreSee Less

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