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

Michiana BNI
Our speaker today is Jeff Cooper from Jeff Cooper Painting! For over 40 years, Jeff has been THE man for residential and commercial painting. Want to learn more? Visit us on Thursday mornings! ... See MoreSee Less

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Michiana BNI

2 weeks ago

Michiana BNI
Our guest speaker this week was Vacman! In case you didn't know, if it's in your vents it's in your lungs. Need help figuring out how to get it out? Well if it's already in your lungs you should probably call the doctor. But if it's not, then call Vacman!  ... See MoreSee Less

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Michiana BNI

3 weeks ago

Michiana BNI
Our speaker today is David Mwangi, a licensed financial professional focusing on life insurance. His goal is to help families plan for the future through term or permanent life insurance. Want to learn more? Come visit us! ... See MoreSee Less

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Michiana BNI

1 month ago

Michiana BNI
Our speaker today was Jerry Yoder of Yoder Home Services! On top of preserving basements and craw spaces across Michiana, he is a passionate family man - who loves his children and grandchildren. Want to learn more about Jerry? Come visit us on Thursdays at Holiday Inn on Douglas Doad in Mishawaka! ... See MoreSee Less

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