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

4 days ago

Michiana BNI
Our speaker today is Anthony Kulikowski of Top Rates Gutters. If you are looking outside your window and seeing water overflow from the gutters of your roof, you may need to call Top Rated Gutters. Learn more by visiting us on Thursday mornings! ...

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Michiana BNI

1 month ago

Michiana BNI
Our speaker today is Lewie Marcotte from Pro-Tech Plumbing! For over 35 years Lewie has dedicated himself to marking sure that it water runs through it, he is there to do it! Learn more by visiting us at BNI! ...

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Michiana BNI

2 months ago

Michiana BNI
Our speakers today were Gabe and Jen Moore of Schuell Fence! Serving the community for 74 years, Schuell specializes in all kinds of fencing - including unique fencing that most people may not want to tackle. Learn more by visiting us at BNI! ...

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Michiana BNI

2 months ago

Michiana BNI
Our speaker today is Ben Runkel of High-Def Detailing in Elkhart. Founded in 2014, he has been licensed, certified and accredited since 2019. If you want to learn more, visit us on Thursday mornings! ...

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