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

3 weeks ago

Michiana BNI
Our speaker today is Jill Weiss from Health Markets! Jill is a licensed insurance agent with a strong focus on helping you decipher some of the insurance mumbo jumbo! She works with multiple companies which allows for lower premiums, better doctors, etc. ... See MoreSee Less

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Michiana BNI

4 weeks ago

Michiana BNI
Our speaker today is Jamie Turay from Sun Services, a hearing and cooling company in Niles. With over 20 years in the HVAC industry, Sun Services offers many options and allows you to compare apples to apples. Want to learn more? Visit us at BNI on Thursday mornings! ... See MoreSee Less

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Michiana BNI

1 month ago

Michiana BNI
Our speaker today was Derek Jacobs with Rooted Tree Service. Derek had been a arborist for the last 15 years and can help you learn more about the life that grows outside your home! Want to learn more? Visit us at BNI on Thursday mornings! ... See MoreSee Less

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Michiana BNI

1 month ago

Michiana BNI
Our speaker today is Kevin Fautz of Centier Bank. Kevin is a business banker and has been in the business for 13 years. Fun fact... his wife Cassie is also with Centier! Want to learn more? Come visit us at BNI! ... See MoreSee Less

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