For the sixth year in a row, BNI SWFL has remained in the top 10 percent of all the regions in the WORLD! In the past 12 months, Southwest Florida passed over $68 Million in closed business amongst its 1500 members, almost $35 Million of that was generated for members in Charlotte, Sarasota and Manatee Counties! A record crowd of 650 gathered to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of members and chapters over the last year.
Congratulations to the this years 5 year members.
These BNI SWFL veterans have been members for 10 years.
Congratulations for achieving 15 years as a BNI SWFL member.
Director Becky Brantner with Purple Monkey Print and Design presented our third year of Education Equals Excellence Awards, or as we refer to it, E Squared. To qualify for this award a member needs to have attended all 5 of the Advanced Training Modules. This year we have 25 members who have completed all 5 modules.
George Bowe with George Bowe, CPA from Professional Biz Connections
Teresa Bowman with Teresa K. Bowman, PA from Endless Referrals
Mary Conway with Breaking Barriers to Learning from Cutting Edge Professionals
Liz Coursen with EditNation.com from Referral Champions
April Dacas with Len’s Roofing, Inc from Cutting Edge Professionals
Zach Davy with Company Outfitters from Power Connections
Gayle Fortin with Cruise Planners - Let's Cruise and Tour from Power Connections
Cassie Friedman with Ace Electric, Inc from Endless Referrals
Tricia Gibbs with Precise Painting from Master Connectors
Jose Goldberg with Jose M Goldberg DDS from Cutting Edge Professionals
Linda Grappin with Grappin Clinic of Chiropractic, PA from Master Connectors
Mary Hart with Hart Physical Therapy from Power Connections
Chuck Hindelang with Rising Sun Handyman Services from Cutting Edge Professionals
Susan Howard with Employers Resources Plus from Circle of Success
Jennifer Jordan with Tre J Entertainment from Circle of Success
Deborah Metcalf with A-Z Auto Repair from Referrals to Riches
Trude Moyer with Express Employment Professionals from Business by the Bay
Shannon Padgett with Express Employment Professionals from Cutting Edge Professionals
Deitra Parker with Aflac from Power Connections
David Roth with Rothco Signs & Design, Inc from Master Connectors
Lisa Silvestri with Silvestri Travel, LLC from Endless Referrals
Judith Vobroucek with Discount Med Direct from Cutting Edge Professionals
Terry Wells with Hancock Bank from Cutting Edge Professionals
Ann White with Just 4 Girls from Cutting Edge Professionals
Darcy Woods with Smart Shopper from Rain Makers
Director Robert Lauser with Grim Reaper Pest Solutions announced the 15 winners of the Perfect Attendance award. Members must have been a member for the entire year from October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017. These members did not miss any meetings, were never late, had no medical and did not have a sub.
Terry Abbas with Gulf Auto Clinic from BNI Circle of Success
Thomas Belke with Platinum Inspections from BNI Master Connectors Platinum Inspections
Becky Brantner with Purple Monkey Print and Design from BNI Power Connections
Gregory Carlson with Stifel Nicolaus from BNI Referral Champions
John Collins with Landscape941 from BNI Circle of Success
Daniel Douglass with J. Daniel Douglass from BNI Circle of Success
Lynn Elkes with Selwin Photos, Inc from BNI Referral Champions
Thomas Geller with Discount Battery Supply from BNI Circle of Success
Nimie Gill with Suncoast Web Marketing, LLC from BNI Top Shelf Professionals
Elaine Kinder with The Golden Rule Painting, Inc from BNI Circle of Success
Jeffrey Koch with Automotive Service Garage from BNI Partners for Profit
Kathryn Scott with Coldwell Banker Realtor from BNI Endless Referrals
Sandra Visser with Anthony's Cooling-Heating-Electrical from BNI Cutting Edge Professionals
William Wilson with The Woodcrafters from BNI Cutting Edge Professionals
Ambassador Paul Jorgensen with Farm Bureau Insurance recognized the top members who invited the most visitors to their chapter. These Members, who have worked very hard to help their chapters grow and its referrals increase, are vital to their chapter's success. The following members have gone above and beyond, and their chapters are lucky to have them!
20 Visitors - Julia Miller of FireStar Capital Investments from Success in Numbers
16 Visitors - Jennifer Jordan of Tre J Entertainment from Circle of Success
15 Visitors - Patti Guerso of Guerzo Business Consulting, LLC from Rain Makers
15 Visitors - Jill Lyons of Relax Realty Group from Key Referrals
14 Visitors - Mary Taylor of Mary Kay Cosmetics from Professional Biz Connections
14 Visitors - Shana Tibi of First Page Advantage from Key Referrals
13 Visitors - Julia Woodard of Julia International Real Estate from Business Focus
13 Visitors - Lance Broat of Venice Print Center from Money in the Morning
13 Visitors - Becky Brantner of Purple Monkey Print and Design from Power Connections
Director Mark Miles of Law Offices of Marc J Miles, PA announced the top seven members who passed the most referrals to their fellow members.
489 Referrals Given
Annette Gustin of Aquatech Pools GC, Inc from Rapid Referrals Plus
379 Referrals Given
Russell LeGrande of LaMaison Homes and Inspecitons from Circle of Success
375 Referrals Given
Jennifer McSharry of Burnett 1-800 Painting from Money in the Morning
356 Referrals Given
Howard Parkin of When & How Concierge Servicess, LLC from Money in the Morning
354 Referrals Given
Jane Mendola of Re/MAX Palm Realty from Money in the Morning
340 Referrals Given
Nancy Bellisle of Juice Plus from Trusted Professionals
332 Referrals Given
Carey Beychok of Re/MAX Alliance Group from Referral Champions
Director Consultant Glenn Scharf with the Scharf Group announced the top five members who passed the most Thank You for Closed Business to their members. This is the epitome of Giver's Gain®. Most of these members will tell you that the ability to have reliable people they can refer their clients to is just as important as the business they receive.
$928,956
Marc Miles of Law Offices of Mark J Miles, PA from Circle of Success
$712,399
Russell LeGrande of LaMaison Homes and Inspections from Circle of Success
$680,494
Nick Flerlage of Re/Max Alliance Group from Rapid Referrals Plus
$421,941
Emma Kate Livestry of Sharky's on the Pier from Rapid Referrals Plus
$386,320
Tanya Scotece of Farley Funeral Homes and Crematory from Success in Numbers
Ambassador Nimie Gill with Suncoast Web Marketing and Director Randy Corywell of WRC Associates announced this year's Medallion Chapters, recognized based on the number of members in the chapter. Chapters needed to maintain their size for three consecutive months from July 1 to October 1, 2017.
Silver Medallion, 35 or More Members
Money in the Morning Rain Makers
Referral Champions Cutting Edge Professionals
Power Conncections
Gold Medallion, 45 or More Members
Business by the Bay Circle of Success
Rapid Referrals Plus Referrals in Paradise
Director Consultant Randy Coryell with WRC & Associates announced this year's Platinum Presidents. To qualify, Presidents participated in weekly calls with their director, attended monthly Roundtable or had representation, ran the meeting according to the BNI Agenda and deomonstrated Leadership Skills that resulted in success during the year.
Becky Brantner of Purple Monkey Print and Design from Power Connections
Jaime Caldwell of Elite Motor works from Trusted Professionals
Greg Carlson of Stifel Nicolaus from Referral Champions
Dane DeSantis of Key Referrals from Hallmark Business Brokers
Rich Emch of Raymond James from Harbor Professionals
Chuck Hindelang of Sising Sun Handyman Serivices from Cutting Edge Professionals
Robert Lauser of Grim Reaper Pest Solutions from Rapid Referrals
Brad Nocek of Northwester Mutual from Endless Referrals
Rob Reynolds of Robert Reynolds Landscaping from Success in Action
Randi Sanders of FireStar Capital Investments from Chapter
Anthony Saputo of Saputo And Associates, Inc from Money in the Morning
Russ Williamson of Platinum Planning from Referrals in Paradise
Darcy Woods of Smart Shopper from Rain Makers
Director Glenn Scharf with The Scharf Group announced this year's Platinum Presidents. To qualify VP’s proved to be organized, and effective in managing and maintaining the Membership Committee. They entered and audited PALMS reports in a timely and accurate manner. They had open communication with the Membership Committee, Chapter Members and their Director. Along with the Membership Committee, they demonstrated skill and diplomacy in handling situations that arose within the chapter. They also displayed a positive attitude.
Sammi Banting of B-Connected Social Media from Money in the Morning
Nicholas Carter of CIA Carter Insurance Agency, Inc from Referrals to Riches
Rob DeForge of Daniels Plumbing Service, Inc from Key Referrals
Greg Hengel of Hengel Family Chiropractor from Power House
Tim Hudson of ODI Consulting, Inc from Referrals in Paradise
Pamela Maxstadt of Bank of the Ozarks from Harbor Professionals
Julia Miller of Firestar Capital Investments from Success in Numbers
Karen McLean of Hair Habit from Referral Champions
Andrea Needham of LaMaison Homes and Inspections from Endless Referrals
Kadie Nolan of KD & Company from Trusted Professionals
Kris Pike of Citrues Plumbing of Venice from Rapid Referrals Plus
David Roth of Rothco Signs & Design from Master Connectors
EJ Semmerling of Edward Jones from Cutting Edge Professionals
Regional Administrator Nadine Schleicher with announced this year's Platinum Secretary Tresurers. The awards were based on the following: Submitting reports, renewals and applications to the regional office in a timely and effective manner, communicating effectively with the Regional Office and Director, entering the speaker rotation in BNI Connect and maintaining accurate records.
Lori Anderson of Moore, Fowinkle Schroer Insurance Agency from Cutting Edge Professionals
Victor Freyer of Lemon Bay Computer Service, LLC from Premier Professionals
Christina Gay of WrightWay Emergency Services from Rapid Referrals Plus
Jill Lyons of Relax Realty Group, Inc from Key Referrals
Amy Mills of Day to Day Design and Create from Power House
Director Consultant Glenn Scharf with The Scharf Group and Ambassador Mary Taylor with Mary Kay Cosmetics announced the Nominees for Rookie of the Year as well as the winner. Each chapter submitted a name of a member who has been in the chapter for less than one year as Most Valuable Rookie. Their nominating committee made of up the President, Vice President, Secretary Treasurer and Membership Committee chose their nominees based on referrals given, visitors brought, willingness to serve and most importantly showing a Giver’s Gain attitude right from the first day.
Kortnee Gonzalez of Echt Architects, LLC from Business by the Bay
Julie Woodard of Julia International Real Estate from Business Focus
Brian Stone of Stream from Circle of Success
Shannon Padgett of Express Empoloyment Professionals from Cutting Edge Professionals
Zachary Lesmerises of Schwartz Air Conditioning and Heating from Endless Referrals
Cheryl Maymon of CAM Realty from Harbor Professionals
Jillian Sacco of Generous Property from Key Referrals
Corey Cyr of Modern Woodman of America from Master Connectors
Arthur Trammell of The Venice Company from Money in the Morning
Chris Patek of Patek inspections, LLC from Partners for Profit
Gayle Fortin of Cruise Planners - Let's Cruise and Tour from Power Connections
MJ (Maria) Johnson of Freedom Life Insurance Co. from Premier Professionals
David Walsh of David's Home Services from Professional Biz Connections
Toel Rosell of Rhonda Gustitus Team at Keller Williams Realty from Rain Makers
Kimmi van der Veen of Absolute Window & Door from Rapid Rererrals Plus
Lori Ann Roth of Learning and... from Referral Champions
Kristin White of Sonny's BBQ from Referrals in Action
Margaret Kennedy of Sarasota Animal Hospital from Referrals in Paradise
Wayne Miller of Sand Dollar Enterprises of SRQ, LLC from Referrals to Riches
Gene Burwood of Paradise Palms Realty Group from Success in Action
Lisa Karrat of Just Be Therapeutic Massage from Success in Numbers
Michael Junquist of Plumbco Plubing Solutions from Top Shelf Professionals
Sarah Eckert of Poised Beauty Salon from Trusted Professionals
This year’s winner of the Rookie of the Year has raised the bar on what can be done in a short amount of time with persistence, tenacity and the right attitude. In just 42 weeks this member has brought 3 visitors and passed 70 referrals resulting in almost $38,000 in closed business for her members. She is extremely energetic, has a great attitude and is totally committed to her chapter doing 99 One to Ones during her time in the chapter.
WINNER
Kimmi van der Veen of Absolute Window & Door from Rapid Referrals Plus
Director Consultant Robert Lauser with Grim Reaper Pest Control and Ambassador EJ Semmerling with Edward Jones announced Nominees for Most Valuable Member as well as the winner. Most of the nominees have served in a leadership position at some time during their membership. Many have been members for several years and still continue to pass referrals, bring visitors, mentor new members, serve their chapters and most importantly exude a Giver’s Gain® attitude.
Russell LeGrande of La Maison Homes and Inspections from Circle of Success
Judy Vobroucek of Discount Med Direct from Cutting Edge Professionals
Andrea Needham of La Maison Homes and Inspections from Endless Referrals
Heidi Schrock of ReMax Palm from Harbor Professionals
Glenn Scharf of The Scharf Group from Key Referrals
Linda Grappin of Grappin Clinic of Chiropractic PA from Master Connectors
Marc Miles of Law Offices of Marc J. Miles, PA from Money in the Morning
Brian Dreschler of D&D Air Conditioning, Inc from Partners for Profit
Becky Brantner of Purple Monkey Print and Design from Power Connections
Alexia Martin of Whitco Insurance Agency from Power House
Keri Duff of 2 K's Salon & Spa, Inc from Premier Professionals
Lindsay Ketchum of Lidsay J. Ketchum, P.A. from Professional Biz Connections
Joe Peters of European Painters from Rain Makers
Annette Gustin of Aquatech Pools GC, Inc from Rapid Referrals Plus
Carey Beychok of Re/MAX Alliance Group from Referral Champions
Devin Johnson of Insurance Consultants of Florida from Referrals in Action
Larry Jones of LJ Home Services, Inc from Referrals in Paradise
Tim Donohue of Bill the Plumber, Inc from Referrals to Riches
Donna Brasch of Island Insurance Agency of Venice from Success in Numbers
Nimie Gill of Suncoast Web Marketing, LLC from Top Shelf Professionals
Rosenda Calloway of AAA Travel from Trusted Professionals
This year's Most Valuable Member has been applauded by the members of her chapter for her professionalism and positive attitude. With a total 442 referrals which lead to over $186,190 in closed business, this member also brought 5 visitors to the chapter last year. She makes no excuses for being too busy to help fellow members and her chapter.
WINNER
Annette Gustin of Aquatech Pools GC, Inc from Rapid Referrals Plus
Director Consultant Robert Lauser announced the nominees and winner of Most Improved Chapter. Criteria includes: upward movement in the Traffic Lights, implementing policies and procedures, member growth, increase in retention, and communication with directors.
Endless Referrals Professional Biz Connections
Rapid Referrals Plus Success in Action
This year's Most Improved Chapter raised their retention from 46% to 54%, and they more than tripled the number of visitors throughout the year going from .81 to 2.63 visitors per week. October 1, 2016 they were 45 and red in the traffic lights, October 1 of this year they were 85 and green! They worked hard with their Director and it certainly paid off. They are full of enthusiasm and still focused on growth.
WINNER
Endless Referrals
Director Consultant Christi Geib presented the final award of the evening, Chapter of the Year. Nominations for Chapter of The Year were based on the following: Chapters must be in the Yellow or Green in the Traffic Lights all year. They must maintain an average of 35 or more members, and have at least 1 Million dollars in TYFCB. A willingness to work side by side with their director, enforce policies, encourage growth and mentor their members to increase retention all with a positive attitude was also considered
Cutting Edge Professionals Money in the Morning
Power Connections Referral Champions
Referrals in Paradise Trusted Professionals
This year's Chapter of the Year maintained Green status in the Traffic Lights 11 of the last 13 months. They increased members by 10, increased retention, referrals and conversion and reduced their absenteeism to 1.64%! This chapter lives the Giver’s Gain® philosophy, while having fun.
WINNER
Cutting Edge Professionals
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