We hope that everyone had a wonderful and relaxing Thankgiving.  Now we're in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the holidays.  Although the holidays are a really busy time for most of us, we hope that everyone has the chance to slow down and enjoy the season.  BNI Connecticut would like to wish everyone a safe, happy and, as always, profitable holiday season!   

I would like to thank everyone who participated and entered last month's find the Thanksgiving Turkey Hunting Contest.  The turkey was located at the bottom left hand side of the newsletter under the BNI Podcast logo.

  

Would you like to visit a BNI Chapter? Do you know someone who could benefit by attending a BNI meeting? Here's a helpful link that you can use to find the nearest meetings in whatever part of the world you're in!

    

  

On Tuesday, December 31st, there will be an online training event for any member serving on their current Leadership Team who has not yet attended Leadership Team training.  This is an online event only and can be completed at any time.  Please click here to register and sign your Leadership Team Agreement. 

  

"I enjoy and appreciate our group so much that I have served on the leadership team each and every year in different roles since the day we chartered. I find being on the leadership team to be a rewarding experience and it feels great to give back in ways that make the chapter better & stronger and allow us to grow."

Rob Van Ostenbridge

Vice-President, River Delta BNI (Old Saybrook)

  

  

PLEASE NOTE: There is no online training for Public Relations and Events Coordinator, however, please use this registration link to complete your Leadership Team Agreement.

  

  

  

From left to right:  Lori Pittari, Food Bank staff, Wendy Haskell, Sharon Massafra
 

As Thanksgiving approached, local families and food banks depended on donations of food and money to help families during the busy holiday season.  In Southbury, the Heritage BNI chapter donated over $100 and several bags of food in support of this great cause. 

 

The chapter has also adopted a Southbury family with four children for Christmas as well as buying a shelf at the food pantry which means that they will be supplying forty cans of chili per month for a year!

 

Great job Heritage BNI, way to live that Givers Gain philosophy! 

 

  

  

From left to right:  Joe Ostrower, Alice Ostrower, Beth Misner, Ivan Misner, Rich Stroiney, Maryann Stroiney, Jim Mark, Molly Mark.  

  

  

This year's BNI Membership Extravaganza took place in Orlando, FL, where BNI members and directors met from across the United States, as well as one couple from Croatia. The Connecticut BNI team consisted of Alice and Joe Ostrower, Executive Directors and owners of the CT BNI Franchise, Rich Stroiney, the Regional Director and Trainer in BNI Connecticut, along with his wife MaryAnn, and Jim Mark, this year's winner of the CT Membership Extravaganza, from the Northeast Connecticut Networking BNI out of Coventry, with his daughter Molly Mark.

 

The weekend kicked off with a great presentation by Dr. Ivan Misner - this year's presentation was taken from one of his books, "Room Full of Referrals". Dr. Misner focused on identifying and defining the four major behavior styles, The Go-Getter, The Promoter, The Nurturer and The Examiner, each of which plays a different role in the chapters. He also helped the attendees how to adapt to working with each of the styles after a group exercise that helped each attendee better understand their own behavioral styles. "I can't wait to bring some of this back to my chapter," Jim said. "Ivan helped me better understand some of the members' approaches and I can see how I can use this to better understand my customers."

 

Following the morning workshop, the Connecticut delegation enjoyed the local sites, enjoyed time with family and the warm Florida October weather.

 

"BNI members should keep an eye out for the 2014 Membership Extravaganza" says Rich Stroiney, "The details of which should be coming from your Director Consultants over the next month. The 2014 event will be held in New Orleans, from October 10-13. Only BNI members who sponsor new members during the membership drive dates qualify."

 

"I am looking forward to having even more members qualify and win next year" Alice said recently. "Connecticut has always been one of the strongest regions in the United States and it would be great to have the members be recognized next year by qualifying to be part of the drawing."

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

From left to right:  Jason Edwards, JM Edwards Electric LLC, new member, Linda Remington, President, Jim O'Shea, Area Director Consultant, Kate McManus, McManus Sports Chiropractic, new member, Richard Weinrod, RNW Consulting, new member.

Hammonasset (Madison) BNI

Photo:  Courtesy of Kay Bagwell Photography