The BNI Timeline
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.