MEDIA RELEASE: BNI Wine Country celebrates four of its founding members’ 10th year with the business group
Hawkes Bay –Monday 4 May 2015 – BNI (Business Network International) Wine Country in Hawkes Bay celebrated four of its founding members reaching their 10 year anniversary last week. Over their time in the group the four businesspeople have supported each other during difficult times growing their businesses and the group as a whole.
The four members, Anna Murphy, Christine Sheppard, Kerry McIntyre and Michael Lawson were presented with anniversary plaques at a special meeting on Tuesday 28th April at Off The Track restaurant.
One of recipients, Kerry McIntyre, says over the 10 year period the economy hasn’t always been buoyant, but BNI has been a safeguard to keep business going.
“As an insurance broker with Hawkes Bay Insurance, I attribute about 15% of my business income to networking at BNI,” Kerry says. “More than that though, they’ve been a support during tough economic times. During my time with the group I changed employment and thought that I would have to exit BNI. However, they came to me and asked me to stay on. It was very humbling to see people investing in me personally rather than just the business. My clients stayed with me because of the trust that was developed through BNI.”
Fellow founding member Michael Lawson echoes Kerry’s sentiments about the strength of business relationships developed through BNI. “About a quarter of my business now comes directly or indirectly from BNI,” Michael says. “When I first joined BNI I worked for a different company, but after about six months in the group I had the opportunity to set up my own company, Lawson Valuation Ltd, and BNI was very beneficial in establishing my business.
Michael says the group is also excellent for personal development as well as improving brand recognition and improving credibility in the community.
Fred Lewis, BNI Director Consultant for Hawkes Bay, says it’s great to be able to celebrate the longevity of four members in the organisation. “10 years in anything is a long time these days,” Fred says,” so it’s fantastic to see members committing to BNI long-term and helping to build their business alongside our organisation. These four were founding members of BNI Wine Country and have each in their own way helped to build this chapter. The members are all top operators in their own particular field and have contributed significantly to the business community in the region.”
Fred adds: “BNI Wine Country consists of 39 members as a networking group and they are still looking to welcome new members at their weekly meetings.”
From left: Anna Murphy (Aon Life), Michael Lawson (Lawson Valuation), Christine Sheppard (Worldtravellers Best Travel), Kerry McIntyre (Hawkes Bay Insurances), Fred Lewis (BNI Director Consultant, Hawkes Bay)
