Caption: Canterbury Directors Rob Bakker (left) and Sam Williamson (far right) present Auckland Director Mariska Mannes with a thank you gift. All photos by Cassandra McKnight Photography.
BNI members from all over Christchurch gathered recently for the BNI Christchurch Shakedown at the Westpac Hub – to have a drink on BNI, to thank BNI members around the country for their support and to kick-off the ‘lets get on with it’ phase of the city’s recovery.
BNI Christchurch Director Rob Bakker said the event was a “let your hair down” night for BNI members, an opportunity to reflect on the last 6-12 months and to spend time with other members who had shared experiences.
“Given that we’re now well into the ‘lets get on with it’ phase of things, it was also a really good opportunity to look forward, with the announcement of the membership drive.
“We also celebrated our longest serving members by presenting 10 year certificates and badges to those members who were here at the beginning of BNI in Christchurch, over 10 years ago.”
Rob said they were also able to recognise and thank Auckland BNI Director Mariska Mannes for here outstanding efforts in organising the BNI cabaret to raise funds to make the evening possible.
BNI member Jon Mackenzie who MC’d the event, while Cassandra McKnight was the official photographer. Jay Ganda developed the ShakeDown Facebook site and She Chocolate provided some wonderful chocolate as a thank you gift to Mariska.
“Our objectives were achieved in two ways. The members were very appreciative of the efforts made by their colleagues in Auckland and by Mariska and others in organising the event.
“They also responded very positively to the membership drive, and the use of the funds raised to help them in building their chapters.”
A short recorded speech from BNI Chairman Ivan Misner in Los Angeles was also delivered.
“We did some good networking where a lot of members met new people, reacquainted themselves with old contacts and enjoyed the evening. Our thanks to Westpac for providing the venue.”
BNI member Joy Coughlan, of Investor Mortgages, said it was great to meet and socialise with people from other chapters.
“The room had a great energy and feel, and I think other people also appreciated the opportunity. Keep up the good work!”
2 comments
Nice one thanks for sharing this Colin.
Well done Mariska.
Paul
What a privilege to be invited to the “Shakedown” and experience an awesome southern welcome. Thank you to all the members in Christchurch. There was one prerequisite however to my visit – no shakes whilst I was there. A few things stick in my mind from the night – talking to a couple of members who informed me they didn’t miss a meeting – well they admitted one meeting was missed after the first big one. Another comment – oh my gosh we had to meet in McDonalds – how embarrassing is that! But what really stuck out was the support members were able to give each other and still are, everyone part of the BNI family. And I guess that is how we felt when we organised the Cabaret – we’re just looking after our family. Stay safe guys and until we meet again take care.
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