Local Business Referrals Group Receives Founders Award, Introduces New Leadership Team

WARWICK, Rhode Island – Local BNI chapter called Money Makers completed its second year of existence by exceeding its $1 million dollar year-end goal. The final tally of referred business among chapter members is $1,056,873 since April 2011.

The success comes as the Money Makers chapter receives the BNI Founder’s Award 2012, an award issued to chapters that represent the top ten percent of the BNI organization in terms of performance. They must have a minimum of twenty members, be nominated by the local BNI Director, and be approved by the Founder.

“Chapters are specifically recognized for excellent performance relating to referrals, visitors, new members, commitment, enthusiasm, and – most importantly – attitude,” said Peter George, BNI Area Director and Training Director for the Rhode Island region.

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Within the first year, the Money Makers BNI chapter grew from 14 to 31 members and outgrew its original meeting place. The group now gathers at lunch on Tuesdays at 11:15am in Warwick at Chelo’s Waterfront.

As the new year begins for the chapter, there is a changing of the guard for the leadership team. Jeff Elliot of Sovereign Bank who served President, Dave Englund of Englund Studio, Vice President, and Real Estate Attorney Stephen Patti, Treasurer pass the torch to newly appointed chapter leaders.

Sal Sauco of Blue Sky Group has been named President. The new Vice President is Rick Masnyk of E Mortgage Management. Sabrina Solares-Hand of The Savory Grape will serve as Treasurer.

Current members represent a variety of businesses throughout the region including, but not limited to, financial services, branding, web design, public relations, real estate, mortgage origination, signage, printing, advertising specialties, bankcard services, plumbing, heating, business banking, insurance, radio advertising, computer consultancy, and legal services.

“We’re so grateful for the tremendous leadership that was a driving force for exceeding our monetary goals, receiving the Founders Award and building a chapter of which we are so proud,” said Sal Sauco. “The new team has big shoes to fill – we are prepared and energized for the challenge.”

Only one person from each profession may join a chapter of BNI and all participants represent their primary occupation – resulting in a clear path to dedicated business referrals. The group grows as members bring in visitors from professions not yet represented in the group.

For more information, visit www.moneymakers-bni.com, follow on Facebook at “Money Makers BNI RI” or on Twitter at @MoneyMakers_RI

About BNI

BNI is the largest business networking organization in the world offering members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts, and business referrals. The concept was established in 1985 by Dr. Ivan R. Misner to provide a positive, supportive, and structured environment for men and women to further their business through word-of-mouth marketing.