BNI - Business By The Bay

11/04/2026

ANOTHER GREAT WEDNESDAY AT BNI BUSINESS BY THE BAY! 🚀

Another great morning of networking, building relationships, and a little friendly competition!

🎤 THIS WEEK’S FEATURED SPEAKERS

🔨 David Bridges – Bridges Home Remodeling

David kicked things off with a presentation on premium tongue-and-groove woodwork, showing how it can transform ceilings, walls, and outdoor living spaces. A great look at how the right materials and craftsmanship can completely change the appearance of a home!

⚖️ David Clark – Pipas Law Group

David followed with some valuable information on what steps to take if you’re involved in an automobile accident. His biggest takeaway? Call your attorney first! Knowing what to do immediately following an accident can make a big difference. Great information that everyone can benefit from!

💡 CORE VALUE OF THE WEEK — TRADITIONS + INNOVATION

This morning we discussed how BNI has been successful for decades because of traditions that work. But just because something has always worked doesn’t mean we can’t find a better way to do it!

From AI and social media to new ways of connecting with clients and generating referrals, innovation helps us grow while our traditions keep us grounded.

And yes, apparently some of us are even using AI to write our 45-second commercials. Judging by a few of them, we might want to ask for a refund! 😂

🏆 THE BNI GAME — WE HAVE OUR WINNERS!

Congratulations to our contest winners! 🎉 Great job by everyone who participated, worked with their teams, and helped make the competition a success!

A little friendly competition is always fun, but the real win is the relationships, referrals, and business we’re creating along the way.

🍹🎤 DON’T FORGET — CROSS-CHAPTER NETWORKING NEXT WEEK!

📅 Thursday, November 12th

🕠 Networking starts at 5:30 PM

🎤 Karaoke starts at 7:30 PM

📍 Bahi Hut on US 41, Sarasota

Come out, meet members from other BNI chapters, build some new connections, and enjoy a fun evening!

And for those brave enough to grab the microphone, remember — just because you’re great at networking doesn’t mean you’re great at singing! 😂🎶

Let’s keep the momentum going! Schedule those 1-to-1s, pass quality referrals, invite visitors, and continue supporting each other’s businesses.

Business is better together! 🌴

10/14/2026

🚀 ANOTHER GREAT WEDNESDAY AT BNI BUSINESS BY THE BAY! 🚀

What a great morning of networking, recognition, and growing our businesses at the Van Wezel! We had plenty to celebrate, some excellent featured presentations, and a new member to welcome to the chapter!

👏 WELCOME TO THE TEAM!

A big welcome to Matt McHugh with Blue Marlin Insurance, who was officially inducted into Business by the Bay this morning! We’re excited to have Matt join our chapter and look forward to building relationships and passing referrals his way!

🏆 RECOGNIZING OUR TOP PERFORMERS!

Congratulations to our members who earned recognition for their outstanding contributions to the chapter!

⭐ Most Referrals – Pat Tan

⭐ Most CEUs – Matheus Leist

⭐ Most 1-to-1s – David Clark

⭐ Most Visitors – Chris Tennant & Rayne Davenport

⭐ Thank You for Closed Business – Jakob Hart, with an impressive $1,036,928!

These are the activities that make BNI work. Great job, everyone! 👏

🎤 THIS WEEK’S FEATURED SPEAKERS

💡 Jacob Friedman – Ace Electric

Jacob brought some props and gave us an illuminating presentation (yes, pun intended 😎) on different lighting options and how the right lighting choices can make a difference in your home or business. Great information and a hands-on presentation!

🏡 Patricia Tan – Coldwell Banker Realty

Pat shared her background in coaching and teaching and how that experience influences her approach to real estate. She also highlighted the extensive training, professional designations, and international expertise that she and her business partner, Carla Kidd, bring to their clients.

Their focus on education, exceptional customer service, and helping clients navigate real estate transactions really stood out. Great presentation, Pat!

🤝 LET’S KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING!

With our new leadership team in place, let’s keep building on the momentum. Schedule those 1-to-1s, invite visitors, pass quality referrals, and continue supporting one another.

Remember, BNI isn’t just about showing up on Wednesday mornings. It’s about the relationships we build and the business we help each other grow throughout the week!

Business is better together! 🌴

10/09/2026

🚀 WE’RE LOOKING TO FILL SOME OPEN SEATS!

Join us for BNI Business by the Bay Visitor Day on Wednesday, October 14th!

We’re looking for motivated local business professionals to join our growing referral network, but this meeting is open to ANYONE interested in learning more about BNI!

Whether you’re looking to grow your business, make valuable connections, or simply see what BNI is all about, we’d love to have you as our guest!

📅 Wednesday, October 14th
⏰ 7:30 AM
📍 Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL

📩 Interested in attending? Send us a DM right here on Facebook or click the link below to visit our chapter page and register as a guest!

🔗 https://bniswfl.com/en-US/chapterdetail?chapterId=zrz%2Fds%2BexgCuMg6PbyMZYQ%3D%3D

Great people. Real referrals. Real business growth!

10/07/2026

🚀 A NEW LEADERSHIP YEAR IS UNDERWAY AT BNI BUSINESS BY THE BAY! 🚀

Great meeting this morning as we officially kicked off our first meeting with our new leadership team! Now let’s come out of the gate strong and get our numbers moving early. Referrals, 1-to-1s, visitors and participation — it all adds up!

👏 A big thank you to today’s featured speakers, Sam Eissler with Mountain Air SRQ and Dr. Katrina Chojnicki with AcuMed Clinic. Great presentations from both of you!

🎯 NEXT WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 — VISITOR DAY!

This is a big one. Let’s FILL THE ROOM! Think about the people you do business with every day who could benefit from BNI. We’re especially looking to connect with a handyman, lawn care service and pool service, but bring anyone you think would be a great fit for Business by the Bay.

🏆 THE BNI GAME IS ON!

Brett rolled out our teams and explained the new game this morning. Get together with your teammates, start a group chat, track your points and hold each other accountable. A little friendly competition should make October interesting! 😎

We’ve got a great group, a new leadership team and plenty of opportunity ahead of us.

Let’s start fast, fill the room on the 14th, and make this a huge year for Business by the Bay! 🔥

Business is better together.

09/11/2026

Twenty-five years ago today, September 11 changed our country forever.

We remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the courage of our first responders, and the countless families forever changed. We also remember how, in the days that followed, Americans came together as one.

Twenty-five years later, may we never forget those we lost, honor those who sacrificed, and remember the strength we have when we stand together.

We will never forget. 🇺🇸

08/03/2026

🚀 Looking to grow your business through referrals? We’d love to have you visit BNI Business by the Bay!

Join us Wednesday at 7:30 AM at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota and see firsthand how a room full of local professionals helps each other grow through trusted relationships and quality referrals. Our chapter currently has 26 members, and we’re actively looking to fill several exclusive business categories.

🔟 Top business categories we’re looking for:

* ⚖️ Estate Planning Attorney
* 🧾 CPA / Tax Professional
* 📸 Professional Photographer / Videographer
* 🧹 Residential or Commercial Cleaning Service
* 🏊 Pool Service
* 🌿 Lawn & Landscape Company
* 🪟 Bookkeeping
* 💼 Payroll Services
* 🛠️ Handyman
* 🛡️ Life Insurance Agent

If your profession isn’t listed, don’t worry—there may still be an opening for your classification.

Come as our guest, enjoy breakfast, meet local business leaders, and discover whether BNI is the right fit for you.

📅 Wednesdays | 7:30 AM
📍 Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota

See our members and register to visit here:
BNI Business by the Bay Chapter Page⁠

Christopher Tennant is inviting you to their BNI chapter meeting! Click this link to register: https://bni.app/bc1299

07/29/2026

🚀 Looking to grow your business through referrals? We’d love to have you visit BNI Business by the Bay!

Join us Wednesday at 7:30 AM at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota and see firsthand how a room full of local professionals helps each other grow through trusted relationships and quality referrals. Our chapter currently has 26 members, and we’re actively looking to fill several exclusive business categories.

🔟 Top business categories we’re looking for:

* ⚖️ Estate Planning Attorney
* 🧾 CPA / Tax Professional
* 📸 Professional Photographer / Videographer
* 🧹 Residential or Commercial Cleaning Service
* 🏊 Pool Service
* 🌿 Lawn & Landscape Company
* 🪟 Bookkeeping
* 💼 Payroll Services
* 🛠️ Handyman
* 🛡️ Life Insurance Agent

If your profession isn’t listed, don’t worry—there may still be an opening for your classification.

Come as our guest, enjoy breakfast, meet local business leaders, and discover whether BNI is the right fit for you.

📅 Wednesdays | 7:30 AM
📍 Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota

See our members and register to visit here:
BNI Business by the Bay Chapter Page⁠

05/25/2026

05/17/2026