BNI - Business By The Bay

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

05/04/2026

Hi there,

I wanted to personally invite you to our upcoming BNI Open House—a great opportunity to connect with other driven professionals and see how structured networking can directly fuel business growth.

One of the key concepts we’ll be highlighting is “contact spheres.” These are groups of non-competing professionals who serve the same client base.

For example, a real estate contact sphere might include a realtor, lender, title company, inspector, and insurance agent. In construction, it could be a general contractor, plumber, electrician, roofer, and HVAC specialist.

When these businesses collaborate intentionally, they create a strong referral network where everyone benefits.
At our open house, you’ll:

Meet local business owners focused on growth

Learn how contact spheres generate consistent, high-quality referrals

See how BNI’s structured system builds lasting, strategic partnerships

Identify opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals in your field

If you’re looking to grow your business through meaningful relationships—not just surface-level networking—this is an event you don’t want to miss.

Let me know if you’d like more details or want to reserve your spot.

04/22/2026

Van’s out here closing deals now… should we be worried? 😅

Last week, Kim Bontrager took home the Member Presentation win and earned the honor of bringing our BNI mascot Van along for the ride. This week, Van reported for duty at the closing table at Kauffman Thompson—pen in hand and ready to make it official.

Congrats again, Kim! Way to represent and put Van to work. 👏
Kauffman Thompson, PLLC

03/04/2026

If you’re out and about on March 10th, make sure to stop by and check out the grand opening of the DD214 Rucksack Thrift Shop right here in Sarasota.

This amazing organization is dedicated to serving those who served by supporting local veterans in our community.

🗓 Grand Opening: March 10, 2026
📍 3675 Webber St, Sarasota, FL
🕛 Hours: 12 PM – 6 PM (Tuesday–Saturday)

You can help in a few simple ways:
✔️ Donate items
✔️ Shop for something you need
✔️ Volunteer your time

Every donation, purchase, and visit helps support local veterans.

Let’s show up for the people who showed up for us. 🇺🇸

📞 For more info: 941-928-5785