New Members Welcomed Into Flagpole Networkers Group

Flagpole Networkers BNI recently admitted four new members. Membership is limited to one person per professional category per group.

According to an announcement from the group, members act as an extended sales force for each other, referring business as they become aware of the needs of their family, friends, business contacts, and clients.

“There is real value in BNI,” says Pam Ahtchi, purveyor of gourmet foods and one of the group’s newest members.

Lisa Berko, graphic designer and owner of Starlight Design, and new member, is also happy to be part of the group. “I get a real sense of warmth and support from the members.”

Other new members are Anthony Buccieri from Fairfield County Bank and Denise David of DenLin Tech, a website design company.

Prospective members can visit the chapter up to two times before submitting an application. Applicants must provide references and information about their business and themselves.

Interviews are conducted and references are checked by the chapter’s Membership Committee. The decision to approve or decline an application is then made between the committee and the vice president of the group.

“It’s a process,” says the chapter President Kathy Boufford, “but necessary to obtain qualified members.”

Flagpole Networkers BNI is about to celebrate its fourth year. The group meets every Wednesday morning at 7:45 at Newtown Country Club. Members have also been hosting quarterly networking events for area business people. Ms Boufford said the most recent event attracted about 20 guests for speed networking.

“It was a little chaotic and a lot of fun. I was the time monitor and had a difficult time getting people to stop talking and move on to the next person,” she said. “Everyone was very engaged, which is the whole point of any networking event.”

For more information or to visit the chapter, contact visitor host Kevin McCaffrey at 203-775-3634 or visit www.bnict.com.