Team Minnesota

You are always welcome to attend the meeting of your choice.

	Nancy Giacomuzzi, Executive Director Send Email Nancy Giacomuzzi has been a BNI member for 15 years, and Executive Director of BNI Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin for 12 years. She first joined BNI in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she was a real estate agent and President of her chapter. In 1996, Nancy started BNI in Minnesota to grow her Minnesota real estate business. She is married to Al Giacomuzzi. They have homes in Edina and Duluth, Minnesota, and travel internationally to stay in touch with family. Today, Nancy is a real estate agent with Keller Williams and is still a member of Minnesota’s first BNI Chapter, South Metro. She is a contributing author to the New York Times bestseller, Masters of Networking. Last year she was the keynote speaker at Minnesota’s International Networking Week event. She is a member of BNI’s Experimental Programs Committee, Platinum Club, and Founders’ Circle. Under her direction, the BNI Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin region has received international recognition for starting the world’s largest chapter, the number of chapters with over 50 members, and receives regular awards for the number of members per chapter. Nancy is known for her gentle coaching and truly wanting the best for everyone.
	Linda Aasen, Assistant Director Northern Suburbs/Western Minnesota St. Paul /Eastern Suburbs/Western Wisconsin 651-341-4776 Send Email Linda Aasen is a Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist (CITRMS). Linda specializes in working with companies to keep them informed about current federal and state identity theft laws, assisting them in a security risk assessment, developing a written security plan and conducting employee training on company security policies to protect both employee and customer non-public information. Linda has a BA degree from the University of Minnesota and an MBA with a concentration in marketing. Linda gained her business experience at 3M and Imation. She had a variety of assignments in long term research, product development, marketing, sales, supply chain, and channel management. Linda, and her husband Steve, are residents of Woodbury. They have two grown children and no pets which allows them to spend more time on the golf course, and tennis courts.
	Beth M. Anderson, Assistant Director 715-442-5449 Send Email Beth has been a BNI member since spring 1997. She is an Assistant Director who oversees all web-related activity within BNI Minnesota. She is a partner in the company that created the software that runs this website, OrgTrack.com, and is head of the new technology initiative for BNI Worldwide, BNI Connect. Anyone who knows her for 5 minutes knows her true passions are for sailing and the village where she lives, Pepin, Wisconsin.
	Jim Bear, Assistant Director Northern Suburbs/Western Minnesota 763-657-1828 Send Email Jim Bear made financial planning his career choice somewhat accidentally about 20 years ago after his mother was financially hurt based on poor investment advice. Today, “Safe Money” is Jim’s specialty--focusing his efforts on people over 50 years of age and their need for income, safety, and reduced taxes and risk. The Safe Money concept includes never risking the principal to get a return. For example, a $100,000 investment with 2% annual growth would be $102,000 after one year. Not risking the principal means that you would only take the $2,000 to gamble in Vegas, not the $102,000. Yet many people do the opposite with their investments—they risk everything to get a return. Jim works with his clients on many things, including: o Finding ways to keep investments growing in today’s complex financial marketplace (including the current stock market and CD rates). o Planning how people will financially live when they no longer choose to work (or no longer can work). o Converting home sale to monthly income to pay for senior living. o Deciding when to go on Social Security. Jim is a regular contributor to Minnesota Good Age (Journal of active living) and Network News (as a member of the Care Options Network). He enjoys a family lifestyle with his wife of 20 years, Janine, and their four teenage children. They are active in their church where Jim is an elder and musical director.
	B. Scott Binion, CPA, Assistant Director Minneapolis/Southern/Western Suburbs (952) 270-1800 Send Email B. Scott Binion is the principal owner of The Insight Companies, Inc. The BNI system and related referrals has accounted for over one third of company revenues for the last 4 years. Scott brings with him more than 16 years of management, accounting, and business consulting experience. As the driving force of the company, Scott is responsible for leading the development of small businesses into what the respective owners “wish and hope” that it will be. This is Scott’s passion! Having owned two small contracting businesses in the 90’s, he knows what it is like struggling to make ends meet, while balancing both work and family. Not an easy “balancing act” for even the most seasoned professional or business owner. As opportunities present themselves, Scott is an accomplished speaker and writes frequently on business related topics affecting business owners. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in finance, a MBA, and is also a Certified Public Accountant.
	Marta Bradshaw, Assistant Director Northern Suburbs/Western Minnesota 651-982-0588 Send Email Marta has been a member of the Forest Lake Chapter since 2003. Originally from Illinois, Marta spent the first 12 years of her career working as a manager in hospitals. During that time Marta enjoyed providing corporations training on team building skills. She was given a variety of challenging assignments including restructuring Emergency Room services, marketing Psychiatric services and developing a successful Quality Management Program. Her company Independent Security Solutions, Inc. (ISS) has been a BNI success story. ISS is a company specializing in the installation of security equipment and other low voltage equipment. Marta credits her company’s success to BNI and its focus on training members about the power of networking and feels passionate about sharing her experience with others. www.securitymn.com
	LuAnn Buechler, Assistant Director Southern Minnesota 507-951-1468 Send Email LuAnn Buechler began her career in hotels and has been in the hospitality industry for 25 years. She has worked in all areas of the hotel industry including holding management positions in Banquets, Convention Services, Catering and Sales. Most recently she supervised an office of 28 individuals that planned CME meetings at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. LuAnn is an Independent Professional Meeting Consultant and is also currently teaching Meeting and Convention Management for the University of Wisconsin, Stout – where she obtained her Masters in Hospitality and Tourism in January of 2003. A member of PCMA, LuAnn has carried the CMP designation for 8 years and actively participates in the CMP program including facilitating study groups, reviewing and writing of exam questions, and participation in the APEX initiative as a member of the Minnesota APEX discussion group committee.
	Honey Burg, Assistant Director Southern Minnesota 507-387-9466 Send Email
	Linda Campana, Assistant Director Northern Wisconsin 715-215-0210 Send Email Linda is a Minnesota native and has lived in Eau Claire, WI with her husband and 2 sons since August 2004. Linda has been an active member of the Referral Network Chapter since February 2007. She has served as President and Education Coordinator. Through networking, Linda and her husband adopted their 2 sons, Corey and Tim. Linda enjoys empowering her members through education and teaching them how to be effective networkers.
	Tony Chiappetta, Assistant Director Northern Minnesota/NW Wisconsin Northern Suburbs/Western Minnesota 651-407-8555 Send Email Tony has been an active member of the Forest Lake chapter since 2002. Tony has served his chapter in various capacities and is always willing to help. He is yet another BNI success story, as the majority of his company's business can be directly tracked back to a BNI referral! His company, CHIPS Computer Services, specializes in providing professional, customer focused network solutions that are specifically designed to support business growth. They offer a wide variety of IT products and services including our own astounding and cutting edge Direct Response Solution. Their courteous technicians are expertly trained, A+ and Microsoft certified to virtually eliminate downtime. CHIPS is dedicated to meeting and exceeding your expectations. www.chipscs.com.
	Debby Ellering-Rosenberg, Assistant Director Northern Suburbs/Western Minnesota 320-249-7102 Send Email Debby has been a member of the Runestone Referrals BNI chapter in Alexandria, Mn. since 2005 and has served her chapter in various leadership positions. She is always willing to teach others how to achieve their business goals through the BNI Givers Gain philosophy. Debby is excited to say that at least 75% of her business is generated by BNI referrals! Debby is an independent Nikken Wellness consultant who has been teaching health and wellness for the last twenty years. Her burning desire is to educate others on how they can turn their homes and offices into safe havens from the stresses of the outside world.
	Melissa Gacek, Assistant Director St. Paul /Eastern Suburbs/Western Wisconsin 612-306-5405 Send Email
	Steve Geier, Assistant Director Northern Minnesota/NW Wisconsin 218-310-0939 Send Email
	Jeanne Heald, Assistant Director St. Paul /Eastern Suburbs/Western Wisconsin 612-436-0404 Send Email Jeanne has been a member of BNI since October 2003. After earning her MBA and working at Procter & Gamble for twelve years in many capacities, including management and sales, Jeanne left the company and started her own business. BNI helped her spread the word to small businesses about her service offerings. Jeanne is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach. She primarily works with small business owners to design and achieve the business of their dreams. Jeanne has a passion for helping people achieve their best possibilities. She also uses her coaching skills in her BNI Ambassador role to help various chapters achieve their best chapter success. Jeanne also uses her corporate experience and coaching skills as a corporate coach, facilitator and trainer for Fortune 50 companies. 95% of Jeanne’s clients have come to Jeanne for coaching through the BNI network, either directly or as a referral from a BNI referral. Without BNI, she would not have built the base of business that she has created. Not only does Jeanne benefit from business-building referrals, but she values the resources available to her through the BNI network, using many of the products and services offered through the trusted BNI relationships she has built over the last three years.
	Dawn Jensch, Assistant Director Northern Minnesota/NW Wisconsin 218-879-5644 Send Email
	Robin Johnson, Assistant Director Northern Suburbs/Western Minnesota 763-477-3331 Send Email Robin has been a member of the Fireside Chapter of BNI since 2003, serving in various positions within her chapter. More than 70% of her business comes through BNI, proving the success of the BNI organization and the Giver's Gain philosophy. Robin is President of High Road Heating & Cooling Co. Her company provides heating and cooling services and equipment to residential and light commercial contacts throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro area and surrounding communities. She enjoys what she does and loves to help her clients with efficient ways to heat and cool their office or home. When you need heating or cooling service remember to “Always Choose the High Road.”
	Mark Krolak, Assistant Director Minneapolis/Southern/Western Suburbs 952-939-8021 Send Email Mark is the president of Master Your Money, Inc., a financial education company. At MYM we teach individuals & families basic money management skills like budgeting and debt elimination. We also teach small business owners strategies that will grow their business and save them tax dollars. Since joining BNI in 2001, Mark has visited and subbed at 50 different chapters. Mark became an Ambassador in 2004, an Assistant Director in 2005, and a Certified MSP 2.0 Instructor in 2006. Mark uses his listening, networking, and educational skills to empower other members to utilize the tools BNI offers to grow their relationships and their businesses.
	Chad LaRoche, Assistant Director Minneapolis/Southern/Western Suburbs 612.840.9891 Send Email Chad has been a member of BNI since July 2004. BNI has directly and indirectly been responsible for more than 30% of his business EVERY year! Chad is a founding member of his BNI "Core Connections" Chapter in Chaska, MN. He has worn the hats of President, Membership Coordinator and Education Coordinator with in his chapter. Chad believes that this training gave him the foundation of confidence in his business and the leadership required to be a successful mentor to new members. As an Ambassador and now Assistant Director, Chad loves to help others catch the fever of "Giver's Gain"! Professionally, Chad is a Mortgage Banker and represents Wells Fargo Home Mortgage proudly. He specializes in "Providing the means to the American Dream of homeownership" (TM). He excels in helping potential homeowners know their rights and understand their options when financing their next home. "I want them to remember the loan process as a pleasant experience" Chad says, "And I want them to always remember The Sheriff". "You've heard of loan officers, I am The Loan Sheriff"
	Amy LeMieux, Assistant Director Minneapolis/Southern/Western Suburbs Northern Suburbs/Western Minnesota 763-553-1144 Send Email Amy has been a member of BNI since 2001, serving in various positions within her chapter. More than 40% of all her new business comes through BNI, proving the success of the organization and the Giver's Gain philosophy. Amy is the Office Manager at JASS, Judie Anderson's Secretarial Service. Her company provides virtual assistant services to small companies including bookkeeping, desktop publishing, word processing, mailings and much more. JASS also has suite and conference room rental available at their location in Plymouth. At JASS, our goal is helping our clients get from "to do" to done!
	Lisa Martin, Assistant Director Minneapolis/Southern/Western Suburbs Northern Suburbs/Western Minnesota 763-694-1055 Send Email Lisa is a founding member of Absolute Connections which started in January 2006. BNI referrals have helped Lisa achieve some of her best years in real estate, despite a down market. Lisa has served in many roles in Absolute Connections, including President, Membership Committee, and Education Coordinator. Lisa has organized many chapter volunteer efforts, including the chapter's participation in Habitat for Humanity, KS95 for Kids telethon, and the Adopt a Highway program. Through her involvement in BNI, Lisa has grown in her leadership abilities, public speaking skills, and has adopted the Giver's Gain philosophy in her business and personal life. Lisa finds that BNI isn't just an organization, it's a lifestyle! Professionally, Lisa is an Associate Broker and Team Lead of the Smart Move Team at RE/MAX Results. Lisa was featured on the cover of Real Estate Executive magazine, a prestigious publication recognizing leaders in the real estate industry. Through a commitment to education, ethical behavior, and relationship based business practices, Lisa is a leader in the Twin Cities real estate industry. Lisa says "I have the greatest job in the world.I get paid to develop friendships. Oh, and my clients also accomplish their real estate goals in the process!"
	Gregory Norton, Assistant Director 612-716-2374 Send Email
	Ben Olson, Assistant Director Northern Suburbs/Western Minnesota 763-416-2620 Send Email
	Alice Pallum, Assistant Director Northern Suburbs/Western Minnesota 612-799-3991 Send Email
	Rodney Prouty, Assistant Director Southern Minnesota 507-250-1880 Send Email Rodney Prouty is the owner of Ahoy! Travel who services the public and corporate market with their travel needs. Rodney lives in the Rochester Minnesota area and has spent nearly two decades working with personal and corporate insurance, legal and identity theft services. Owning multiple ventures, Rodney acquired an existing travel center two years ago, re-launched as Ahoy! Travel and has spread his services across the US and internationally. Rodney has a true passion to enjoy life and inspire people. BNI has offered a platform to work with and enjoy many, many people.
	Tara Schmakel, Assistant Director Minneapolis/Southern/Western Suburbs Northern Suburbs/Western Minnesota 952-240-3834 Send Email Tara became a member of BNI-MN’s Core Connections in 2004. Since that time she has held various positions with in her beloved chapter. In 2006 after assisting with the Awards Gala, she became an Ambassador with the sole job of helping with the Mentor Program. She has visited many chapters in the region helping them launch or invigorate existing mentor programs. In 2007 she enthusiastically accepted the role of Assistant Director with Beverly Williams. Tara is married to Dave and has three children. She is also the owner/fabricator/ and designer of Workroom at Tara’s, her business of over 10 years. She holds the category of Window Treatments in her chapter but also designs and sews any soft furnishings for the home, including pillows and bedding.
	Gene Wood, Assistant Director St. Paul /Eastern Suburbs/Western Wisconsin 651-261-0251 Send Email
	Kari Barnes, Area Director Northern Minnesota/NW Wisconsin Northern Suburbs/Western Minnesota 218-851-1401 Send Email BNI is the best thing any business could have to help them grow. Kari finds that helping others grow their business is one of the greatest business experiences one could have. As I grow with not only my own business but also BNI, it is truly a great experience both personally and professionally.
	Sue Henry, Area Director Southern Minnesota 507-269-1051 Send Email Sue Henry has a life mission: "To make a positive difference in the life of someone everyday!” Known for her great attitude and energy, Sue brings excitement and passion to all that she does. For more than 8 years, she has actively networked with business people, helping many of them refine and grow their businesses through workshops and seminars. Sue is a published author and is also a contributing author for “Masters of Sales”, by Dr. Ivan Misner, a New York Times bestseller. Sue dreams of meeting new people while traveling all over the globe and having all of her travel “fun” tax deductible!
	Terri O'Dowd, Area Director Minneapolis/Southern/Western Suburbs Northern Suburbs/Western Minnesota 952-935-6440 Send Email Terri has been with BNI since 1998. She supports and grows chapters in the counties straight west of the Twin Cities. Her company, Terri O'Dowd Consulting, is a service business where she uses communication, authenticity, and common sense to partner with clients in business and life goal-setting, decision-making, and using time, energy, and space efficiently. She doesn't just help you determine you what to do; she'll do it with you and for you. In her 9 years as a business owner, Terri has worked with 100+ clients, helping them be and feel more effective and more successful. (Visit www.terriodowdconsulting.com for more information.)
	Tom Schmoll, Area Director Northern Minnesota/NW Wisconsin 218-327-9186 Send Email Tom is the Area Director for Northern Minnesota. Tom brings nearly 8 years of BNI membership and 10+ years of direct sales experience to his chapters. Tom is known for building big, strong chapters throughout northern MN and has developed many 40 plus member chapters. Tom knows and understands the value of receiving referrals and promotes the givers gain philosophy with ENTHUSIAM! Tom is the owner of Filthy Clean, a contract cleaning company in Grand Rapids, MN. He built the company from scratch and received his largest account through a BNI referral. Tom’s BNI advice is, “If you work the system the way it was intended, you WILL get results. There’s no doubt in my mind what-so-ever that BNI works.”
	Kevin Snow, Area Director Northern Suburbs/Western Minnesota St. Paul /Eastern Suburbs/Western Wisconsin 612-363-9798 Send Email Kevin has been a member of BNI for since 2000 and during this time he has served as a member of the Membership Committee, Chapter President, Ambassador, Assistant Director and is currently filling the role of Area Director for the Northern Metro and Western Minnesota area. When not promoting BNI in Minnesota, he works with Acumen, Inc, a digital surveillance company in Maple Plain, Minnesota and is the Director of Intelligence (CEO) of Mi3 Technologies, LLC, a start up company specializing in software application design for mobile devices. Mi3 Technologies is truly a product of BNI as the principal partners, Kevin and Wade Kenyon, met at a Member Success Program Kevin was teaching in St. Cloud. Kevin has been working in the technology industry since moving to Minneapolis in 1996 following his graduation from South Dakota State University with BS in Education. During his career he has been responsible for accounts such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MN, NSP (now Xcel Energy), and Presbyterian Homes. Away from the office Kevin enjoys spending his time outside and is an avid hunter, competing on the Rolling Ridge Kennels Tournament Hunting team as well as bow hunting during the fall. He also enjoys snowboarding, reading, World War 2 history and playing with his new black lab puppy Cinder.
	Steve Wein, Area Director 952-250-4772 Send Email I've been active in BNI since 2000, and still believe that it is the best organization I've ever joined. When I'm not thinking about BNI, I like to be outside with my family.
	Beverly Williams, Area Director Minneapolis/Southern/Western Suburbs St. Paul /Eastern Suburbs/Western Wisconsin 952-220-0427 Send Email I was a sales rep for Avon about 20 years ago, reconnected with it about 5 years ago and now my granddaughter, Ashley Biesemeier, and I are independent consultants for Avon Products again. Needless to say, in my many years of being in businesses, this is a constant. Avon has been around for longer than I have and has changed about as much as I have too. They are no longer just makeup. They have products for babies, kids, teens, through the rest of us, They have products for male and female. They have products for people interested in fitness, such as Curves products. They have jewelry, clothing items, shoes, and a multitude of gift items for any age and any gender. Therefore, my granddaughter and I compliment each other since she's 20 and I'm not so we can speak to all about the benefits of all. We buy it, we use it and we are proud to offer it to you. Our website is www.youravon.com/abiesemeier. Ding Don-Avon Calling!
	Aaron Baseman, Ambassador 218-829-1447 Send Email
	Jennifer Bierma (Schottmuller), Ambassador 651-768-7102 Send Email
	Jennifer Bittner, Ambassador 715-551-3314 Send Email
	Spencer Blackwelder, Ambassador 763 753 7571 Send Email Spencer, the son of a 3rd generation sign maker, continues to be involved with business leadership since he first entered his father's sign shop. As a small child he learned very quickly that efficiency paid the bills. During a brief interlude away from the sign industry, Spencer added to his efficiency skills with such companies as Walt Disney World & Holiday Inn, where he learned that inter personal communication was vital to success. Since then, Spencer has been adding to his business knowledge around these components. Always looking to increase efficiency and effectiveness, Spencer spends many hours of study learning the techniques used by the best in business. Away from his business, Spencer has used his teaching ability as a public speaker for area churches, youth outreach & intervention, as an Ambassador for forming chapters with BNI and of course in the raising of his 3 boys.
	Karen Bumgardner, Ambassador 612-807-4097 Send Email
	Brenda Carlson, Ambassador 651-501-7850 Send Email
	Sara Christianson, Ambassador 651-490-3102 Send Email Sara has been a member of the Handshake Referrals BNI chapter in Maplewood, MN since 2005 and has served her chapter as Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Event Coordinator and a member of the Membership Committee. She became an ambassador in 2009. Sara is a Marketing Agency Specialist with the Ben Bina Agency of American Family Insurance in Roseville, MN. Sara is licensed in property, casualty and life insurance. She specializes in personal insurance (home, auto, life) and commercial insurance for rental dwellings and businesses. She is conversationally fluent in Spanish and also specializes in working with Spanish-speaking clients. Prior to joining the Ben Bina Agency, she went to Century College and Metropolitan State University, earning a BA in Professional Communications and a BA in Latin American Studies. She also completed her MA in Liberal Studies. Sara's goal is to continue to develop professional and personal relationships through BNI, as it has provided nearly 40% of all of her business!
	Pete Clossin, Ambassador 952-484-1257 Send Email
	Christopher Correia, Ambassador 218-878-1867 Send Email
	John DeBettignies, Ambassador 651-641-2064 Send Email
	Ashley Dornquast, Ambassador 507-625-3176 Send Email
	Ken Forner, Ambassador 952-368-3052 Send Email
	Lori Groth, Ambassador 507-824-2743 Send Email
	Ted Halone, Ambassador 612-701-7964 Send Email Ted Halone joined the founding chapter of BNI Minnesota at the first meeting. He is the first Ambassador in the state of Minnesota and has enjoyed sharing in and watching the growth of BNI. BNI has helped Ted to redesign his business and recreate his career path. He'll share his experience as he visits your chapter or BNI events. Ted additionally serves on the International Board of Advisors for the state of Minnesota.
	Ryan Heinritz, Ambassador 507-366-7149 Send Email Ambassador, Ryan Heinritz is the Director of Future Growth at ServiceMaster by Ayotte, an independent franchise business of ServiceMaster Clean(r). ServiceMaster by Ayotte specializes in Residential and Commercial Carpet Cleaning, Janitorial Cleaning Services and Emergency Fire and Water Restoration. Ryan's sales and marketing career started with the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts as their Marketing and Communications Coordinator. In 2003 Ryan Joined the sales staff at the Northfield News and with in the first year was promoted to Senior Advertising Consultant. After almost 4 years in Media sales Ryan moved into to his current role with ServiceMaster by Ayotte. Ryan lives with his Wife Amanda and two children Gabe and Ben in Northfield. Ryan's goal is to continually develop relationships that build strong, profitable business and community partnerships.
	Jackie Henin, Ambassador 952-431-4814 Send Email
	James Hughes, Ambassador 952-431-5320 Send Email Jim is an owner of Hughes Appraisal Service which provides real property appraisals, reviews and consulting services to lenders, owners and investors. He has been an appraiser for over 15 years and holds a Certified General Real Property Appraiser License. Prior to founding Hughes Appraisal Service, Jim held a number of positions in sales and marketing including Director of Agency Training Services for a major insurance company headquarter in St Paul. Jim and his wife, Barb live in Apple Valley. They have 3 grown children and 4 grand children.
	Doug Kasseth, Ambassador 763-549-2225 Send Email
	Lori Koch, Ambassador 952.469.9465 Send Email
	Allison Kraus, Ambassador 952-492-5013 Send Email
	Bonnie Kreckow, Ambassador 507-523-2447 Send Email
	Victoria Kreger, Ambassador 218-546-6068 Send Email
	Lisa Landowski, Ambassador 320-259-1311, ext. 105 Send Email
	Nicole Langer, Ambassador 612-554-6208 Send Email My back ground is in telecom network engineering and some sales. I have a Bachelor's in Marketing and Communications and a Masters of Science in Telecommunications. After 8 years of college and 3 layoffs in Corporate America, I decided I needed to become my own boss and live my life by my own rules. I did well in the other direct sales companies, but I had to work many evenings, weekends, and my expenses were so high that I didn't make any money. I was introduced to my current company by my sister. After 10 months in direct sales with Silpada, I was able to retire from my corporate career. I am passionate about Silpada Designs because it gives you so many options and what you put into in is what you get out of it. The reason I am with Silpada Designs today is because I am watching the women on my team grow personally and professionally and I am witnessing their dreams come to fruition.
	Carl Madison, Ambassador 651-489-7040 Send Email
	Lisa Maghrak, Ambassador 651-342-0252 Send Email
	Laura Meister, Ambassador 218-390-7617 Send Email
	Nancy Morell, Ambassador 612-227-5387 Send Email Someone I know had been inviting me to BNI for over 6 months...reluctantly I decided to attend a meeting and boy was I sorry it took me those 6 months to visit. BNI's structure, training and Givers Gain philosophy has helped me grow my business, establish business relationships and even make new friendships. That was in 2004 and I have been actively involved in BNI ever since. I am currently in the Diversified Business Professionals in Coon Rapids and an Ambassador for chapters in the Northern suburbs. I am the owner and founder of Baskets2Give. We are a creative design firm that focus on helping our clients say "thank" you in a unique and memorable way. We do that with the use of our gourmet gift baskets and client follow-up programs. What a dream come true... to be able to create beautiful gift baskets and work in a FUN environment. Customers love buying them and everyone loves getting them! It's a win win situation. We have employees who care and who want to be a part of this fun, faith-based, fast growing business. We've dedicated ourselves to our customers and take pride in EVERY basket we make. Our unique designs put us at the cutting edge of today's gift basket industry. Our customers rave about our creative designs, quality and excellent customer service.
	Michael Morris, Ambassador 612-702-7747 Send Email
	Brian Nosie, Ambassador 651-204-0455 Send Email
	Craig Oslund, Ambassador 507-535-1535 Send Email
	Chuck Phillips, Ambassador 651.982.6836 Send Email
	Jeremy Rock, Ambassador 763-535-3500 Send Email
	Lisa Rutherford, Ambassador 320-224-3092 Send Email
	Jason Schroeck , Ambassador 763-789-9600 Send Email Jason J. Schroeck also known in BNI as Shrek joined Absolute Connections BNI Chapter in January of 2006. Jason Immediately Realized that BNI was the perfect organization to promote his business Green Clean Carpet Care Restoration. During his time with BNI Jason has learned the advantages of helping others by utilizing the "Givers Gain" philosophy which included serving on the Leadership Team as a Member of the Membership Committee, Timekeeper, Visitor Host and President of Absolute Connections. Jason's business Green Clean Carpet Care Restoration which was started in 1996 is a very reputable Carpet Cleaning and Water/Fire Damage Restoration Company that has grown and thrived in the BNI system. Jason Credits BNI for helping him promote his company with honesty and integrity which allowed Green Clean to win the 10th Annual 2009 BBB Integrity Award. Jason looks forward to a future in teaching and mentoring other members in the BNI system because helping others is what BNI is really all about.
	Bernie Schwab, Ambassador 952-894-6282 Send Email
	Andrew Scrivener, Ambassador 612-581-9977 Send Email Andrew has been a member of the Priority Networkers chapter in Prior Lake since October 2004 and has enjoyed time in a variety of positions including Membership Committee, Education Co-ordinator, Secretary/Treasurer and Visitor Host. He has been an Ambassador since 2007 with Area Director Bev Williams' team and credits BNI with supplying in excess of 90% of his company's business each year since 2007. From a business perspective, he spent the majority of his time in sales and marketing before deciding to use his experience to branch out into another skill area. With much support from his wife he went back to college to study construction. After graduating, he spent time with a remodeling firm, worked with Habitat for Humanity and now owns and operates Melon Man LLC, a handyman and small remodelling service based just South of Prior Lake. His main leisure interests are sporting clays and riding motorcycles in the summer and being a Level II PSIA ski instructor at Buck Hill in the winter.
	Amy Stewart, Ambassador 763-972-9968 Send Email
	Amy Theisen, Ambassador 763-479-6303 Send Email Amy graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Microbiology and a minor in communications. Her early career was at the Bell Museum of Natural History as the Director of Distance Learning, teaching science teachers how to implement hands on science in the classroom using electronic field trips. In 2004, she began studying Feng Shui and finished her master coursework with Mastery Academy in Malaysia. Her teacher, Master Joey Yap, is a world-renowned, respected feng shui practitioner who consults for many of the world’s top businessmen and women. Amy is one of 4 Mastery Academy Master-Level trained consultants of Feng Shui and BaZi in the United States. Her clients include well-known Hollywood Celebrities, International Business Owners, Medical professionals, Media personalities, and Businessmen and women. She owns Infinity Life Design Feng Shui Consulting services and has been a member of BNI for nearly 5 years.
	Brenda Tonn, Ambassador 612-770-8110 Send Email
	Russell Utech, Ambassador 715-536-9576 Send Email
	Laura Valenta, Ambassador 507-995-7140 Send Email
	Alyce Vogel, Ambassador 651-283-4905 Send Email
	Andrew Webster, Ambassador 651-345-2563 Send Email Andrew is a small business consultant with 25 years of domestic and international management experience. His current company, Necessary Complications provides small businesses under 50 employees with resolutions to their management problems, and helps identify and implement solutions to reduce business expenses and expand revenues. He earned his International MBA & marketing degree from the university of St. Thomas, and speaks Spanish, French and English. Previous jobs include Peace Corps, Ecommerce, direct mail management, communications and oversight of a franchisee network. An expert in strategic planning as well as tactical implementation, Andrew enjoys helping clients who are good at what they do, but who don’t have a strong business background. Active in the Lake City community, he has served as chair of the utility board and planning commission. In 2001 Andrew’s family business, Wild Wings was sold to Cabella’s and he followed his passion – helping small businesses identify what is noise, and what are truly the “Necessary Complications”.
	Harvey Weiss, Ambassador 763-493-2556 Send Email I am currently enjoying the 11th year of retirement from teaching in the Robbinsdale School District 281, at Cooper High School. Overall, I had 37 years in the high school classroom. I knew little about the business world as one would suspect. So when I retired, I got involved with Nu Skin Enterprises, The Anti-Aging Company and their Pharmanex Division. I have an ex-and two children each with two grandkids. I love singing barbershop, playing golf and working tournaments around the country. Music, theatre, movies and good food round out my preferences.
	Clayton Wendt, Ambassador 651-484-2677 Send Email
	Greta Witzman, Ambassador 763-631-1377 Send Email Greta has been a BNI member since May 2006. Greta has served in various positions within her chapter and then became an Ambassador in 2008. More than 75% of all her new business comes through BNI, proving the success of the organization and the Giver's Gain philosophy. Greta has a true passion to enjoy life and inspire people, and this is why BNI is the perfect business partner.
	Linda Foix, Member Services Director 763.493.5517 Send Email Fax: 763.493.5556 Bookkeeper Secretary/Treasurer Assistance: Website, Report Processing/Tracking, Membership Dues Payment Information/Questions

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