A local Westport networking group contributes much more to the local community than new business. Givers Gain ® is the philosophy of the Westport BNI (Business Networking International) Group not only at work but in supporting local charitable causes that help others.

True to the group’s principal core value, the Westport BNI has formed a team of 14 riders to participate in the 2021 Closer to Free Ride on September 11, which has now shifted to an all virtual ride. The team has raised nearly $3,000 to date and encourages more donations through the website:

https://www.rideclosertofree.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.team&teamID=6323.

BNI Chapter President Todd Haase of TDH Law, LLC in Westport is spearheading the cycling team. “Every year we volunteer and donate to at least one local charity,” noted Haase. “Since many of us know either a family member or friend who has been touched by cancer, we wanted to lend a helping hand to this worthwhile community project. We are riding to celebrate and remember as well as deliver hope.”

One hundred percent of the funds raised will power the unparalleled research and care at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center.

Virtual participants will head out to ride on their own self-designed, unsupported route. The Westport BNI Group will be riding a 25-mile loop together. For general information, visit www.rideclosertofree.org.

In addition, the Westport BNI Chapter, a dynamic group of business professionals, is seeking new members in specific business categories.

Currently, weekly BNI meetings are held on Zoom but will resume to a hybrid or in-person format this fall. Classifications that are open include: interior designer, home inspector, developer, heating and air conditioning contractor, chef, and estate and elder law attorney.

The group is comprised of nearly 50 members, all experienced professionals at the top of their fields. Not only are they a tremendous resource for each other, but the group represents a top-flight network of business services and solutions in Fairfield County.

The achievements of Westport BNI have been recognized with two of the most prestigious BNI awards in Connecticut: Gold Chapter for over 50 members and Platinum Chapter for over $3 million in closed business. In 2020, the group passed nearly $2 million in closed business and currently has exceeded over $2.5 million in closed business.

For information about Westport BNI visit www.WestportBNI.com. Also, please contact Visitor Hosts Ernie Addario of Salon Paul Michael at info@salonpaulmichael.com or Curtis Bentley of Health Directions at Curtis@health-directions.com to learn more.

BNI is the most successful business referral organization of its type in the world. Membership is structured to allow only one person per profession to join its chapters.

Founded in 1985, BNI is a global, proven business networking organization. Members are business professionals who help each other grow their businesses. Each week, in thousands of communities across the globe, members meet with other trusted business leaders to build and nurture lasting relationships and pass qualified business referrals. Membership in BNI offers access to business training, peer learning and opportunities to network and do business with hundreds of thousands of BNI members around the world.