About the Southern NH Networking Group

The Southern NH Networking Group was born from discussions between former BNI Referral Solutions members Rick Lambert of Gate City Mortgage and myself, Charles Oropallo of CharlesWorks Web Services. Rick, a BNI member since May 2007, and I, a member since September 2004, decided to create a new networking group. We reached out to our previous group members and received commitments from Judy Gagne, who joined BNI in August 2020, and Kamal Masand, a member since January 2002.

The Journey to Formation

The journey began with the formation of a new BNI chapter. The BNI Referral Solutions chapter, initially called the AM Networkers, was established in January 2000. The AM Networkers first met in Nashua, NH, at the 99 Restaurant near Exit 7 on Amherst Street. In 2004, the chapter moved its meetings to the Crowne Plaza in Nashua. By 2013, the meeting location shifted to Milford, NH, near the town’s central traffic circle. In 2014, the AM Networkers relocated to the Hampshire Hills Athletic Club, where meetings are still held on the second floor of the main building.

Name Changes and Virtual Adaptations

In July 2015, the AM Networkers chapter voted to change its name to the BNI Referral Solutions chapter. When the COVID-19 pandemic led to a state of emergency in March 2020, the chapter adapted by switching to virtual meetings via Zoom. These meetings continued every Thursday morning from 7:45 to 9:15.

Hybrid Meetings and Location Adjustments

In June 2021, the chapter agreed to a hybrid meeting format, with the first meeting of each month held in person and the rest conducted virtually. The hybrid format began on July 1, 2021, with an in-person meeting at Stephen Christian’s home in Merrimack, overlooking Baboosic Lake. By July 2021, in-person meetings were held at the Nashua Senior Activity Center, with remaining monthly meetings continuing virtually.

Meeting Time Adjustments

On August 12, 2021, the chapter unanimously voted to change the meeting times from 7:45 am to 7:30 am and from 9:15 am to 9 am, effective August 19, 2021. This adjustment aligned the chapter with the typical schedule of most BNI chapters.

Challenges and Conclusion

Despite efforts to sustain the group, membership dwindled to six. When one member decided to leave, the group mutually agreed to disband. Those of us with memberships in other chapters transferred our dues, while others moved to different BNI chapters where their classifications were available. Ultimately, the remaining members were dissatisfied with BNI overall.

This history highlights the evolution and challenges of our networking group, reflecting our commitment to adapting and maintaining connections despite changing circumstances.