BNI SETN Knocks It Out of the Park at the 2026 Member Recognition Breakfast

The BNI South East Tennessee Member Recognition Breakfast steps up to the plate once again and delivers a grand slam celebration of business growth, collaboration, and community. Held on March 2, 2026, the annual event brings together hundreds of BNI members from across the region to celebrate achievements, honor outstanding chapters, and recognize the professionals who help make BNI SETN one of the most dynamic networking communities in the country.

With a creative baseball theme woven throughout the event, the morning captures the spirit of teamwork that defines BNI. From the first pitch of the opening ceremony to the final inning of celebration, members gather not only to receive awards but to celebrate a shared mission of helping one another succeed.

A Championship Morning for BNI SETN

The Member Recognition Breakfast is one of the most anticipated annual gatherings for BNI South East Tennessee, and this year’s event proves why. Nearly 700 members across the region are part of this thriving business network, and in the past year alone, they have generated more than $65 million in business through referrals and collaboration. This remarkable annual impact reflects the power of trusted relationships and the commitment members bring to helping one another grow.

The breakfast feels less like a traditional awards ceremony and more like a reunion of professionals with a shared purpose. Members reconnect with colleagues from other chapters, celebrate milestones, and reflect on another year of business growth powered by the BNI philosophy of Givers Gain®.

The baseball-inspired placemat used during the event outlines the program as innings in a game. From Service Awards and the Million Dollar Club to the Power of One and referral celebrations, every stage of the program highlights the impact that consistent networking and trusted relationships create for local businesses.

Celebrating Outstanding Members and Chapters

Throughout the morning, members and chapters from across the region are recognized for their commitment to excellence and collaboration. Among those celebrated is Jon Cable, owner of Anderson Tree & Gutter and member of the “I Got a Guy” Chapter of BNI SETN.

Cable shares how meaningful the event is for members across the region.

“The Member Recognition Breakfast is a proud day for me as a part of this SETN BNI region. The turnout is incredible, with strong representation from nearly every chapter in attendance. The baseball theme is creatively tied throughout the event, and the food is wonderful. The atmosphere is celebratory, collaborative, and inspiring.

It’s a great opportunity to celebrate this past year’s successes while drawing fresh inspiration to aim even higher in the year ahead. It really puts into perspective what we practice each week, helping each other grow our businesses. Anyone not in BNI who could witness something like yesterday would most likely want to be a part of it.”

The morning also highlights one of the region’s standout chapters. Cleveland Connection receives global recognition, continuing its legacy of excellence within BNI.

Cleveland Connection Earns Global Recognition

The Cleveland Connection chapter continues to set the standard for business networking and collaboration. The chapter earns Chapter of the Year for BNI South East Tennessee for the third consecutive year and also receives a prestigious Global Hall of Fame Award, recognizing its sustained excellence within the worldwide BNI organization.

Tucker Brown of TurfScapes of Tennessee, who serves as Education Coordinator and Former President for Cleveland Connection, reflects on what the recognition represents.

“The recognition breakfast is more than a celebration. It’s a reflection of what happens when committed professionals choose consistency over convenience. Cleveland Connection earning its back-to-back-to-back Chapter of the Year for South East Tennessee and being recognized with a Global Hall of Fame Award proves that sustained excellence is never accidental.

It comes from trust, accountability, and a culture that prioritizes relationships over transactions. At TurfScapes of Tennessee, we experience firsthand the power of this network. Cleveland Connection isn’t just a weekly meeting. It’s a strategic growth engine.

The referrals are meaningful because they are built on credibility, and the wins repeat because the standards remain high. This award represents discipline, collaboration, and a shared commitment to raising the bar for business in our community. I’m proud to be part of a group that doesn’t just talk about growth. We execute it, together.”

More Than an Awards Ceremony

While the awards highlight incredible accomplishments, the event is ultimately about the relationships that make BNI SETN special.

Members share breakfast, laughter, and stories while visiting with colleagues they may not see often throughout the year. A photo booth captures memorable moments, and the room is filled with conversations between business owners who regularly refer opportunities to one another.

The event reminds everyone that although BNI is a global organization, the strength of BNI SETN lies in its local community of professionals who support one another every week.

The morning also honors members who are present in spirit, including those who cannot attend due to personal milestones or life events. These moments reinforce the sense of family that exists within the BNI network.

Leadership and Community Support

The success of the Member Recognition Breakfast reflects the region's leadership and vision. Special thanks go to Elaine Zambos and the entire BNI SETN leadership team, whose dedication continues to drive the region’s growth and success.

The event is made possible through the support of sponsors and partners who share BNI’s commitment to strengthening local business communities. Gratitude is also extended to Hope for the Inner City, which graciously hosts this year’s celebration.

A Winning Season for Local Business

BNI SETN continues to prove that when professionals support one another, the entire business community benefits. Through structured weekly meetings, trusted referrals, and meaningful relationships, members create opportunities that help businesses grow stronger together.

With nearly 700 members and over $65 million in business generated, the region demonstrates what happens when collaboration becomes a consistent practice.

The Member Recognition Breakfast serves as a reminder that every referral, introduction, and act of support contributes to a larger win for the community.

Step Up to the Plate with BNI SETN

For professionals looking to grow their businesses through trusted relationships and referral-based networking, BNI provides a proven platform for success.

BNI members build connections that lead to real opportunities while supporting the growth of fellow professionals in their communities.

To learn more about joining a chapter or visiting a meeting, visit:

www.bnisetn.com

Whether you are a business owner, entrepreneur, or professional looking to expand your network, BNI SETN invites you to step up to the plate and join a community that believes success is best achieved together.