Accelerate Athens BNI

05/20/2026

🌟 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 🌟

At Friday’s BNI meeting, we heard from Jake Moorhouse with KMA Insurance! 👏

Jake shared how KMA Insurance operates six offices across Tennessee and Pennsylvania and works directly with more than 15 well-known insurance carriers — allowing them to insure a wide variety of businesses and industries.

From excavators and subcontractors to breweries, nail salons, septic companies, dump truck operations, and more, Jake and his team work hard to find the right coverage for each client’s needs.

One thing that stood out most was Jake’s commitment to doing things the right way — not just chasing the cheapest price, but making sure businesses are properly covered and protected.

With a team of 32+ employees ready to assist with policy changes, COIs, and customer support, KMA Insurance is built to serve businesses efficiently and professionally.

Thank you, Jake, for a great presentation and for being a valued part of our BNI community!

05/14/2026

Looking to grow your network and make new connections? 👥
Join us at the next BNI Networking Social for an evening of conversations, community, and opportunities to connect with local professionals from all industries. Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or just looking to meet new people — everyone is welcome!
📍 Gondolier Pizza & Steak House – Athens, TN
🗓 May 21, 2026
⏰ 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Come grab a slice, meet great people, and see what BNI is all about. We’d love to see you there!

05/11/2026

🌟 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 🌟
This Friday at BNI, we had the opportunity to hear from Jeff Glass with MetaTech Web Solutions

Jeff shared more about how MetaTech helps businesses strengthen their digital presence through website design, branding, SEO, tech support, and innovative networking tools. His presentation highlighted the importance of having the right technology and online presence to help businesses grow and stay connected.

Thank you, Jeff, for taking the time to present and for being a valued member of our chapter. We appreciate the knowledge, professionalism, and support you bring to our networking community each week! 👏

05/04/2026

🌟Member Spotlight: Hugh Willson 🌟
At our May 1st meeting, we had the opportunity to hear from Hugh Willson with New York Life Insurance and get a clearer understanding of how he serves his clients.
Hugh focuses on helping individuals, families, and business owners put strategies in place so that one unexpected event doesn’t turn into a financial crisis. His approach is centered around preparation, protection, and making sure people are set up for the future.
Specifically, Hugh helps people:
• Protect their income if an illness or injury keeps them from working
• Protect their family and their savings from major financial setbacks
• Make sure their current coverage actually fits their life today
• Review and adjust plans over time so there are no gaps or surprises
He also works closely with clients to solve common issues like relying on a single income, outgrowing existing coverage, depending too heavily on employer benefits, or not having income protection in place at all.
Hugh provides solutions like life insurance and disability insurance—both designed to protect income, support families, and create long-term financial stability.
We’re grateful to have Hugh as a trusted referral partner in our chapter. He’s someone you can confidently connect others with, knowing they’ll be taken care of and guided the right way. 👏

05/04/2026

🏆 Game Ball Pass 🏆
We’re truly grateful to have incredible people like this in our chapter.

On April 24th, Esther McCowan with Preferred Rate received the Game Ball, and this Friday, May 1st, she passed it to James Maples with Builtwell Bank.

Both Esther and James are trusted referral partners we’re proud to stand behind. When we make a connection, it matters—and having individuals like them who represent professionalism, integrity, and care makes all the difference.

We’re thankful to have them as part of our network and community! 🙌

04/30/2026

🌟 Member Spotlight: Esther McCowan 🌟
At our recent BNI meeting, we had the pleasure of hearing from Esther McCowan with Preferred Rate during her 10-minute presentation—and it was both insightful and impactful.

Esther shared how her work in the mortgage industry goes far beyond numbers and rates—it’s about helping individuals and families step confidently into one of the biggest decisions of their lives. With a heart for service and a passion for guiding others, she truly makes the home financing process feel smooth, clear, and approachable. 🏡

She also gave us a deeper look into the loan programs and solutions Preferred Rate offers, from first-time homebuyers to refinancing options, all tailored to meet each client’s unique needs and goals.
What stood out most is Esther’s commitment to building relationships and being a trusted resource every step of the way. She doesn’t just help people secure loans—she helps them build their future. 🤝

We’re so grateful to have Esther as part of our chapter and appreciate the knowledge, integrity, and positivity she brings each week!

04/24/2026

Huge congratulations to Hugh Willson on being named Diplomat of the Year by the Athens Chamber of Commerce👏🎉

This recognition speaks volumes about Hugh’s heart for service and his commitment to making Athens a stronger, more connected community. From supporting local businesses to actively serving in multiple organizations, he consistently shows up, steps in, and gives his time wherever it’s needed most.

Hugh truly embodies what it means to lead through service, and this back-to-back honor is no surprise to those who know him. We’re incredibly proud to have him as part of our chapter and grateful for the impact he continues to make every single day.
Help us celebrate Hugh and this well-deserved achievement! 👏

04/21/2026

🌟 Member Spotlight: Emilee Hurst 🌟

At our BNI meeting on Friday, April 17th, we had the pleasure of hearing from Emilee Hurst with Athens Wax Studio & Spa during her 10-minute presentation—and it was anything but ordinary.

Emilee shared how her journey and the start of her business wasn’t just a career move, but a true calling. She spoke on her passion for helping others feel confident, cared for, and comfortable in their own skin, and how that purpose is at the heart of everything she does. 💛

She also gave us a deeper look into the services they offer, including expert waxing, facials, advanced skincare treatments, injectables, and more—all delivered with intention, care, and a personal touch. 💆‍♀️✨

It’s clear that Emilee’s work goes far beyond services—it’s about impact, connection, and truly serving others. 🤝

We’re so grateful to have Emilee as part of our chapter and appreciate the heart, value, and positivity she brings each week!

04/21/2026

In order of the pass — Lisa Toups (Tasteful Gatherings) and Stevi Burns (Foundation House Ministries) — these incredible women have each been awarded the BNI Game Ball ⚾️!

Lisa received the Game Ball on April 10th, marking her THIRD time earning this recognition — a true testament to her consistency and commitment. She then passed it to Stevi at our April 17th meeting, celebrating Stevi’s SECOND time receiving it!

We are so proud of both of them and incredibly grateful to have them in our chapter. Their dedication and positive impact do not go unnoticed! 👏✨

04/16/2026

✨ Member Spotlight -- Jennifer Leverett ✨

At this week’s BNI meeting, we had the pleasure of hearing from Jennifer Leverett with Bradley Tree Service during her 10-minute presentation! 🌳 Jennifer shared more about the wide range of services they offer, including tree removal, trimming and pruning, stump grinding, and storm cleanup—helping keep homes and businesses safe while enhancing the look of their properties. 🏡
She also emphasized the importance of working with a trusted, experienced team when it comes to proper tree care.

We also took a moment to celebrate Jennifer as she prepares for maternity leave and presented her with a thoughtful go-away gift. 👶

Jennifer consistently brings value, professionalism, and positivity to our chapter, and we’re so grateful to have her as part of BNI! 💛

04/13/2026

Congratulations to one of our members, Aaron Anderson with Sparrow Insurance!🥳

We’re truly honored (and honestly a bit amazed) to be nominated once again for Best of the Best 2026 by the Athens Daily Post Athenian. If we’ve ever assisted you, answered your questions, or been part of your journey—we would sincerely appreciate your vote! Voting is open NOW through April 17th. You can vote once per day, per category. Please vote for:
• Sparrow Insurance under Insurance Agency
• Aaron Anderson under Insurance Agent

https://dailypostathenian.secondstreetapp.com/BEST-OF-THE-BEST-2026/

Your support means everything to our small business and the clients we serve every day!

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