This proves to be an exciting year for the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce as the chamber has several ambitious plans to promote the community, according to Fred Steiner, chamber CEO.
Among those include:
• launching a signage program,
• expanding social media to promote the community, and
• developing ways to make Bluffton a destination for visitors.
These three programs emerged from last winter’s chamber brainstorming session when the chamber board asked members for ideas on improving Bluffton.
Each of these programs will be explained in greater detail this spring.
The banner/signage program intends to create maps placed through the village. These will show visitors where they are and provide directions to other locations in Bluffton.
The chamber is researching similar programs already in place in other communities. And, Bluffton University has recently placed maps on its campus to assist visitors.
In addition, the chamber hopes to purchase banners for Main Street that promote “Explore Bluffton.” Banners will be available for sponsorship by individuals, businesses and organizations.
Hoping to expand social media ways to promote Bluffton, the chamber continues its free QR code program for members, and will explore ways to use other social media platforms for community promotion.
In developing ways to make Bluffton a destination, the chamber is working downtown merchants and a recently created ad hoc committee to design creative ways attracts visitors to Bluffton. One additional promotional tool in 2015 is that the chamber is now overseeing the Bluffton farmers’ market.
The chamber starts the year at its highest membership ever – 190 members. This year’s chamber budget of slightly over $40,000 includes continuation of the arts and crafts festival in May and the Blaze of Lights in November.
In addition, the chamber will continue sponsorship of a fireworks event in the summer. Details and sponsorship information on the fireworks will be announced soon.
Following is a summary of 2014 chamber programs, 2015 plans, plus future plans the chamber hopes to address.
2014 highlights
• January – Monthly cash mobs started – 10 took place
• January – Brainstorm session on Bluffton’s needs during breakfast meeting
• February – Brown bag lunch – continued Bluffton’s needs discussion
• March - Identified 4 action focus groups – (later combined banners and signage)
1 - Promote Bluffton (Bluffton strengths),
2 - Social media: hash tags-QR codes
3-4 – Banners and signage
• April - contributed $300 for hanging flower baskets on Main Street
• May – Created $600 30-second TV spot
• June – Launched free QR code project for members – still in process
• June - Fireworks launched, $7,000+ generated in sponsorships
• September – Presented DTR with Greg Luginbuhl ceramics art piece
• September - Launched university student membership program
• September – Bluffton University showcase - 25 businesses participated
• October – Assisted with financial support to downtown merchants 3/50 Project
• November – Held largest Blaze parade ever – over 100 units
• November - Received $1,000 grant for Blaze promotion from
Hancock County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau
• December – Held joint meeting with Hancock-Allen officials
• December – Brought Santa Claus downtown on three Saturday mornings
• December – Sponsored residential and downtown holiday light contest with $500 in cash prizes
2014 Breakfast topics
January
Brainstorm session: How can we improve Bluffton
Breakfast sponsor: Richland Manor
February
Ego surfing: You, Your business and Bluffton, Paula Scott
Workshop: Ego surfing – improve your business presence on the web
Breakfast sponsor: Bluffton Icon
March
Activate Allen County, Kayla Monfort
Workshop: social media
Breakfast sponsor: Chamber
April
New technology in Bluffton Schools, Todd Boblitt
Workshop: Ruth Everett Healing Touches
Breakfast sponsor: First National Bank
May
Grob systems CEO Ralf Bronnenmeier
Breakfast sponsor: chamber
June
Blanchard Valley Health Foundation, Colleen Lazar
Breakfast sponsor: Blanchard Valley Health Systems
September
Everett Collier, Riding Fuller Center Bike Adventure
Breakfast sponsor: Chamber
October
Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs
Breakfast sponsor: BCE
November
Swiss Historical Society
Workshop: Business roundtable with Allen-Hancock commissioners,
economic development directors
Breakfast sponsor: Swiss Historical Society
December
Village Safety Services, Rick Skilliter and Jon Kinn
Breakfast sponsor: Bluffton Pediatrics
On the 2015 drawing board:
• Banners and signage, possible billboard program launch
• Intend to expand lights on trees during Ream holiday folk art display
• Farmers’ Market now under chamber’s direction
• Great American Bicycle Adventure (GOBA) comes to Bluffton
• Continue fireworks
• Expand cash mob
• Work with downtown groups to continue and expand downtown promotions
• Develop “Bluffton as a destination” for out-of-town visitors
• Create 2015 events calendar to alert with businesses when large groups visit
• Purchase a kiosk for chamber members brochures in town hall
2016
Explore Bluffton - Edition 3
Long-term goals
• Triplett plaza – recognizing Triplett Corp. contribution to Bluffton
• I -75 beautification – at exit and entrance ramps
• Expanded parking on west side of Main St.
• Downtown alley beautification
• Battle of the businesses
Chamber board
• Larry Hoffman, president
• Tammy Whitlow, secretary
• Bob Inniger, treasurer
• Mark Alliman
• Derek Dukes
• Connie Kruse
• Doug Luginbill
• Sally Siferd
• Jamie Mehaffie, ex officio
• Fred Steiner, CEO
• Vickie Myers, chamber university intern
Chamber membership is open to business, organizations and individuals. A membership membership application is in an attachment at the bottom of this story. In addition, viewers will also see chamber membership benefits.
