Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce played an important role in the community during 2013. Here is a list of projects where the chamber participated.
This list also includes plans for 2014 and discussion points for the future.
A brown bag roundtable discussion on "how can we improve Bluffton" will follow up on several of these points. The discussion is from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5, in the third floor of the town hall. It is open to the public.
Transport For Christ Second Chance Chapel meal and concert with the southern gospel singing group 'The Piefers' takes place at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Feb 21, at Marbeck Center Bluffton University.
Meals are already paid for, but you must reserve your place by calling Chaplain David Lugibihl at 419-230-3294.
Make your reservation soon as there are only 400 places available and they went very quickly last year.
Nearly 60 members of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce focused on the question "How can we improve Bluffton?" The brainstorming session was Jan. 17 in the town hall. Results of that discussion and some new programs the chamber will launch will be posted on the Icon on Tuesday.
Jessica Hermiller always wanted to be librarian - ever since she was a page at Lima Public Library at age 14. The Lima native grew up and got her wish, first in Pennsylvania, and then on Jan. 2, she became director of the Bluffton Public Library at 145 S. Main.
She replaces Cindi Chasse who retired in December. Hermiller may be known best as the daughter of Mike and Tammy Bradshaw. Tammy works at The Food Store, also on Main Street, Bluffton.
The second week of Keeping Active programs will begin on Jan. 27 at BFR Sports and Fitness.
Four more weeks of free events, demonstrations, and fitness options will be included. Individuals as well as families are encouraged to learn more about healthy eating and add more activity to their routines.
The Keeping Active program offers something for everyone:
• free days to use the indoor track,
• free family and youth activities
• as well as fitness classes for adults of all fitness levels,
