Several projects are on the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce's plate this spring, according to Fred Steiner, chamber CEO. In addition, other several other projects are in the planning stages.

Three immediate projects are:

• an April breakfast meeting that will help define the chamber's future
• the 39th annual arts and crafts show
• two months of group advertising opportunities to help promote Bluffton

April breakfast meeting
The April breakfast, will includes a chamber "brainstorming" session seeking members' thoughts on four areas that the chamber hopes to focus its efforts. Those areas include:

1 - Increasing communication to benefit member businesses

2 - Provide resources for members

3 - Inform and educate members

4 - Grow and promote Bluffton

The breakfast meeting is at 7:30 a.m., Friday, April 9, in the third floor of the town hall. Greg's Pharmacy is the breakfast sponsor. Members, as well as interested community persons, are invited to attend. An RSVP must be sent to [email protected] by Wednesday, April 7.

Following the breakfast, the chamber board will review comments and ideas and develop a plan to implement them.

May 22 arts and crafts festival
The 39th annual arts and crafts show is Saturday, May 22, on Main Street. According to Jerry Burkholder, who handles craft vendor registrations, nearly 30 vendors have already registered for this year's show.

A vendor registration form may be downloaded from The Icon's home page. Early-bird vendor registration is $40 per booth if paid by May 1. After that booth registrations are $50. Bluffton non-profit organizations may have a booth for half price. Main Street businesses are encouraged to set up displays in front of their shops during the event.

Hickle Pony Rides of Mt. Blanchard will attend the show. Lots of Love, a dog and cat animal adoption organization, will have an exhibit of animals available for adoption. Luke Young is in charge of this year's musical entertainment, which will take place in the outdoor patio area of his business.

Group advertising
Chamber members are invited to participate in two month's of group advertising efforts. In May, WFIN-WKXA-106.3 The Fox will offer Bluffton chamber members with advertising specials and features. In June, chamber members may participate in a group advertising program through the Town and Country Money Saver.

Several other projects are in the planning stages. The chamber hopes to host a program at its May breakfast meeting, which explains the recent health care legislation. In June, July and August, the chamber will host an after-hours opportunity for members on the second Fridays of those months at Luke's Bar and Grill. The events will feature free pizzas. Additional activities are being planned for those three events.

Bluffton tee-shirt
In an effort to create a fund to focus on new downtown holiday lights and banners, several fund raising projects are in the works. The current holiday garlands have outlived their life and need replacing. One of the projects is a Bluffton tee-shirt. Another is an ExploreBluffton! full-color promotional brochure. Several other fund raisers are being planned in conjunction with Bluffton's 150th anniversary in 2011.

Welcome packets
Over 40 businesses are participating in a 2010 Bluffton welcome packet. The packets include fliers, coupons and other promotional pieces from Bluffton chamber members. These will be given to new residents. The packets will also be used for any business inquiring about the community.

A display of the packets may be viewed this month in the First National Bank lobby. Vanessa Greer of First National Bank, and Bethany Theis of Mennonite Mutual Aid Society, will be delivering the welcome packets.

Several other programs are in the discussion stages as a result of three coffee discussion groups held in March. Each of the programs hopes to attract out-of-town visitors and shoppers to the community.

Invitation to join the chamber
The chamber currently has 133 members. Individuals, businesses, organizations and industries may be members of the chamber. A 12-month membership for individuals is $50. Membership fees for sole proprietors is also $50. Memberships for businesses with from 1 to 10 employees is $80; 11 to 20 employees is $120; 21 to 30 employees is $195 and 31 or more employees is $235.

Memberships may be obtained by e-mailing [email protected]