The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce is ready for it 2010-11 program season. Several new events join traditional chamber activities over the next 12 month, according to Fred Steiner, chamber CEO.

Free breakfast Sept. 10

The first free monthly chamber breakfast is at 7:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 10, in the third floor of the town hall. Jerry Lewis, owner of the Bluffton McDonald's Restaurant, is the speaker. He will talk about the impact of the restaurant on the community.

During the breakfast the chamber will recognize Southgate Lanes bowling alley for its 50 years in business, which took place over the past year. Joanne Bauman, who recently retired as owner Lamplight Bed and Breakfast on South Main Street, will also be recognized.

A new monthly feature "Ask the Expert," will be launched at the meeting. The September expert is Everett Collier, Bluffton postmaster. Members have an opportunity to ask Collier questions about the post office.

This year's breakfasts will be provided by the dining service of Richland Manor. "We are very happy that they offered to provide this service for our 2010-11 meetings. They are providing the breakfasts to the chamber at no charge, " said Steiner. Richland Manor will be recognized at the September meeting for this service.

The September breakfast is open to the public. An RSVP is required by Wednesday, Sept. 8, to [email protected].

Businesses and organizations are invited to sponsor the monthly breakfasts. A $250 sponsorship enables the sponsor to make a brief presentation at the meeting.

Several other new features will be part of the 2010-11 breakfast meetings. Those features will be announced as the season continues.

Explore Bluffton visitors' guide

This fall the chamber will release a full-color visitors' guide "Explore Bluffton." The piece will have a 25,000 press run and will be used during 2011 and 2012 to promote the community. The guide includes information about the community. The deadline for placing an advertisment in the guide is Tuesday, Aug. 31.

Business showcase Sept. 9

The chamber's university business showcase is Thursday, Sept. 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Marbeck Center. Chamber members may reserve a table for $25. Non-members may reserve a table for $40. The $40 fee may be used toward a one-year membership in the chamber.

The event enables Bluffton businesses to introduce their services to university students. Businesses interested in having a table at the showcase should e-mail the chamber at [email protected].

Mix-it-up showcase Nov. 18

Two other significant chamber events this fall include a chamber "mix-it-up" business showcase. The event is from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 18, at The Centre.

The program enables businesses to display and explain their services to the community.

Blaze of Lights Nov. 27

This year's chamber-sponsored Blaze of Lights is Saturday, Nov. 27. The event includes a 9 a.m. to noon family activities event at The Centre, parade at 5 p.m., and lights of the Ream holiday folk art display turned on at 7 p.m. More details of this event will be announced soon.

During the holiday season the chamber will sponsor a holiday light contest for residents, downtown businesses and State Route 103 businesses.

The chamber has 143 members. Membership is open to businesses, organizations and individuals. The chamber offers a wide-range of benefits to its members. Membership inquiries may be made to [email protected], or you may call Fred Steiner at 419-889-3065.

The chamber has an office in the second floor of the town hall. Weekly office hours will be established later in September.