A new, more sustainable operating model has been developed by the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs this year, according to Brendon Matthews, board president.

The BCE has formed a strategic partnership with Bluffton University's Division of Business Studies that will increase the number of mentors serving clients and add administrative support to the organization.

During the fourth quarter of 2010, Dr. Pete Suter, associate professor of busi-ness at Bluffton University, served as the BCE's interim exec-utive director at no charge.

In 2011, Dr. Suter is serving as the business startup consultant through a contract with the university.
Paula Scott is providing administrative, copywriting and web update services. Scott works 15 hours per week and holds office hours at the BCE on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 to 11a.m.

The BCE's clients, board, and staff are developing new relationships and con-versations during this transition. Matthews urges an-yone with questions about the new partnership and BCE services to call the BCE office at (419) 358-6400 or contact a board member.

New board members for 2011 are Wally Buroker of Citizens National Bank, George Lehman of Bluffton University and Laura Voth of Mennonite Memorial Home Communities.

Outgoing members of the board are Chad King of Citizens National Bank, Pete Suter of Bluffton University and Gail Trollinger of Bluffton University.