The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce has several projects underway this winter. Each of the projects has the community in mind in addition to serving as a benefit to chamber members.

Group advertising opportunity
Last year the Bluffton chamber purchased two full pages in the Allen County visitor's guide. The pages enabled chamber members to advertiser at more competitive rates and as a group.

This year the chamber hopes to have a four-page Bluffton spread in the 48-page 8 1/2 by 11 inch full-color guide. Over 30,000 copies of the guide are printed.

"We are gaining the attention of the Allen County Visitor's Bureau thanks to our continued interest in this piece. There will be plenty of Bluffton photos and calendar items and points of interest in this year's guide," said Fred Steiner, chamber CEO.

Chamber members will receive information on participating in the county visitor's guide soon. The deadline for participating is early March.

Seeking 2012 calendar items
The chamber is gathering events taking place in the community in 2012. Events collected will be post on www.explorebluffton.com, the chamber's website. The chamber seeks a contact person, date, location and time of events. Information may be e-mailed to [email protected].

Social media consultations
Free one-on-one social media consultations are available this winter from the chamber's university intern, Emily Turner. She will talk about the free social meeting consultations during Friday's chamber.

Federal Express
The chamber has an opportunity to offer its members price savings when using Federal Express as a carrier. Bluffton, however, does not have a Fed Ex pickup location. Bluffton business owners interested in offering this option should contact Steiner.

Downtown planning meeting
A 2012 downtown retail planning meeting will take place later this month. The purpose of the meeting is to have downtown business owners talk about common issues and plan some retail events this year. Tentative dates are a Monday, Feb. 20, lunch meeting or Tuesday, Feb. 21, breakfast meeting at Jeanne's Kitchen. More information is coming.

Chamber membership drive
A membership drive for the chamber is underway this month. Currently the chamber has 150 members and hopes to add several new members. Chamber memberships are open to individuals, businesses, organizations, churches, non-profit groups and industries.

Contact blufftonchamber@gmail for membership details, or contact Fred Steiner, chamber CEO.