The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce recognized 11 long-time Bluffton business owners and family members during a special meeting April 12 at Maple Crest Senior Living Village.

Eleven persons now residents at various Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio campuses were recognized, according to Fred Steiner, chamber CEO.

Richard Boehr, chamber member, provided a brief explanation of each of the recognized person’s business affiliation and presented each one with a certificate of appreciation.

Each certificate’s wording follows: “From the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce for your many devoted years helping make Bluffton’s business community the special place it is today.”

Tammy Whitlow, chamber board secretary, presented each person with a rose from the chamber.

Persons recognized were:

Annie Balmer -  Balmer’s women’s clothing
Joanne Bauman – Lamplight Bed and Breakfast
Betty Cookson – Bluffton Senior Citizens Center director and Cookson Marathon Distributor
Robert and Beverly Millager – Millager’s Pharmacy
Jeanne Niswander – C.F. Niswander Implement
Dr. Oliver Lugibihl – physician
Russel Suter – Suter’s Strawberries and melons
Jean Ann Szabo – Steinman Lumber Co.
Norman and Mary Lou Vercler - Norm’s Electronics

In addition, the chamber presented Debbie Mohr, Maple Crest activities coordinator, with the chamber’s first-ever “Bluffton’s Unsung Hero” award. The chamber also designated Saturday, April 13, as Debbie Mohr Day in Bluffton.

The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce has 182 members. For more information about the chamber visit its website: www.explorebluffton.com.