The December 10 Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce meeting was hosted by Southgate Lanes, where members enjoyed breakfast and coffee in addition to hearing from the chamber board and members.

Derek Dukes emceed the meeting and reviewed the past five years of fundraising hosted by Southgate Lanes with approximately $35,000 raised. Watch for a separate story on Dukes’ 8 years serving on the chamber board.

Chamber announcements:

• Residential Lights Contest will be judged on December 15 with two $400 first place prizes to be awarded, with one for each side of Main Street.
• The chamber will pass the annual arts and crafts festival to another organization.
• New member Blended Roots, 246 Cherry St., and manager Katelyn Gainok were introduced.
• The chamber is still interviewing candidates for the position of CEO and may hire on an interim basis.
• The board is taking new board member nominations.

Amy Byers, the Bluffton Family Recreation director since August 2021, presented an update about the nonprofit sports and recreation facility. Staffers Kaycee Gregory and Kayla White presented information about sports and childcare.

• All chamber members can now receive business discounts on BFR memberships. This benefit used to only be available to larger businesses.
• The Citizens National Bank room is now open for party rentals and classes. This is an area formerly used by Northwest Physical Therapy, which outgrew the space.
• Childcare is available when members call ahead. Hours are 8:30-11 a.m. and 5:30-8 p.m.
• The 13-week summer camp will include a “Bluffton Week” where campers visit Bluffton businesses.

For more information on BFR membership and programs, visit www.bfronline.com.