By Paula Pyzik Scott

The January 9 breakfast meeting of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce provided the following updates. The chamber's next breakfast meeting is February 13.

CHAMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
The 2026 Chocolate Walk will be held on Thursday, February 5. Stay tuned for information about participating businesses and ticket sales.

The chamber will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Maple Crest’s new fitness center on Tuesday, January 27, time TBA.

BCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs board secretary Tammy Gladwell provided an overview of the non-profit organization, which is organized to complement, not compete with, the chamber of commerce. Whitlow previewed annual Business Plan classes and an optional competition with prizes of up to $5K. She had participants from past years stand up and share how the BCE has benefited their business. 

Business plan classes will be held on Tuesday evenings at no cost to participants. Whitlow noted that the BCE is looking for judges for the competition.

MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Jacomet’s Martial Arts is introducing an anti-bullying program for children, providing skills so that others can’t hurt you.

Bluffton University is celebrating Community Day on Saturday, January 17, in conjunction with a  basketball double header vs. Berea at the Sommer Center, beginning at noon. The event includes a cheer clinic performance and Beaver mascot reveal.

Women in Business will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15 at Bluffton Town Hall, then walk together to Jazzercise Bluffton for a free class.

PROGRAM
An overview of America 250 “Bluffton style” was presented by committee member Kurt Emans. Semiquincentennial celebrations are being held on national, state and local levels (see America250-ohio.org). 

Bluffton will have its own America 250 events throughout 2026. 

• Showings of the musical Hamilton at Bluffton Public Library
• Student Liberty Bell collage art
• Illuminated drone show at Harmon Field, June 19
• 4th of July parade

Any of the following America 250 committee members may be contacted regarding sponsorships

• Dan Basinger, [email protected]
• Pat Rodabaugh, [email protected], 419-303-7737
• Kurt Emans, [email protected], 419-306-0782
   

BREAKFAST
Luvu A Latte provided the breakfast; the Chamber was the sponsor. To sponsor a breakfast, contact chamber director Rene Gabriel at [email protected], 419-359-2985.