Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) board member Derek Dukes has served the 501(c)(6) organization for the past eight years, a term he wrapped up by hosting a chamber breakfast at Southgate Lanes, 9700 N. Dixie Hwy. on December 10.
The bowling alley co-owner talked about his vision for Bluffton area shops and restaurants, where all work together to promote each other’s businesses. He also reviewed the past five years of fundraising events he has co-hosted with Brandon Falk to benefit the community. Events include: Mission Possible benefit for students in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, Battle of the Businesses bowling tournament, Food Pantry fundraisers, cancer victim fundraisers and multiple years of the Barley Memorial/Southgate Open golf tournament. A total of $35,000 has been raised for the Bluffton area community at Southgate Lanes events during this period.
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.
Greenhorn restaurant, 112 Vine St, has announced that it will begin serving brunch on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations can be made at (567) 226-4568.
The restaurant serves internationally inspired plant-based food that is made from scratch using seasonal, organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Lauren Samuel, a Bluffton area Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, didn’t ever expect to start her own business but knew that she wanted to do one-on-one counseling. “I got my first job at WIC and I’m still working there part-time,”she explains. However, it was clear to her: “If I want to do my dream job as a dietician, I’m going to have to start my own business.”
That business is Embrace Mind & Body Wellness LLC, which she created in 2020. In addition to providing general nutrition guidance, Samuel helps clients adopt more intuitive eating practices and shows women how to manage the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) through diet.
The traveling trophy for best holiday business decorations in downtown Bluffton has been awarded to Spectrum Salon, 422 N. Main St. Owner Mandy Kinn received the award from Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce board member Lauren Beasley of Citizens National Bank.
The Etcetera Shop, 327 N Main, has issued a seriously good calendar for serious shoppers.
The nonprofit thrift store is primarily staffed by volunteers and has limited hours. On Monday, Wednsday and Friday, the store is open from 1-5 p.m. Donations are received at the back entrance on 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays.
The shop will be closed for both shopping and donations from December 23-31.
