The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce is collecting material from its members to create a welcome packet to new residents and for persons and businesses inquiring about the community.

Vanessa Greer of First National Bank, and Bethany Theis of Mennonite Mutual Aid Society, are serving as the welcome packets hosts.

According to Fred Steiner, chamber CEO, the packet is an additional benefit for chamber members since it is a free service to members.

Members are encouraged to place in the packets business information including fliers, discount coupons, pens, magnets, brochures, notepads or whatever they wish to include.

Steiner said that businesses should contact him at the chamber e-mail at [email protected] if they have material for the packet. He plans to pick up material on Friday.

"We are hoping to initially put together 75 packets," said Steiner. "If we miss you on Friday we'll contact you next week to complete the packets."

This is the first version of the welcome packets in several years. Bev Amstutz previously was the chamber's welcome host.