In an effort to promote shopping close to home, the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce held the first of several breakfast meetings with downtown business owners on Feb. 28.

Nearly 30 chamber members representing almost 20 downtown Bluffton businesses met at Jeanne's Kitchen and discussed a several ideas for downtown promotions.

Lead by Aphaphanh Nussbaum of Ten Thousand Villages and Julie Stratton of The Black Lab, the group agreed to meet again at 7:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 27, at Jeanne's to further the discussion and create more concrete.

One of the common denominators from the session was: "We all try to convey the idea to shop locally and support the downtown community in whatever way possible."

The chamber will keep members updated on future downtown merchant meetings. A survey for downtown merchants will be sent out. Downtown merchants with questions may contact Nussbaum.