New members introduced, April 2024 solar eclipse impact discussed

By Paula Scott

The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce held its June breakfast meeting last week, following which executive director Jim Enneking and members have a two-month hiatus. Breakfast meetings resume on the second Friday of September, with casual summer Business After Hours events to be announced.

In customary fashion, the meeting provided members with an opportunity to network and make announcements. Attendees met new member Sam Sprunger of Lounge Media Group, which provides broadcasting and podcasting services, along with graphic design. Sprunger announced that the group will be broadcasting Pirate varsity football and basketball. To connect with Sprunger online, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-sprunger-585601149/ or email him at [email protected].

Enneking announced that the new business Bluffton Auto Sales, 246 Cherry St., has also joined the chamber.

Jonah Agner and Nancy Corle-Agner of Greenhorn restaurant announced a new Greenhorn Ambassador program. Patrons who purchase a $1,000 gift card become Ambassadors who have the opportunity to earn a free dinner with every Ambassador referral, invitations to at least two exclusive parties per year and exclusive wine purchasing opportunities. They also announced an August Block Party with DJ Stacey Hotwaxx Hale and plans for other music events on Vine St.

Fire Chief Jon Kinn spoke about Bluffton preparations for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

The eclipse will be visible across North America, but this region is in the “path of totality,” where there will be superior viewing. Kinn explained that this creates economic opportunities and public safety challenges. Advisors suggest that visitors could increase the number of people in the area by 2-3 times. Bluffton Schools will be closed that day and Bluffton's safety services are working with larger employers to stagger employee shift releases in the afternoon. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

- Ride to Remember swag bag donations are due by July 7, the Ride is July 15

- Jazzercise Bluffton will host free community classes on Saturday mornings from 8:00-9:00 a.m. on Vine St.

- Coordinated with these classes, Greenhorn will serve breakfast items from its trailer on Vine St.

- Chamber golf outing on September 15

PROGRAM

Jim Enneking provided the breakfast program, an overview of chamber member benefits. There will also be a SOCA (Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance) road show this summer. Among the benefits discussed were:

- Constant Contact discount (coming soon)

- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance

- Chamber energy program

- Pooled 401K program and DOLR student loan repayment

- LegalShield (new)

- FedEx discounts

Enneking also announced that the chamber’s updated bylaws had also been passed by paper ballot that morning.