By Paula Pyzik Scott

The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce held a member breakfast meeting on Friday, December 13, which included reports on the 2024 Blaze of Lights, member announcements and a program by Dave Stratton of Greater Lima Region and Cindy Leis of Allen Economic Development Group.

CHAMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chamber director Jim Enneking announced that the Winter Farmers Market will return to the Bluffton Senior Center for a second season starting December 21. He also noted that local businesses benefited from the exceptionally cold temperatures during the November 30 Blaze of Lights, which drove folks indoors.

Enneking announced a new chamber member, Schroeder Roofing of Columbus Grove.

PROGRAM
Stratton and Leis explained the difference between the two organizations, Greater Lima Region (GLR) and Allen Economic Development Group (AEDG).

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Stratton leads GLR, a privately funded 501C3 tax exempt non-profit corporation that is focused on stimulating economic and community development across an eight-county region including Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam and Van Wert counties.

Leis heads up AEDG, a public/private partnership that facilitates countywide economic development.

Stratton spoke about meeting developers in downtown Toledo and Ft. Wayne to learn about projects that are benefiting these communities. He also discussed the importance of collecting and sharing regional data so that developers and residents can see the accomplishments being made.

Leis provided examples of the marketing work being done to communicate opportunities and projects taking place in Allen County. She shared a video HERE on a collaboration with PERRY proTECH, that resulted in a new headquarters and distribution center.

Visit Leis’ blog “Celebrating 2024: A Year of Growth and Collaboration in Allen County” for more updates.