Wells County Chamber of Commerce Monthly Newsletter
#WeLoveOurMembers
Together We Are Stronger
A Message from the Wells County Chamber of Commerce

Here we go Wells County! The Road to Recovery is upon us.

We have updated the Business Resource Guide to include helpful information to reopen your business. Your one-stop place to find important information.

Included in the packet you will now find:







 
Activities for the month of May are on a case by case basis.
 
As of May 11th our building will be open with restrictions to the public. Should you need any of us during this time, please do not hesitate to reach out and let us know.
Webinar: Revising Your 2020 Business Plan Due to COVID-19
Has COVID-19 caused your 2020 Business Plan to change? Join us as Billie Wunderlich, Indiana Small Business Development Center Business Advisor, gives helpful information and best practices you should consider as you revise your plan.
 
Discussion Points will Include:
·      Budget Practices Moving Forward
·      Preparing for Adjustments in Critical Operations
·      Shifting Your Marketing Strategies
·      Identifying Alternative Suppliers
·      Forecasting Cash Flows
 
Where can you tighten up and put together new projections and what are you going to need for monthly revenue?

Thursday, May 7, 2020
1pm to 2pm
in the comfort of your home or workspace
Be ready to keep your your customers and employees safe from COVID-19. Now is the time to start mapping out what a healthy reopening will look like at your business:
 
·      How might you implement distancing measures?
·      What safety precautions could you implement, like wearing masks or expanding cleaning measures?
·      How do you successfully keep your employees and customers well while also maintaining a healthy bottom line?
·      How might you innovate and adapt in response to a dynamic, uncertain situation?
 
The "Roadmap to a Healthy Reopening," a series of FREE webinars will help you think through the procedures and protocols to consider implementing. Presented by Greater Fort Wayne Inc. and the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership and led by physicians and business leaders from Parkview Health and the Allen County Department of Health, each session is tailored to be industry-specific:

 
·      Manufacturing/Warehousing
·      Restaurants/Hospitality
·      Retail
·      Other/Small Business
·      Professional Services/Office
·      Personal Services/Real Estate
·      Religious Organizations
·      Schools/Education
 
As a business community, let's set the example for taking care of our people while reopening our businesses. The best way to do that is by starting our preparations--right now.
Thank You to Our Gold Member!
Diane Carroll
110 N Main St, Bluffton
260.273.9173
helloelliegraceco@gmail.com
Boutique, Clothing & Home Decor

Patrick Mericle
Markle
260.388.7777
greenbear@greenbeartheden.com
Photography Services

Boutique, Clothing & Home Decor
Breanna Schlichter
122 S Jefferson St, Ossian
260.388.1651
groomingbybreanna@gmail.com
Full Dog Grooming Service

Kelsi Fiechter
Bluffton
260.273.7708
sweetteaphotography1@gmail.com
Photography Services
Thank You to Our Gold Member!
Thank You to Our Gold Member!
Bluffton High School, Norwell High School &
Southern Wells High School
ICE Students of the Year
Congratulations to these students for being awarded this honor. Thank you to the Robert E. Pence Fund for granting scholarships through the Wells County Foundation.
Watch the video recognition below.
Montpelier Summer Lunches
Summertime is coming soon!! Each summer, with the generosity of our Champions, we've prepared and served meals to families every week in Montpelier - a meal that otherwise may have been missed. And we want to do it again!

This year, summer break is coming earlier and looks different than in years past. In order to start where the school system stops providing meals, we will be adding on two weeks and expect our numbers to surpass any previous years. Not only does this meal fill a critical need in Montpelier, it allows us the opportunity to connect with families in the community.

Please take a second to look at the list of items needed or time slots to sign up to help assemble the sack lunches each Monday (the day prior) or come to help prepare and/or set up and serve on Tuesday's meal time. Regardless, we would love to have you join us each week!
Would you like to be a part of the Parlor City Market? We are seeking vendors to sell items and businesses and organizations to host activities each Saturday.

Businesses and Organizations: please contact Erin for more information and ideas: eprible@wellscoc.com or 260.824.0510 ext. 2
PARLOR CITY MARKET
OPENING JUNE 6TH

This year there are significant changes to the local Bluffton farmers market. We are excited to announce that Bluffton NOW!, Bluffton’s downtown revitalization group, will be managing the market and holding it on the Parlor City Plaza. In addition, the market is being re-branded to be called the Parlor City Market.
The goal is to offer activities, food and entertainment to the downtown each Saturday to promote the vendors and create a sense of community and increase a quality of place in Wells County.

The Parlor City Market will run from June 6th through September 19th from 9am to 1pm.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Joy Addington with Bijou Gift Boutique is looking for volunteers to help make PB&J sack lunches.

She has 50 plus people per day coming to get the lunches, she is making masks, and opening her store. If you would be able to help, please click the link below to sign up for a date that works for you!

This is a way to give back to the community at no cost to you and have a little fun!

Times are Monday-Saturday 11am-1pm.
Connect Group

Would you like to be a part of a leads group?
The Chamber is forming another Connect Group for Chamber Members.

Please contact Erin if you are interested in being a part of a leads group. The fee per year is nominal ($25 per member) and only one sector is represented in the group.

Email: eprible@wellscoc.com
Phone: 260.824.0510 ext 2
Applications Being Accepted for the
2020-2021 Year
Deadline: June 12th

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?
Anyone who wants to improve their leadership skills, develop stronger communication skills, and focus on creating a network of peer-mentor-business relationships. Our desire is that these individuals would then make a life-long commitment to community service, mentor new leaders, and make a positive impact in the workplace.
"I wish I would have been through Wells County Leadership Academy when I was younger. I have been given so many ideas and options that I now use every day of my life in business and life itself. The materials used have been outstanding and the concepts are easy to understand. The facilitators have been very professional, and you can feel their passion. If you want to invest in yourself or an employee in a program that has proven results, then the Leadership Academy is the answer.”
– Kevin Keller, Helping Hands, Level 2 Graduate
As an employer are you looking for a leadership training program for your employees?
 
As a working professional, do you need a program that will enhance your career, teach you principles of leadership and help make a difference in Wells County?
 
YOUR SOLUTION... the Wells County Leadership Academy offers participants solutions to the fast-paced ever-changing needs of business and industry in the 21st century.
When Do We Meet?
Sessions are held once a month from September through May from 8am to 12pm.
 
How Many are in the Program?
Class sizes are limited to 20 participants. Please submit your application as soon as possible.
 
Applications are due June 12, 2020.
Please click HERE for an application.
Click HERE for a Leadership Flyer.
 
Please contact Erin Prible at 260.824.0510 ext. 2 or eprible@wellscoc.com for questions or additional information.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE A
CRUISE TO ALASKA?
Be a part of a first-ever excursion through the Chamber, partnering with member Rochester Travel, as we travel to Alaska in 2021. Many are signing up and excited to travel to this awesome destination.

Bookings can be made until December 2020.
Thank You to Our Gold Member!
Community Events
Click on any event for more information
Activities on hold until further notice
WELLS COUNTY CHAMBER MEMBERS JOIN THE
VIP TEXT CLUB
Join our Text Club for event reminders, special announcements, and updates.
TEXT TO 36000
IN MESSAGE TYPE: WELLS
Thank You to Our Gold Member!
Thank You to Our Gold Member!