In 2007, a storefront YMCA was opened in Bluffton at the request of the Caylor-Nickel Foundation Family in the hopes of continuing the project Operation Wellness. The program sought to improve area residents’ quality of life, and the YMCA was a natural fit to continue offering this program. Interest for a full-service YMCA grew and in January of 2015, the Caylor-Nickel Foundation Family YMCA opened in Bluffton to the community and was chartered as a branch of the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne including an Early Learning Center, Wellness Center, Gymnasium, Indoor Pool, Whirlpool, Sauna, Spinning & Aerobics studios.

Today, there are between 95 to 110 employees throughout the year offering classes and programs to YMCA members. YMCA membership also includes group exercise classes, a fitness facility, personal training, an on-site chapel, and a dance studio. In addition, health and wellness screenings, body composition and fitness assessments, youth fit, and nationwide membership programs are offered. This location also provides a two-hour child watch, corporate memberships, scholarship program, financial assistance, and free membership to 7^th graders residing in Adams, Allen, Whitley, and Wells counties.

Thom Miller, Executive Director, explained the goals of the Caylor-Nickel Foundation Family YMCA are to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. “Each year, the YMCA Board raises money through donations from both individuals and businesses to support a scholarship fund. It is this Annual Campaign that allows the YMCA to reach its goal of turning no one away. Recently, I was approached by a scholarship recipient who thanked me “for doing all this”. She commented on the friendliness of the staff, the organization of the sports league, and the “all-around feeling of belonging”.

Formal invitations will go out with each Business After Hours. In the meantime, please mark your schedules to attend! This is a great networking opportunity and a way to learn more about a Chamber Member in our community. All FREE to attend!

Meet the new owners, see the newly remodeled showroom, and learn about the services they offer.

118 N Main Street, Bluffton

TIME: 4:30pm Networking and 5pm Presentation

Geenex is based out of North Carolina, but serves our community in a variety of ways. We can't take the trip to North Carolina so we will welcome them to host in our Wells County Commerce & Visitors Centre at 211 Water Street, Bluffton.

TIME: 4:30 Networking and 5pm Presentation

Dedication of the new wing, tour of the building, and hear from residents and graduates.

1001 Clark Ave, Bluffton

TIME: 4pm Networking and 4:30pm Presentation

Cupp Real Estate is now offering a new business, You Store in Comfort, inside the Radiance Tanning Salon. Join us to learn more about these three businesses, meet their staff, and the services they offer.

627 N Main Street, Bluffton

TIME: 4:30pm Networking and 5pm Presentation

Take a tour of the facility, meet the new Administrator, and learn about this amazing facility.

400 Caylor Blvd, Bluffton

TIME: 4:30pm Networking and 5pm Presentation

A company's reputation depends on personal experience. The marketplace's perception of your brand influences your growth and expansion. Historically, that reputation was spread through advertising, Yellow Pages, or word of mouth. Now, the internet expands that process - everyone can influence public opinion. In today’s virtual environment, it's important that you have the tools YOU need to keep your company’s reputation perfect. Find out more about reputation management and tools BBB offers to help you manage it.

12:00pm to 1:00pm

Wells County Commerce & Visitors Centre

211 Water Street

Tax Increment Financing (“TIF”) is one of the most often used and most misunderstood concepts in the toolbox for local economic development across Indiana. Whether you are a local official, school board member, business person, community leader or taxpayer, this presentation will address the essentials of the impacts of TIF to taxing entities and taxpayers in a format that will be beneficial to both seasoned professional and novices alike.

Presented by:

Jim Higgins, CPA, CGMA

Partner, LWG CPA's & Advisors

$15 per Person

Invitations will hit your inbox soon. You may register now below.

12:00pm to 1:30pm

$10 per Person

Wells County Commerce & Visitors Centre

211 Water Street

The world of HR has been turned upside down.

In 2020, depending on your industry, you were looking at an apprehensive workforce, shutdowns, furloughs, cleaning protocols, WFH and more! HR teams were thrust into scenarios they had never experienced – overnight.

Slowly, things started to return to “normal”, but not really. It was a new normal where an apprehensive workforce remained due to family health concerns, uncertainty around mandates, childcare issues, and more.

Then we started hearing about something called The Great Resignation. More than 47 million Americans quit their jobs in 2021! Candidates – whether good or bad – became increasingly difficult to find, and ghosting, in its various forms, became all too common.

Today, the average turnover rate in the US is 57%. Resignations are averaging more than 4 million every month. 73% of American businesses are hiring. There are 2 open jobs for every person seeking a job, and 3 in 4 people say they are planning to quit their jobs in 2022.

IT IS EXHAUSTING.

Now, more than ever, professionals in the various disciplines of Human Resources have an opportunity to showcase their abilities, leverage resources, and be a hero to the organization.

Come join the discussion and start uncovering your hero abilities!

Presented by Tamra Boucher, IN2GREAT

First Bank of Berne has once again been listed as a Top 100 Farm Lender in the nation by American Bankers Association, the largest banking trade association in the United States. The Top 100 list is determined by farm loan volume.

First Bank of Berne has a long history of agriculture lending, beginning when it opened in 1891. Today, the bank has grown into a regional leader in agribusiness lending, as evidenced by being named to the nation’s Top 100 list. First Bank of Berne employs experienced farm financial consultants with proven ability to help agribusinesses prosper. The bank offers a variety of agricultural lending, including both long- and short-term loans, and provides extended services such as farm financial consulting and custom-designed crop insurance.

“It is an honor to be recognized as one of the nation’s leading ag lenders for the second year in a row,” said Rick Gentis, First Bank of Berne Agribusiness Banking Manager. “I am proud of our team and the knowledge, experience, and expertise they offer our customers. Their service and commitment is paramount to the continued growth and success of our area.”

First Bank of Berne serves the communities in northern Indiana and northwest Ohio. The bank is committed to each of the communities it serves, focusing on both business and agribusiness services designed to help these communities grow and thrive.

To learn more about First Bank of Berne, visit firstbankofberne.com.