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ABOUT US

Bluffton NOW! is a community organization devoted to the revitalization and long-term growth of Bluffton’s downtown (city-center).

 

We believe that in order for a community to continue to thrive and grow it must actively attract and retain talented individuals. In order to achieve this growth, Bluffton NOW! is focused on creating a downtown atmosphere and vibe that attracts new businesses,

a talented workforce, and retains successful businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals, and families already living in our community. 

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Our Vision for the Future

The vision for Bluffton NOW! is to “grow downtown into a vibrant destination where people and businesses can thrive and prosper; through bringing together new ideas, old historic charm, and a wonderful community.” 

Our Mission for Success

Bluffton NOW!’s mission is to be the catalyst to energize downtown Bluffton by envisioning ideas and goals, and by engaging and empowering citizens to facilitate an active, vibrant, and attractive community.

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Main Street Indiana

Bluffton was accredited by the Office of Rural and Community Affairs in 2015 as an Indiana Main Street community. We operate by the Main Street four-point approach: Promotion, Design, Economic Restructuring and Organization.

Annual Report
2019 Annual Report
2020 Annual Report
2021 Annual Report
2022 Annual Report
2023 Annual Report

Bluffton NOW! Board Members

Bluffton NOW! board membership is made up of 14 elected Board Members who serve 3-year terms and 11 Board members who serve based on their position.  The Executive team is elected from the Board Membership.

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Executive Team
Michael Lautzenheiser - President - Wells County Area Plan Commission
Jeremy Penrod - Vice President - Edward Jones Financial Advisor 
Nick Huffman - Secretary - The Steffen Group Downtown Office
Sarah MacNeill - Treasurer - Wells County Library 
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Staff
Audry Dudley- Part Time
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Board Members
Kim Leas - Achieva Salon
Brandon Wright - Wright Insurance Company
Joy Addington - Bijou Gift Boutique
Alyssa Osborn - Southern Wells Schools
Jon Baumgartner - Downtown Business & Building Owner
Kira Lee - Three Rivers Federal Credit Union
Brad Yates - Bluffton Harrison Schools
Yvette Huggins - Concerned Citizen​
Conor Jackson - Jackson's Construction
Janella Stronczek - Bluffton Common Council
Richard Triplett - Bluffton Building Department
Brandy Fiechter - Bluffton Parks Department
Mike Vanover - Wells County Commissioners
Scott Elzey - Wells County Council
Doug Brown - Bluffton News-Banner
Tammy Slater - Wells County Foundation
Erin Prible - Wells County Chamber of Commerce
Chad Kline - Wells County Economic Development
Haleigh Osborne - Pizza King
Jarod Studabaker - Studabaker Specialty Woodworks

Building a stronger city for

the next generation.

Prospective  Board Member Application

 

As a prospective board member these are the expectations that would be required of me.

1. To support Bluffton NOW! financially on an annual basis by either a cash donation, event sponsorships, or by donating goods or services.  

 

2. To promote Bluffton NOW!’s events, programs, goals, and aspirations to the general public in person and by social media.

 

3. To consistently attend and participate in Bluffton NOW!’s board meetings. If a board member misses 3 consecutive meetings, or a board member misses 4 meetings in total during a calendar year it may be grounds for removal.  

 

4. To consistently help plan, volunteer, and attend Bluffton NOW!’s sponsored events.

Thanks for submitting!

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