Preparations are underway by the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce for the second edition of the popular “Explore Bluffton Visitors’ Guide.”

The guide, which will be available later this summer, is the first update of the original guide created in 2011 by the chamber.

“The response of the first Explore Bluffton Visitors’ Guide was overwhelming,” said Fred Steiner, chamber CEO. “The initial booklet was immediately a hit with businesses and community organizations. It continues to be in demand, but it needs to be brought up to date.”

Distribution of the first guide reached over 8,000 copies. It serves several purposes, in addition to being a guide to chamber businesses and Bluffton’s services and offerings.

The village and Bluffton’s industries uses it to promote the community when receiving out-of-town inquiries. Guides are given to all parents of prospective Bluffton University students. It is available at Bluffton Hospital, Bluffton Comfort Inn, the Lima-Allen County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau and the Findlay-Hancock County Alliance. It is also available to all groups holding meetings or events in Bluffton. Copies of the guide are free.

Like the first guide, the updated edition will list all members of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce – including a 35-word description of each member business and organization. Businesses not chamber members will have a listing that includes the business name, address and phone number.

The guide also will include:
• A foldout full-color map of the village  - the new map will be larger and will have greater detail than the first map
• List of annual community events
• Photos of the community
• Description of the many features Bluffton offers
• Brief history of the community
• Advertisements from chamber members.
• Information about the chamber and its website

The first guide included 40 pages. The new guide will be larger, simply because this year the chamber has over 180 members, 50 more than when the first guide was printed.

Any members of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce may advertise in the guide. All ads are full-color and are affordably priced. Businesses not currently chamber members may join the chamber to place an advertisement and receive a free 35-word listing of their business.

Advertisement are available in full page, one-half page vertical, one-half page horizontal and one-fourth page sizes. First preference for ad location will be given to advertisers in the first guide.

Persons wanting additional information may contact [email protected].

Deb Beer is in charge of the business listing section of the guide. Matt Luke is the graphic designer and ad designer. Fred Steiner is in charge of ad solicitation, which will start later this month.

A flip-page version of the guide is posted on the chamber’s website. Click here to view the guide.