2019-2020 Annual Report shared with Bluffton chamber members
On November 13, the BCE shared its annual report with members of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commer
e via a Zoom member meeting.
Nov 2020 BACC Member Meeting (available through January 1, 2021).
NEWS: 15 Minutes with Dick McGarrity
On November 10, the Bluffton Icon shared this "15 Minutes with..." interview with recent--and long serving--board member Dick McGarrity.
15 Minutes with board member Dick McGarrity (Bluffton Icon)
NEWS: Hometown Stations Interview with Greenhorn's Jonah Agner
April 24, 2020
Excerpt: 'A business competition in Bluffton has one man walking out as a winner with a $3,000 prize to go toward his restaurant.
The Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs works year-round to help business owners excel in their business. but once a year, they hold a competition that awards all of their contestants with a full business plan and a couple lucky winners take home cash.'
NEWS: Lima News report on Business Plan Competition
April 24, 2020
Excerpt: 'The owners of Greenhorn Restaurant in Bluffton were awarded $3,000 in business plan reimbursement funds Wednesday evening after being named the first-place finisher in the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs’ 2020 Ropp Triplett Business Plan competition.
Bob Bell and Jonah Agner are the co-owners of the Bluffton business that opened its doors briefly before the COVID-19 pandemic forced it and other restaurants to shutter in keeping with stay-at-home orders by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.
The business plan authored by Bell and Agner was recognized at the annual BCE awards ceremony — held this year by video conferencing — as the best of nine contestants in this year’s program. Bell said writing the business plan “was a challenge, but it was a great experience.” '
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NEWS: 2020 Business Plan Competition Winners Announced
APRIL 23, 2020
The Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs has announced the winners in the 2020 Ropp Triplett Business Plan Competition. Our winners are listed here and a video of the awards presentation is below. The contestants are emerging businesses from the 4-county area surrounding Bluffton.
"The business plan competition is a big undertaking in any circumstances. In this competition, our finalists were faced with completing their plans and presentations under the rapidly changing and challenging pandemic conditions that unfolded in March. All of our technical skills were boosted in the process," notes Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs executive director Paula Scott.
"Our volunteer judges showed great dedication as they reviewed written plans and presentations for nine finalists. This was an exceptionally large class and required providing scores and feedback on ten elements in the presentations."
"It was real pleasure to join together for a video presentation with all of our finalists, as well as our sponsors, instructor Kathy Keller, and members of the BCE board and staff. Our congratulations and thanks go to all who were involved in this program."
FIRST PLACE
Bob Bell and Jonah Agner, Greenhorn restaurant (Bluffton)
(567) 226-4568
https://www.facebook.com/GreenhornBluffton/
SECOND PLACE
Cortney Mumaugh, Little Monkey Kitchen allergy friendly home bakery (Ft. Jennings)
(419) 581-9006
https://www.facebook.com/littlemonkeykitchen/
THIRD PLACE
Neli Metzger, Touch of Europe bakery (Lima)
(408) 306-2572
EVENT: Making & Receiving E-payments, A Brown Bag Discussion
FEBRUARY 27, NOON-1:00 P.M., THIRD FLOOR BLUFFTON TOWN HALL
Lauren Beasley and Seth Combs of Citizens National Bank will lead the discussion on e-payments. Learn how to make life easier for your customers and for yourself!
Join us at noon on the 3rd floor of Bluffton Town Hall. RSVP to blufftonce@gmail.com or (567) 525-6667 so that we can plan seats and dessert! Bring your lunch or just bring yourself!
Have questions or want to RSVP? Call Paula Scott at (567) 525-6667 or email blufftonce@gmail.com.
EVENT: Succession Planning, A Brown Bag Discussion
JANUARY 30, NOON-1:00 P.M., THIRD FLOOR BLUFFTON TOWN HALL
Tim Sielschott, financial planner and BCE board member representing First National Bank, and Bob Sielschott from Sielschott, Walsh, Kiefer, Regula & Sherer, CPAs, will lead the discussion on preparing for a big transition, whether it's selling your business to start a new one, preparing for a traditional retirement, or considering a purchase offer!
Have questions or want to RSVP? Call Paula Scott at (567) 525-6667 or email blufftonce@gmail.com.
NEWS 2020
