Chamber Information
Wells County Chamber of Commerce
At 260 members – and growing – the Wells County Chamber of Commerce represents the area’s workforce and residents. We provide our members valuable business resources and a sizable return on investment.
In economic development and community and governmental affairs, the Chamber serves as a unified voice. In workforce development, networking and marketing, we offer events and programs each year to grow a successful business and enrich a community.
Then and now
Evolving from the business association concept, in 1914 the Chamber began as a business association formed to advance the general welfare and prosperity of the Bluffton area so that its citizens and all areas of its business community have ample opportunity to prosper.
In response to the recession of the 1980’s, the Bluffton Chamber of Commerce began an aggressive approach to development that included a new organization called Bluffton Revitalization Committee, Inc. in 1989. Through this new 501c-3 committee, fundraising activities produced projects known today as the Rivergreenway Trail, Kehoe Riverfront Park and the downtown streetscape improvements.
In 1990, Bluffton became the first Indiana community to receive the “Outstanding Indiana Community of the Year” award because of these tremendous efforts through private/public partnership to resolve an economic and community crisis.
In 1998, the Chamber assimilated a new designation as the Wells County Chamber of Commerce and all that name change implies. . This was more than a cosmetic move; it reflects our intent to think and act regionally and to treat the larger Wells County Area as one market to be served. The towns of Ossian, Markle, Poneto, Uniondale, Vera Cruz along with the city of Bluffton became a part of the organization.
Today, the three separate divisions - The Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development and Revitalization are combined under one umbrella organization. Together they continue to work to strengthen the economic vitality and enhance the quality of both the residential and business communities.
Today, the Wells County Chamber is still a voice for progress and improvement, bringing together businesses for a thriving community.