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.

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.

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
2024 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.

Executive Team

Michael Lautzenheiser - President

Wells County Area Plan Commission

Jeremy Penrod - Vice President

Edward Jones Financial Advisor

Nick Huffman - Treasurer

The Steffen Group Downtown Office

Nathan Stauffer - Secretary

Parlor City Cabinetry

Staff

Hunter Copeland - Bluffton NOW! - Coordinator

Board Members

Kim Leas - Achieva Salon

Brandon Wright - Wright Insurance Company

Joe McFarren - National Guard

Jon Baumgartner - Downtown Business & Building Owner

Kira Lee - Three Rivers Federal Credit Union

Steve Linderwell- Bluffton Harrison Schools

Matthew Musco - Pittie Dog House

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

Haleigh Osborne - Pizza King

Jarod Studabaker - Studabaker Specialty Woodworks

Sarah Owen - Concerned Citizen

Nathan Stauffer - Parlor City Cabinetry

Sarah MacNeill - Wells County Library

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.

Can you attend regularly sceduled meetings on the first Wednesday of the month at Noon in downtown Bluffton?

What do you like about downtown Bluffton?

How can you help the orginization?

How have participated with Bluffton NOW! in the past?

Thanks for submitting!