Shows
Local Voices BlufftonS2.E5 - Farmers MarketHistory Of The Farmers Market In this episode of "Local Voices Bluffton," hosts Sam Springer and Jim Enneking interview Wendy Chappell, the manager of 10,000 Villages, about the Bluffton Farmers Market. Wendy shares the history of the market, which began in 2002 with the goal of supporting small businesses and local producers. Despite initial challenges, including gaining support from Citizens Bank and navigating health department regulations, the market eventually took off in 2003. The market has grown significantly, now featuring over 25 vendors weekly, with a focus on high-quality, locally produced goods. Wendy emphasizes the importance of maintaining high s...
2025-04-2922 min
Local Voices BlufftonS2.E4 - Eikenberry LandscapingEikenberry LandscapingIn this episode of Local Voices Bluffton, hosts Sam Sprunger and Jim Enneking talk with Chase and Brett Eikenbary, the husband-and-wife team behind Eikenbary Landscaping. Brett, with a background in mowing and landscaping, saw an opportunity to start their own business during COVID. Chase, focused on business development, fully supported the leap, committing to building a company known for great service and communication.Now entering their fourth season, Eikenbary Landscaping has grown into a successful operation with a strong team. Brett leads field operations while Chase drives business strategy. They emphasize...
2025-04-1522 min
Local Voices BlufftonS2.E3 - The Food Store & GreenhornThe Food Store & GreenhornIn this episode of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce and Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs podcast, hosts Sam Springer and Jim Enneking interview Jonah Agner and Nancy Coral, owners of The Food Store and Greenhorn in Bluffton, Ohio. The discussion begins with the history of The Food Store, which started as a food co-op in the home of John and Sally Weaver before moving to its current downtown location. Jonah and Nancy took over the store in 2016 and have since expanded its offerings to include a wide array of specialty foods...
2025-03-3131 min
Local Voices BlufftonS2.E2 - JazzerciseJazzercise of BlufftonIn this episode of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce and Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs podcast, hosts Sam Sprunger and Jim Enneking interview Chase and Brett Eikenbary, owners of Eikenbary Landscaping and Jazzercise in Bluffton. The conversation delves into the couple's journey in starting and managing their businesses. Chase shares her initial skepticism about Jazzercise, which she overcame after attending a class and becoming hooked. She eventually took over a local Jazzercise franchise, leading it through various challenges, including the pandemic, and celebrating its 10-year anniversary.The discussion highlights the...
2025-03-1833 min
Local Voices BlufftonS2.E1 Success Stories and Strategies with Southgate LanesSuccess Stories and Strategies with Southgate LanesIn this episode of Local Voices, Bluffton, hosts Sam Sprunger and Jim Enneking sit down with Derek Dukes and Brandon Falk, the owners of Southgate Lanes. They discuss the journey of owning and operating a bowling alley, the challenges they faced, and the innovative strategies they employed to keep the business thriving. The conversation covers the importance of community involvement, the evolution of their business model, and the unique approach they took to social media and marketing. Derek and Brandon share their experiences of running the bowling alley, the...
2025-02-0428 min
Local Voices BlufftonS1.E9 - Bluffton Beyond TomorrowBluffton Beyond TomorrowIn this episode of "Local Voices Bluffton," hosts Sam Springer and Jim Enneking welcome Liz Gordon Hancock and Paula Scott to discuss "Bluffton Beyond Tomorrow," the village’s comprehensive plan envisioning Bluffton’s future over the next 20 years. The conversation delves into the plan's inception, which began in 2022 with the Lima Allen County Regional Planning Office and included significant public engagement. Liz and Paula emphasize the importance of planning for Bluffton's growth and maintaining its unique community spirit. They highlight the diverse committee of ten residents, each bringing different expertise, and the extensive publ...
2024-07-2424 minLocal Voices BlufftonS1.E8 - Ten Thousand VillagesTen Thousand Villages In this episode of Local Voices Bluffton, hosts Sam Springer and Jim Enneking interview Wendy Chappell-Dick, manager of Ten Thousand Villages in Bluffton, Ohio. Wendy shares the history of the Christmas in July sale and the store itself, tracing back to Edna Ruth Byler, who started a fair-trade movement 75 years ago by selling needlework made by women in Puerto Rico. Wendy explains how the movement grew, leading to the establishment of the first storefront in Bluffton in 1974, originally called Self Help Crafts. She highlights the store's impact on artisans worldwide and its ongoing m...
2024-06-2618 minLocal Voices BlufftonS1.E7 - Sanctuary Housing Sanctuary HousingIn this episode of "Local Voices Bluffton," hosts Sam Sprunger and Jim Enneking interview Jessica Meyer, co-owner of Sanctuary Housing. Jessica and her husband Ryan purchased a vacant church on Elm Street in Bluffton with plans to convert it into eight apartment units, including two unique short-term rentals. They aim to preserve the building's historic features, such as stained glass windows and timber frames, to attract visitors to Bluffton. Jessica shares their initial doubts about the demand for short-term rentals, which were quickly dispelled when their first Airbnb listing received an immediate booking. She d...
2024-06-0625 minLocal Voices BlufftonS1.E6- Chiles-Laman Funeral & CremationChiles-Laman Funeral & CremationIn this episode of "Local Voices Bluffton," hosts Sam Springer and Jim Enneking interview Jon Kinn, Funeral Director at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services. Jon shares his journey from mowing the lawn at a funeral home in seventh grade to becoming a licensed funeral director in 2000 after studying management, marketing, and mortuary science. He explains the differences between a funeral director and a mortician, emphasizing that one can be a funeral director without being an embalmer.Jon discusses the rising trend of cremation in Bluffton and the various options available for handling...
2024-05-2221 minLocal Voices BlufftonS1.E5 - Police Chief Police Chief - Ryan BurkholderIn this episode of "Local Voices Bluffton," hosts Sam Sprunger and Jim Enneking interview Police Chief Ryan Burkholder from the village of Bluffton. Burkholder discusses his background, including his time in the Marine Corps before joining the Police Department. He shares insights into his role as chief, handling emergency situations like abductions and missing persons cases, and emphasizes the importance of internet safety for children. The conversation also touches on permits for door-to-door solicitors and ends on a lighter note with a discussion about favorite donuts, with Burkholder expressing a preference f...
2024-05-0819 minLocal Voices BlufftonS1.E4 - The Dough HookThe Dough HookThis episode of "Local Voices Bluffton" spotlights Marlena Ballinger and The Dough Hook. Marlena shares her journey with The Dough Hook, which began in 2008 when her parents started the business, initially offering baked goods before expanding into a successful meat market. Marlena's involvement with programs like the Small Business Information Series from the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs has been instrumental in honing her business planning skills and contributing to The Dough Hook's growth."Local Voices Bluffton" serves as a platform to showcase Marlena's journey as a business owner and the resources...
2024-04-2421 minLocal Voices BlufftonS1.E3- Lounge Media GroupLounge Media GroupThe podcast transcript features speakers Sam Sprunger and Jim Enneking discussing the creation and growth of Lounge Media Group in Bluffton. Sam shares his passion for sports broadcasting and graphic design, leading to the formation of the group to give back to the community. They talk about producing podcasts and internet television shows, focusing on local sports events and gaining support from businesses and the school. Sam's motivation stems from his love for radio broadcasts and wanting to keep his elderly mother updated on local sports. The group sponsors various aspects of the...
2024-04-1121 minLocal Voices BlufftonSpecial - April 8th EclipseSpecial - April 8th EclipseThe podcast featured speakers including the police chief Ryan Burkholder and fire chief Jon Kinn discussing the upcoming eclipse event happening on April 8th in Bluffton. They talked about the preparations needed for the influx of 30,000 visitors, including increased police presence, staffing the fire department, and potential road closures. The importance of having a plan in place to handle the large crowds and ensure emergency services can still respond effectively was emphasized. They also mentioned the need for patience, cooperation, and preparedness from both residents and visitors, including having essential supplies...
2024-03-2919 minLocal Voices BlufftonS1.E2- The Bluffton Center for EntrepreneursThe Bluffton Center for EntrepreneursThe podcast featured the executive director of the Bluffton Center For Entrepreneurs discussing the differences between the BCE and the Chamber of Commerce, focusing on education, assistance, and promoting entrepreneurship. The conversation highlighted the complementary services of the two organizations, with a focus on helping new businesses succeed. The BCE offers mentoring, advice, and resources to help businesses grow, including a Small Business Information series and a Business Plan competition with prize money. The goal is to provide services to smaller businesses and help them succeed in the community. The BCE...
2024-03-2717 minLocal Voices BlufftonS1.E1- What Does The Chamber of Commerce Do with Jim Enneking - Executive DirectorWhat Does The Chamber of Commerce Do with Jim Enneking - Executive DirectorLearn about the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce and why you should join the Chamber.
2024-03-1219 minLocal Voices BlufftonLocal Voices (Bluffton)- Full TrailerLocal Voices (Bluffton)- Full TrailerIntroduction to Local Voices Bluffton.
2024-03-1103 min