|
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) has named Bloomington as a 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, recognizing the city’s efforts to close the digital divide. This year, Bloomington joins 58 other Digital Inclusion Trailblazers paving the way for digitally inclusive communities across the US.
Digital inclusion—access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills training—is essential to participating and thriving in today’s world. Recognizing the ongoing needs of the community, Bloomington continues in its efforts towards digital equity. “Creating an equitable community means ensuring every resident has the tools and access they need to succeed, including in the digital realm,” said Mayor Kerry Thomson. “From helping children access remote learning to supporting job seekers and ensuring older adults stay connected, these efforts touch every aspect of our community’s well-being. We are incredibly grateful for the partnerships and community support that have been vital to this progress and make this work possible. This recognition from NDIA affirms we’re on the right path.”
0 Comments
City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) has expanded its Financial Assistance Program to better support community members facing economic hardship by increasing access to and flexibility within existing assistance options. In 2025, CBU budgeted $100,000 each year for the program, but participation levels did not fully utilize the available funding, prompting updates to the program that include:
CBU’s Financial Assistance Program includes payment options, referrals to community assistance partners, and income-based bill support for eligible customers. All applicants must first apply with the South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP) at civiform.bloomington.in.gov/programs/water-assistance.  Through a partnership with Allies for Community Business (A4CB), a Midwest-based Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), entrepreneurs within the city limits of Bloomington will have increased access to loan funds designed to start and grow their small businesses. Through a $50,000 loan program, CFB and A4CB will work together to identify entrepreneurs who are not only seeking loans, but also business coaching and other services, emphasizing businesses located within Bloomington’s Urban Enterprise Zone.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission has selected Ruth Aydt as the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award recipient.
Ruth Aydt has contributed to community life in Monroe County since 2017 through research, documentation, volunteer coordination, and organizational leadership. In 2017, Ruth joined the Monroe County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), where she consolidated years of criminal justice data into a comprehensive report documenting racial disparities in the Monroe County criminal justice system. She later supported the organization by editing its newsletter, facilitating executive committee communications, and expanding virtual access to general body meetings. “Ruth’s contributions have positively shaped this community. Her actions are just as bold and intentional as her words,” said commission chair Dr. Gloria Howell. “As someone who has worked closely with Ruth, I can attest to the fact that she is genuine and authentic and demonstrates an ethic of care that is unmatched.” The resident-led Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission has updated the event time for its Annual Commemoration on Monday, January 19.
To accommodate community members who wish to attend the event and also view the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff National Championship, the celebration will now take place from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. at Buskirk-Chumley Theater (114 E. Kirkwood Avenue). The event is free and open to the public. All other details of the program remain unchanged. The 2026 commemoration will continue to focus on the contributions of women in the civil rights movement, with the theme Soul, Spirit & Sacrifice: Honoring the Legacy of Coretta Scott King and the Women Who Faced America to Save U.S., and will feature keynote speaker Dr. Traci Parker, musical performances, and the presentation of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award. The Commission's annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration is a production of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission. Learn more about the commission at bloomington.in.gov/mlk. For more information, contact Aubrey Seader at [email protected]. In a city known for a healthy appreciation for whimsy, the City of Bloomington has once again risen to the moment. After a standout Peach Bowl performance by Indiana University football and a social media conversation that refused to be ignored, a grassroots call emerged to rename the retention pond at Miller-Showers Park “D’Angelo’s Pond.”
For the remainder of this week, the City of Bloomington will recognize the pond with this honorary, unofficial name as the community rallies behind the Hoosiers and looks ahead to the College Football Playoff National Championship. Located downtown, Miller-Showers Park is already a symbol of sustainability, public art, and thoughtful design. Like a great cornerback, a well-designed stormwater pond knows how to contain and protect. The retention pond captures runoff, slows water during heavy rain, filters pollutants, and helps keep Bloomington’s waterways and neighborhoods safer downstream. This week, it is also a symbol of collective enthusiasm, sports-fueled imagination, and the internet’s unshakable confidence in naming things. Retail didn’t slow down in 2025, it changed direction.
Tight supply, rising rents, discount and QSR growth, and renewed interest in secondary and rural markets all shaped where brands chose to open stores. Communities that understood those trends were better prepared to win new projects. On Thursday, January 29 at 1:00 PM CT, join Retail Strategies for their annual 2026 Retail Trends & Outlook webinar. During this free session, we’ll cover:
REGISTER HERE What happens to your business when you’re ready to step away? Join us at The Mill for a welcoming panel conversation on business succession planning. Sue Aquila, former owner of Bloomington Bagel Company, and Isaiah Merriman, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones, will share real-world perspectives on preparing for the next chapter, with the discussion guided by Andrea de la Rosa. Whether a transition is on the horizon or still years away, this conversation will offer practical insights for business owners thinking ahead.
Wednesday, January 28 | 5:30–7:00 PM The Mill Event Hall, 642 N Madison St, Bloomington, IN 47404 RSVP HERE Code/IT Academy is a free, short-term training program designed to help adults build foundational IT and digital skills. Hosted locally, the program is ideal for individuals exploring career changes, upskilling, or next-step education opportunities. No prior IT experience is required.
ivytech.edu/codeit  The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County is pleased to share the following announcement from 50 Men Who Care of Monroe County, a philanthropic giving circle whose fund we are proud to administer.
We are excited to announce the relaunch of 50 Men Who Care of Monroe County! Founded in 2014, this philanthropic giving circle paused during the pandemic and is now restarting — stronger and more energized than ever. Each quarter, our members come together to pool resources and make a meaningful impact by supporting deserving local nonprofits throughout Monroe County. To date, 50 Men Who Care has raised more than $200,000 in unrestricted grants, benefiting nearly two dozen local organizations. These grants have provided critical, flexible funding when it mattered most. |
Check out our Chamber Members news on this blog!
Submit your news to the Chamber by the 10th or 26th of each month to be included in the bi-weekly Membership Matters emails. Archives
Archives
January 2026
Webpage Square Ad Banner spaces are available for members. Download our sizes and pricing sheet for more information by clicking the button below.
|
|
|
Copyright The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.