Bloomington community events, WordCamp experiences, and local business spotlights. Networking stories, team updates, and Indiana entrepreneurship events.
Being part of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce isn’t just about paying dues or adding a badge to your website — it’s about joining a local network of people who care about this community and want to see each other succeed.
I’ve officially been a Chamber member through David Martin Design since at least 2021, but my ties go back even further. I still have emails from 2009, when I was part of the Young Professionals group, soaking up all the networking and learning opportunities I could.
Fast forward to today, and I’m still grateful for the connections, visibility, and resources the Chamber provides. From local advocacy to business referrals, community partnerships, and even media features like the recent spotlight on Raymond joining our team — the Chamber continues to create space for real relationships and shared success.
Whether it’s co-hosting events at The Mill, showing up for ribbon cuttings, or contributing to the directory, this organization has consistently supported my business and the clients I serve. And I’m not alone — over 850 businesses strong, the Chamber plays a big role in shaping our local economy and building momentum for Monroe County.
To the Chamber team: thank you. I appreciate your work, your outreach, and your support. And if you’re a small business owner in Bloomington wondering whether it’s worth joining — it is. I’ve experienced the long-game value of staying engaged, showing up, and being part of something larger than myself.
Let’s keep growing together.
Dave Martin Web Designer & Digital Marketing Strategist
Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of photographing one of Bloomington’s most creative and community-driven events—Trashion Refashion 2025—on assignment for The B-Square Bulletin.
Held at the historic Buskirk-Chumley Theater, Trashion Refashion is an annual runway show where models strut in outfits made from repurposed or recycled materials. Organized by Discardia, a project of the Center for Sustainable Living, the event raises both awareness and funds to support sustainability initiatives in Bloomington and beyond.
📸 A Showcase of Creativity, Community, and Conscious Design
This year’s show featured bold, innovative designs ranging from full-length gowns constructed from plastic bags to dramatic headpieces crafted with aluminum cans and VHS tape. The energy backstage was just as inspiring as the runway—models, designers, and volunteers collaborated with infectious enthusiasm, highlighting the power of community creativity.
As a freelance photographer for The B-Square, my job was to capture the essence of the event: the fashion, the emotion, the mission. I’m honored to have had the opportunity to document such a meaningful celebration of environmental responsibility and artistic expression.
Thanks to The B-Square Bulletin for the opportunity to contribute to their growing archive of local photojournalism. As a freelance web developer and digital strategist, I’m often behind the screen—so stepping behind the lens is always a welcome shift that keeps me connected to the people and events that shape our community.
Whether it’s building websites, capturing visuals, or helping small businesses grow their online presence, everything I do through David Martin Design is grounded in service to people and place.
There’s something magical about visiting a new city for an event like WordCamp US—the excitement of a vibrant WordPress community coming together combined with the chance to explore the local flavor of the host city. This year’s WordCamp US took place in Portland, Oregon, a city known for its creative energy, lush green landscapes, and incredible coffee (which, let’s be honest, was very much needed!). From the moment I arrived, I could feel the buzz of both the city and the event as hundreds of WordPress enthusiasts, developers, designers, and contributors descended on Portland for three days of learning, collaboration, and community.
A breathtaking view of Mount Hood captured from a Southwest Airlines flight, with the snow-capped peak rising above the clouds and the plane’s wing in the foreground.Dave Martin and Jarod Maxwell kicking off WordCamp US 2024 in Portland, Oregon, with a photo op at the iconic Oregon welcome sign. A sign at WordCamp US Portland, Oregon, explains how interaction badges are used to communicate conversation preferences. Green indicates openness to chat, yellow signals limited interaction, and red means no conversation.
Contributor Day: A Day of Giving Back
One of the most fulfilling parts of WordCamp US is Contributor Day, a dedicated day where members of the WordPress community come together to give back to the platform we all know and love. Whether you’re contributing code, writing documentation, or helping others, Contributor Day offers a chance to make a direct impact on WordPress.
I started the day by joining the WordPress Themes table, where the magic of open-source collaboration truly came to life. I had the privilege of sitting next to Manesh Timilsina, a full-stack developer whose expertise and enthusiasm were palpable. Watching him dive straight into making contributions while offering valuable advice to those around him was both inspiring and energizing. It was clear that his deep understanding of WordPress development went beyond technical knowledge—he was also invested in helping others grow.
We delved into work on the upcoming WordPress 2025 theme, and it was exciting to see how ideas and code come together to shape the future of WordPress. Collaborating with the team provided valuable insights into theme development and the direction WordPress is heading.
But the learning didn’t stop there. I also met Alex Lende, a Gutenberg developer from Automattic, who shared the backstory behind one of the features he helped bring to life in WordPress 5.8—the Duotone filters. Alex explained how what seemed like a small addition has since unlocked new possibilities for SVG text effects and other design innovations. Hearing about the evolution of this feature made me appreciate the incremental but impactful advancements that continuously shape WordPress into the powerful platform it is today.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Contributor Day was reconnecting with friends from around the world and making new connections:
Alicia St. Rose ❤️: Her warm embrace and captivating stories about Burning Man brought a sense of magic to the day. Alicia’s energy is infectious, and her creativity knows no bounds.
Hans Skillrud & Donata Stroink-Skillrud: Reuniting with them after our epic encounter in the City Museum bird cage was a highlight. Their insights into privacy and legal considerations in web development are always enlightening.
Wendy Mahoney: Wendy’s kindness shone through and it was great being a volunteer together. She was even to help someone recover their lost phone!
Eduardo Telaya: Meeting Eduardo was one of the most amazing first impressions I’ve ever had. His warmth and radiance were palpable, especially after he finished his talk. His passion for WordPress and life is truly inspiring.
Dave Martin and Hans Skillrud from Termageddon reunite at WordCamp US 2024 in Portland, Oregon, after first meeting at WordCamp US 2019 in St. Louis. Their beards are as strong as their friendship!
I also had the pleasure of meeting Amy Rosborough, who runs a personal blog about gardening, book reviews, and lifestyle tips. We struck up a conversation about her site, and I was able to help her understand the differences between classic and block themes. Together, we updated her theme to WordPress 2024, enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of her blog. It’s moments like these that highlight the collaborative and supportive nature of the WordPress community.
Engaging with Brian Rotsztein: A Personal Highlight
Before his talk, I had the chance to engage with Brian Rotsztein, who was presenting “Innovative Pricing Strategies to Grow Your WordPress Business.” We discussed my journey, starting at $25/hour back in 2004, and how I wished his advice had been available 20 years ago. He smiled and said that’s exactly why he wrote his book.
Attending his session was the most impactful part of the conference for me. Brian’s insights into pricing strategies were both practical and eye-opening. His realistic, down-to-earth approach empowers freelancers and small agencies to succeed. I’m excited to implement what I’ve learned into my own business practices.
The Thank You Social: Art, Music, and Connection
The Thank You Social was an evening filled with creativity and camaraderie. I truly appreciated the focus on including art, photography, music, and interactivity. The paint by number station was a delightful addition, allowing us to unwind and express ourselves artistically.
Attendees of WordCamp US 2024 join in a collaborative paint-by-numbers mural during the Thank You Social event, celebrating creativity and connection within the WordPress community.
Thank you to the organizers for the fantastic food trucks! The variety of options catered to everyone’s tastes, and the atmosphere was both relaxed and invigorating. Engaging with fellow attendees, especially Grant Kinney, in such a vibrant setting reinforced the sense of community that makes WordCamp so special.
Embracing the Spirit of Portland
Portland truly played the perfect host. The city’s eclectic vibe and friendly locals made exploring an absolute joy. The food scene was phenomenal—I’ve never had better coffee, and the breakfast burrito at Roseline Coffee was hands down the best I’ve ever tasted. Every meal was a culinary adventure, and the local eateries did not disappoint.
The modern exterior of Roseline Coffee in Portland, Oregon, with sleek black and gray tones, greenery, and a sign guiding visitors inside.A perfectly crafted latte with intricate foam art served at Roseline Coffee, one of Portland’s top coffee destinations.
I had the opportunity to ride over to the Google Portland office and participate in a special tour discussing exciting new features in Google’s Site Kit and Performance WordPress plugins.
On the train ride over, I met Mackenzie Hartung, Director of Delivery at rtCamp. We bonded over our kids and a shared love for the resurging jam band scene—turns out Mackenzie is also a Goose fan! We reconnected later at the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI), further solidifying a newfound friendship. Speaking of Goose, it was awesome meeting Automattician Machelle Cox and working with her on the volunteer team!
Here’s some Goose, one of my favorite bands!!
Reflecting on the Experience
As I reflect on WordCamp US 2024, I am filled with gratitude for the connections made, the knowledge gained, and the memories created. From Contributor Day’s collaborative spirit to the engaging sessions and personal interactions, every moment was enriching.
Special thanks to:
The Hyatt Regency: Providing such a fantastic place to stay, located right across the street from the Oregon Convention Center. The hotel’s ambiance was welcoming, and its proximity allowed me to immerse myself fully in the event without worrying about transportation.
All the Volunteers and Organizers: Your hard work and dedication made this event seamless and enjoyable for everyone involved.
The modern exterior of the Hyatt Regency Portland, shining in the morning light, served as the primary hotel for WordCamp US 2024 attendees.The iconic Oregon Convention Center, with its towering spires and glass exterior, hosted WordCamp US 2024 in Portland, Oregon.The Portland MAX Red Line train passes in front of the Oregon Convention Center at dusk, offering easy access for WordCamp US 2024 attendees.
Looking Ahead
WordCamp US 2024 in Portland was more than just a conference; it was a celebration of community, innovation, and shared passion. I’m returning home with a wealth of knowledge, a heart full of gratitude, and an eagerness to implement what I’ve learned.
To the friends old and new, the speakers who inspired, and everyone who made this event possible—thank you for an outstanding experience.
Well played, Portland. Until next time!
Stay tuned for more insights and reflections. If we connected during the WordCamp US 2024 conference, feel free to reach out! Let’s continue the conversation and collaboration as we move forward together in this incredible community.
David Martin Design recently had the privilege of spending an extraordinary day with nearly 800 eager 7th graders at the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce’s Success School Career Cruise. This event was an unparalleled opportunity for these young minds to quench their curiosity and widen their horizons in various fields including web development, artificial intelligence (AI), entrepreneurship, and much more.
800 7th Graders Learning About Web Development, AI, Entrepreneurship, & More at The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Career Cruise
The enthusiasm and insightful queries from the students were nothing short of inspiring. The subjects that drew their interest most were AI, entrepreneurship, and website building. I was amazed by their depth of understanding and their eagerness to learn more about these complex topics. It was an honor for David Martin Design to be part of this event. We believe that the lessons learned here will enable these students to seize the local opportunities that Monroe County has to offer.
We are hopeful that the students have left the event feeling motivated and inspired, ready to explore and conquer the world of web design, AI, and entrepreneurship. With events like the Career Cruise, the future of Monroe County looks bright indeed. We can’t wait to see what these young minds will bring to the table in the coming years.
