17 years in business, B&E Computers is a downtown destination for computer-enthusiasts, hobbyists
(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Situated on the corner of Chauncey and Van Buren Streets, B&E Computers and Hobbies has been at the same location for 15 years. Below, Steve Beck, owner of B&E Computers and Hobbies is an active volunteer with many local groups, including the Whitley County Kiwanis.
By Nicholas Henney
Occupying the storefront at the corner of Chauncey and Van Buren Streets, B&E Computers and Hobbies has been in business for over 17 years and in it’s present location for fifteen of those years.
Like may hobbyists, I can remember visiting the shop for magic cards and model rockets as a youngster. Not until recently did I realize the entire scope of B&E. 
B&E Computers and Hobbies is part of Beck Enterprises owned and operated by Steve Beck. Beck was kind enough to sit down with me at the CC Deli and explain to me what all his business has to offer Columbia City.
B&E still has it’s amazing selection of comics, collectable and gaming cards, and is a well-known hobby shop. Beck loves this side of the business but says, “The computer side of B&E has grown to over 50% of my business."
B&E is able to diagnose and fix computer problems and is even able to do some warranty work for major computer brands.
If you are more of a "do-it-yourself-er," B&E is able to order parts for you. “(We can get) just about anything within a few days or even overnight,”says Beck. B&E is also the only place around that still sells Windows XP Desktop and laptop computers.
Some other things that Beck said the people might not know about B&E are that they are an agent for MapleNet internet service, an agent for Budget pre-pay home and cell phones, and B&E is also a “Pay Spot." A Pay Spot is a place where which you can pay your bills, for instance Embark and Verizon just to name two.
B&E is running some promotions this month that the community will find interesting.
- Free computer diagnosis with a $40 donation to the Salvation Army
- Free computer diagnosis with a $20 food donation to the food bank. (with receipt)
- Bring in OEM ink or toner cartridges to B&E and the store will make a $1 donation to the Salvation Army.
“These promotions are money straight out of my pocket, but it’s for a good cause. It’s my way of trying to help out.” says Beck.
Beck says, “I like my downtown location because I can hear the courthouse clock chime and I like the downtown festivals that bring attention to the local businesses.”