Founding member of the Emmy award-winning video production company, Pikewood Creative, Tony Caridi has plenty of business insight to offer. And it’s likely that local business owners will want to hear what Caridi - also radio play-by-play announcer of the West Virginia University Mountaineers – has to say.

 

On April 11, the Associated Businesses of Bridgeport will host a session designed to help businesses up their game regarding marketing efforts. To be held April 11 at Bridgeport Conference Center, the event will feature Caridi, a prominent figure in the worlds of business, sports and even children’s literature. In December of 2016, the former “West Virginia Sportscaster of the Year’ penned a children’s book titled “Where, Oh Where Could We Go?” a whimsical collection of state tourism attractions.

 

Caridi will be speaking with member businesses about Creative Business Promotion with the focus on marketing trends and tips.

 

ABB President Brad Ford encourages member businesses to take advantage of Caridi’s insight.

 

“As Mountaineer sports fans, we obviously know his name by his play-by-play calls, but his focus will be how to help the small businesses of Bridgeport,” Ford said. “Tony’s family owned a grocery store. He said he shined apples and put pizza boxes together. He knows small business and understands how it works. Small business owners are also the janitors, the ordering person and the person that restocks the shelves. They do it all. And when you’re in that capacity, your goal throughout the week is to do the best you can. You don’t have the assets some of the larger businesses have.”

 

After a short social time with appetizers, representatives of member businesses will gather in an informal, interactive setting where Caridi will facilitate an informative session, providing marketing tips and answering questions.

 

It is Ford’s hopes that business owners will pick up new ideas to market their respective businesses and after trying them, share their successes and experiences with each other.

 

That is what the ABB is all about; supporting, encouraging and networking, Ford said. With the recent loss of one of its founding members and secretary/treasurer Melinda Lindsay, the organization continues its quest.

 

“We want to make her proud of us as we continue to do things for our community,” Ford said.

 

In addition to events such as the April 11 spring meeting featuring Caridi, the ABB hosts and sponsors various community-wide events, including the traditional Light Up Night and the newer Summer Kick-Off, held in 2018 for the first time. The organization also sponsors the annual Scarecrow Display on Main Street and is active in National Night Out, among other activities.

 

The member business in the business spotlight on April 11 will be Third Millennium Marketing. The Main Street business will provide the door prize for the evening and provide some insight about its operation.

 

On April 11, the ABB will also announce its scholarship to a Bridgeport High School DECA member.

 

Businesses which wish to belong to the ABB can contact Ford at 304-677-5877.

 

Editor's Note: Pictured top is Tony Caridi. Other photos, by Ben Queen Photography, were taken at the ABB fall meeting, where representatives of member businesses met in groups for networking. Ford is pictured leading activities.