The Associated Businesses of Bridgeport board held its first meeting of 2023, welcoming new board members and planning for the year ahead.

 

First on the agenda is a Pickleball Tournament for ABB member businesses, scheduled for 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25 at Citynet Center.

Men and women of all skill levels are welcome to participate, said ABB President Jaclyn Rominger. Member businesses can enroll one or more two-person teams for the cost of $25 per team. All proceeds will benefit the Medbrook Children’s Charity Inclusive Playground to be constructed just outside Citynet Center at The Bridge Sports Complex. The ABB will match the total raised by the tournament, therefore doubling playground proceeds.

 

In addition to bragging rights, first, second, and third-place teams will receive trophies.

 

To register, email galbds@aol.com.

 

The tournament will be held in place of the 2023 Spring Meeting.

 

"The ABB is excited to offer something new to its members this year," said ABB President Jaclyn Rominger. "Instead of our traditional spring meeting, we thought an activity would be more exciting. We're hopng to get our existing members more involved or perhaps attract new members with this new event." 

 

The group, which met Jan. 5 at Benedum Civic Center, also recapped Light Up Night 2022, which featured record attendance. A preliminary discussion was held regarding the 2023 event, which will be held Thurs., Nov. 30.

 

New to the ABB board are Sarah Nealis Moore of Willow Legal Advisors, Jeffrey Chalfant of East of Chicago Pizza, and Amy Callahan of Bridgeport Parks and Recreation. Returning to serve in 2023 are Lisa Lang of About You Monograms, Hilary Gonzalez of Kaufman Realty & Auctions, Jenny Reed of Bridgeport Card My Yard, Caroline Marion of The Thrasher Group, Julie Perine of Della’s Deli and the Greater Bridgeport CVB, Doug Marquette of Marquette Insurance Agency, Mark Bonamico of Bonamico Construction, Gabe Fiest of United Security Agency, Troy Rutherford of Dave’s Famous T&L Hotdogs, and Brad Ford of Ford Funeral Home. Also attending was Joe Shuttleworth of Bridgeport Parks and Recreation. 

 

The ABB is open to all businesses which pay B&O taxes to the City of Bridgeport. Annual dues are $95. Members participate in the Annual Main Street Scarecrow Contest, Summer Kickoff & Food Truck Festival and Light Up Night, as well as spring and fall meetings/activities. If interested in membership, email Hilary Gonzalez at hilary.gonzalez@kaufmanrealty.com.