The Associated Businesses of Bridgeport held their spring meeting Thursday night at Via Veneto with 34 businesses represented.

 

“There were several from the Main Street area and just really from throughout the community,” said Brad Ford of the ABB.

 

Included were new members and prospective members; businesses interested in joining forces and networking with other small businesses in their community.

 

The meeting centered around a theme of “Getting Fit in 2015 – Again.”

 

It’s been 85 days since the ball dropped and a lot of people have forgotten their New Year’s resolutions or haven’t succeeded,” Ford said. “This was about a second chance to get fit physically, spiritually and mentally and how all of those things play a role in who we are and our success; for the individual and how that carries over to our businesses.”

 

Three different presenters shared their take on those thoughts. Speaking were the Rev. Dr. Ken Ramsey of Bridgeport United Methodist Church; Physician Beth Hess and Ryan Haws of E.L. Robinson Engineering.

 

“They all did a great job and really left an impact on everyone there,” Ford said. “I think everyone left being a better person.”

 

Providing music were Mazzie and Gabby Christie, who along with Charlene Ramsey, sang Chris Tomblin’s version of “Amazing Grace.” The trio got a standing ovation, Ford said.

 

“Ken Ramsey talked about amazing grace and using that grace in small business,” Ford said. “He did it in a wonderful way.”

 

Hess shared the ADZs of getting fit – activity, diet and sleep. Haws shared a team building exercise which got the 34 attendees thinking on their feet.

 

With all the activity and a meal served, Ford said the event lasted just about an hour. The ABB will hold a summer meeting in June and participate in the late-summer National Night Out. A fall meeting will also be held, as well as the annual Main Street scarecrow project. The group’s winter activity is Light Up Night, always an extremely well attended community event.

 

“We’re looking at doing another project – a summertime one – to bring the community together,” Ford said.

 

Annual ABB dues are $80. Interested members can contact Ford at 304-677-5877.