The spring meeting of the Associated Businesses of Bridgeport was held April 22 at Bridgeport Conference Center. The theme of the meeting was "Healthy You, Healthy Business." ABB President Doug Marquette provided an overview of how a healthy lifestyle carries over to a more positive, successful business. 

 

Guest speakers included Abby Veigel and Kristi Goode of Healthy Bridgeport and Droo Callihan and Chase Robey of The Bridge Sports Complex.

 

Veigel and Goode explained how Healthy Bridgeport resulted from the 2020 "Heath Games" sponsored by Healthy Harrison. Bridgeport nabbed the win for creating a viable vision and plan for the Bridgeport community to help fight obesity and increase overall health. Since Jan. 1, Healthy Bridgeport has launched a free app - avaiable to anyone, anywhere - and the Biggest Loser and 10 Percent Takedown weight loss challenges, winners of which will be awarded major cash prizes. The challenges will be celebrated with a 10K and Fitness Festival, organizers working with the management staff of The Bridge Sports Complex. Also in the works is the implementation of a QR code to be used in conjunction with the Healthy Bridgeport app. Monthly, fitness-related prizes are awarded to randomly selected app users who have completed their fitness goals. Learn more at healthy-bridgeport.com.

 

Callihan and Robey, General Manager and Sports Manager respectively, provided a detailed pressentation about The Bridge Sports Complex which is scheduled to open June 1. They talked about the many amenities, including turf fields, basketball and volleyball courts, running/walking track, fitness area, lap and warm-up pools and group fitness classes. Video cameras will provide a valuable service to members and spectators as games and swim meets will be filmed and available to watch in-house or from any location via Connect-Bridgeport. The video project is being implemented through a partnership with the Greater Bridgeport CVB. The speakers also touched on topics including membership - corporate, family and individual, adult rec leagues and other facilities now to be managed by The Bridge, including the city pool and baseball fields at Bridgeport Recreation Complex. Learn more about The Bridge at thebridgewv.com.

 

ABB member businesses represented also heard from Spencer Hayden of Conducive Data, during the Business Spotlight portion of the meeting. The ABB college scholarship was also awarded. Receiving this year's award was Bridgeport High School senior Molly Runner. Molly is a member of BHS DECA. Annually, the scholarship is awarded to a student of DECA, Distributive Education Clubs of America, which focuses on and prepares students for a career in business. 

 

ABB membership is open to businesses paying B&O taxes to the City of Bridgeport. Dues are $95 per year. Access a membership form HERE. For more information, email hilary@kaufmanrealty.com.