Tuesday was more than just a mid-April snow and the final day to file your income taxes. Tuesday also marked the second year anniversary of Connect-Bridgeport.com.

 

The concept that grew out of a way to provide information in a timely manner to residents of Bridgeport and beyond resulted in the free Web site that actually began on the same day the Bridgeport Recreation Complex held its grand opening. And in much the same manner, there are more visitors to the Connect site as there are to the new Rec Complex.

 

One of the individuals who became involved on the front end of the discussion is current Greater Bridgeport Convention and Visitors Bureau and Connect-Bridgeport.com President Drew Pomeroy. Pomeroy has been involved in the startup and growth of the online news and information source.

 

“I can honestly say that the Connect project has been both enjoyable and amazing.  Our team has exceeded expectations effectively becoming the go to resource for community news,” said Pomeroy. “I don’t know that I go through a day without hearing the words, ‘I saw it on Connect,’ or ‘Did you see Connect-Bridgeport?’  I am very pleased.”

 

Although the key reach is the Bridgeport community, the numbers indicate that the reach saturates Bridgeport and goes well beyond. Throughout two years, there have been more than 2 million visits to the site and just short of 6 million page views with those visiting spending more than three minutes on the site at each visit. The unique visitors to the page are approaching 600,000 individuals, which mean that the goal of getting into as many households as possible in Bridgeport in some manner has been obtained.

 

Pomeroy, as well as the rest of the Connect-Bridgeport staff and staff from the GBCVB, have committed to keeping the site fresh and hope to continue to do projects that provide ownership of the site to the community. Several changes and upgrades are planned for the months ahead.

 

Along with having visitors in Bridgeport and North Central West Virginia, a trio of cities that may surprise some visit the site regularly. Individuals from Chicago, Washington, D.C. and New York City are among those who frequent the site.

 

Connect-Bridgeport.com staff would like to thank the entire Bridgeport community, as well as others for assisting in making the site work. Appreciation is also extended to those who work within providing information to the community.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo are members of the Connect-Bridgeport/GBCVB team that includes, from left, Jeff Toquinto, Michelle Duez, Hannah Cantrell and Julie Perine.