In the weeks ahead, there will be plenty of facts, food and fun on the Bridgeport scene with an intriguing pair of events on the docket.
The city”™s Office of Planning and Economic Development, the Bridgeport Regional Business Council”™s Center for Business Growth, the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce and the Burroughs Public Library have scheduled an informational series with a city-prepared marketing presentation.
The series will be presented at a weekly “Brown Bag Lunch” and will be held in the second floor reference room at the library, for six consecutive Fridays, from noon to 1 p.m.
“The presentations are part of an effort to market Bridgeport throughout Fairfield County,” Karen DelVecchio of the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce said in a statement. “They act as a regional aid for people to re-think economic opportunities and to enjoy restaurants, the theater and the symphony in the greater Bridgeport region.”
The following is the schedule for the series:
April 29, “Economic Development” ”“ Presentation on selected completed and planned citywide projects representing public and private investment.
May 6, “Restaurant and Entertainment” ”“ Presentation on the city”™s entertainment and dining venues throughout the diverse neighborhoods.
May 13, “Small Business Financing Assistance” ”“ Learn about various available funding opportunities designed to help with business expansion and startups, including information about the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Community and Economic Development Association and the Small Business Administration.
May 20, “East Bridgeport Development” ”“ A review of the East Bridgeport Development plan, current projects, development sites and opportunities and a presentation on the plans and vision for the East Bridgeport corridor from Lake Success to Steel Pointe.
June 3, “West Bridgeport Development” ”“ Learn about plans and development strategies for the west side of Bridgeport and hear from the West End Business Association.
June 10, “Bridgeport Incentive Programs” ”“ A presentation outlining business incentives and tax-abatement programs available in Bridgeport.
Jeff Bishop, BRBC consultant at the Center for Business Growth, said, “This will be a great and relaxed environment for residents to learn what the city has to offer in terms of economic development, future plans and tools that are available for small businesses.”
The second significant happening on tap in the business community is Park City Restaurant Entertainment Week. “What”™s Cooking in Bridgeport” is scheduled to run from Monday, May 16 to Sunday, May 22.
“The week will feature food, music and art to showcase the many cultures that call Bridgeport home. We hope to bring excitement, entertainment and flavor to this great city and to the taste buds of many,” said Erin McDonough, spokesperson for the event.
More than 40 local restaurants have signed up to join in the festivities, which will begin at the Arcade Mall on Main Street May 16 at 5 p.m. with a “Desserts First Kickoff,” which will feature desserts made by Bridgeport restaurants and live music and local art. To learn more visit www.whatscookingbpt.com.
Rob Sullivan is the publisher and executive editor of the Bridgeport Banner daily website ”“ www.bridgeportbanner.typepad.com ”“ and monthly print edition. He is a special correspondent for the Fairfield County Business Journal covering news and issues in Bridgeport and surrounding communities on the Sound.
