Bensalem Business Association Offers Free 2011 Membership

Do you own or manage a business in Bensalem Township? Are you looking for a way to network with other entrepreneurs in the community?

Now is your chance to join a growing group of Bensalem businesses that share your goals without a large expense in this difficult economy.

The Bensalem Business Association (BBA) has waived its $120 membership fee in 2011 for new businesses joining the group.

“Our purpose is to provide networking opportunities for business persons and businesses in Bensalem Township,” the BBA’s website states. “Our goal is to use our collective energy and knowledge to address concerns and interests that will help our businesses in various stages from development, opening and beyond. “

“While we are not a political group we shall endeavor to help establish a dialogue between the business community and elected officials so that our discussed concerns and interests can be effectively addressed,” the website stated.

At its monthly meetings, the non-profit group hosts guest speakers from various local government offices. Recent guests have included Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo, state Sen. Tommy Tomlinson and township Building & Planning Director Matt Takita.

The officials have provided information to association members regarding how their offices can serve local businesses.

Meetings are generally held at the Philadelphia Private Gym, 2636 Bristol Pike, which is owned by Pondeli Hajioannou, BBA president and founder.

Pondeli is the association’s biggest advocate. He started the group two years ago with his own money and maintains the BBA website. He also goes door-to-door in the business community to recruit new members for the association and meets with government officials to foster communication with the group.

He said he’s been a little confused about the mixed response he gets from businesses, particularly with the waived membership dues.

“With over 2,600 businesses in Bensalem, can you imagine the influence the BBA would have with local officials if more businesses joined?” he said. “There can be real strength in unity.”

Currently, the BBA has over 45 member businesses, but it wants to significantly increase that number by year’s end.

The BBA’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 13 at 6:30 p.m., but it won’t be at Pondeli’s gym. It will be at Sam’s Club in the Franklin Mills Mall.

If you think the BBA could be right for your business, now’s the time to give it a try because there’s nothing to lose.

For more information, call (215) 245-0802, visit the BBA website, or email info@bensalembusiness.com. There is also a BBA membership form attached to this article.