This is the second in a series of five stories about the honorees at this Saturday's annual Chamber of Commerce Awards Ceremony. The ceremony is being held at the Quality Inn & Suites in Batavia.
When Jessica Pratt saw a chance to own her own gym, she took it and she hasn't looked back.
Batavia Cross Training has become not only a popular fitness spot for her customers, it's become an important part of Genesee County's charitable community.
This Saturday, the gym will be recognized by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce with a special Service of the Year Award.
Pratt said she was shocked and honored by the award.
“I’ve only owned the gym for two and a half years,” Pratt said. “It’s very humbling to be noticed already. I didn’t expect that.”
Pratt was approached by the old owner two and a half years ago, and said he was moving to Buffalo, and gave her the opportunity to take the gym over.
“I guess I was a risk-taker,” Pratt said. “I committed to it and we’ve done well. It has been my life ever since.”
Batavia Cross Training provides a different type of fitness for anyone and everyone, Pratt said.
The fitness program is for individuals who are committed to improving their fitness, whether it be to lose weight, run a marathon, or have endless energy. Through the program, members are taught to develop nutrition plans, set and reach goals, and how to maintain motivation. The program is for people of all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels.
The gym is located at 34 Swan St. in Batavia and offers classes at various points throughout the day. There are different types of membership, including yearly, month to month, and trials.
“I don’t do this to win awards,” Pratt said. “I do this because I like it and have fun.”
Pratt is 30 years old and lives in Le Roy. She said the community is so involved in helping Batavia Cross Training succeed.
“All of the businesses in Downtown Batavia and in Genesee County have helped out immensely,” Pratt said. “Even those donating to other events have been amazing.”
Pratt said she loves coming up with new ideas and running with them.
“I just want to keep doing what we’re doing and keep coming up with fresh, new, fun ideas,” Pratt said. “I want to keep moving in a good direction.”
Pratt wanted to thank the community and Batavia Cross Training Community members.
“I’m very happy to be able to help them and to have them support me every day,” Pratt said. “They’re the ones that are giving back. I put on the event and come up with the crazy ideas and they just support me. I love them all.”
