By Beth David, Editor
The Fairhaven Business Association is in the business of business, and it’s ramping up for spring.
President Cathy Melanson and VP Charlene Conway are getting ready for a busy season of advocacy, events and lots of new ideas for enhancing the business climate in Fairhaven.
The FBA is a private organization that began with a small group of business people in 2011. In 2013 the FBA was legally incorporated.
The group collaborates for marketing, encouragement for local economic development, and assisting in ventures that are advantageous to members and the community as a whole.
In addition to advocating for business friendly policies in town, the group sponsors events, raises money for scholarships, road races and other community events.
The whole point, said Ms. Melanson and Ms. Conway, is to make sure Fairhaven is a friendly place, not just to businesses, but to residents and visitors, too.
Members make sure that meetings are friendly, informal affairs.
“We just want to help make the town better,” said Ms. Melanson, who owns Emma Jean’s and EJ’s.
“We’d like to help with the empty buildings,” said Ms. Conway, who owns Carousel Family Fun Center.
The organization provides input to town agencies and boards on regulations and bylaws that affect businesses.
Meetings often include a speaker, a social hour, and, of course, food and refreshments from an FBA member business.
The next meeting is on Tuesday, 5/9, and will feature Elizabeth Howe, manager for Interise, an organization that helps business owners with a program called Streetwise ‘MBA’™.
The meeting will be held at EJ’s Restaurant, 111 Huttleston Ave., Fairhaven. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres.
The two women promise that meetings will not drag on and on with agenda items and meeting rules.
“We know you’re busy running your business,” said Ms. Conway. “We know you don’t have a lot of time, so we won’t waste it.”
Members and prospective members are welcome. Owners or representatives of business entities operating within Fairhaven, MA, are eligible for membership.
For more information about joining the Fairhaven Business Association, contact Cathy Melanson, president, at totalconfections@gmail.com. or Charlene Conway, vice president, at charcarosl@aol.com.
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