By: | November 13, 2025 | | Fair Haven
by Emma Sylvia
Down in Fair Haven, a small but idyllic town, the businesses stand strong, making their mark on their community. One of the driving forces behind these contributions is the Fair Haven Business Association. The association’s president, Tom Bull, talks about the group’s revamping in 2025, and all the best that’s yet to come for Fair Haven.
A Big Change
Bull became president of the FHBA this past May, taking over from the last president who held the role for 15 years. “We’ve made a big shift and created divisions to support different businesses we have in town,” Bull says with enthusiasm.
Some big changes are occurring in order to better the town and its businesses. The new divisions include “Retail and Food,” “Services” (ranging from resources for doctors, lawyers, dentists, or “computer guys” like Bull himself), and “Property Owners.”
“Whenever something within these three needs to get done, we have someone doing that,” Bull states.
Bull, who has lived in Fair Haven for 33 years, is ecstatic to take on the role of president of the association, which has been around for 50 years. “The founders wanted a voice in town. There are ordinances and laws and taxes that businesses have to deal with. A business association looks for ways to improve the process for new businesses coming into town, along with planning town-wide events to bring people into town to shop.”
Some of the events the FHBA hosts are the sidewalk sale, the holiday stroll, Shop Small Saturday (equipped with a trolley that takes people to different sections around town where businesses are), and an honorarium in Memorial Park for fallen soldiers, to name a few. Settled next to the first aid squad, firefighters, and Ladies’ Auxiliary, Bull is proud of the work they’ve done and continue to do.
“We’re part of the fabric in town. We’re a collection of businesses doing things to help each other,” he says.
Long Term Goals
There are 150 businesses in Fair Haven, and around 60 of them are members of the FHBA. Bull says their goal is to get every single business involved, understanding that some may not benefit from events like “Shop Small Saturday.” This has lead the FHBA to also instill a partner position for businesses like the dentist or doctor.
“Since we just reformed in May, we’re still trying to figure things out,” Bull elaborates. He’s particularly eager for the new events that are being planned for the upcoming months. “Behind the scenes, we’re working on it and talking about changes,” he promises.
For Bull, getting more businesses involved is important, but so is keeping those who join the FHBA happy.
“We want to be sure we’re doing the right thing by our member businesses. If we do stuff that doesn’t benefit them, why should they pay dues? We want to make sure everybody gets that exposure.”
Down on Main Street
Aside from revamping and making new divisions, the FHBA is also doing a total rebrand, including updating their logo and website to reflect their own love and creativity, trying to reshape their meanings and missions to be inclusive of all businesses in town.
“We’re looking at ways for people to come to an experience, not necessarily just a place,” says Bull. “We want to invite people to the Fair Haven Experience. We don’t have a street called ‘Main Street,’ but we want the Main Street experience that harkens back to a simpler time. Away from big malls, box stores and parking lots. You’re coming to a quaint town with a ‘Main Street’ feel.”
For Bull, the mere longevity of his time in Fair Haven is not enough of a contribution. This is why he has opted to take on his new role as president.
“Saying I’ve been here for 33 years isn’t enough,” Bull says. “I raised my family here. It’s small, it’s walkable. It’s a great community if you want to exist in a community and not just live in a house on a street. The towns, the sports, the schools – it’s a committed, cohesive place. We’re the living proof of ‘it takes a village.’ We’ve all got eyes on each other and help each other out. It’s idyllic.”
SHADOW BOX: Straight from the Source
Countless businesses had nothing but kind words and praise for the FHBA and the work they’ve done to improve their serene town:
“The Fair Haven Business Association has been wonderful. It organizes events that bring all of Fair Haven's small businesses to the forefront of residents’ minds, while giving them an opportunity to engage with each business and the community as a whole. Running small businesses, and especially retail businesses, is hard with so much online retail competition [taking money] from our pockets. Amazon and the like cannot do what the FHBA does – online juggernauts do not bring communities together. We love Fair Haven!”
“FHBA turns community spirit into real opportunities. It is extremely special for 8th graders to be given an opportunity to earn a $1000 scholarship for sharing their ideas, like the FHBA did with their Knollwood Knights Future Leaders scholarship. Promoting it last year helped Evolving Minds Tutoring reach more families, and we saw Fair Haven students excited and motivated to participate. That’s the kind of impact a strong local business network makes.”
“Joining the Fair Haven Business Association was an easy ‘yes.’ This town runs on support, inclusion, and engagement, and as both a resident and the owner of Haven Wellness & Aesthetics, I’m committed to nurturing those values. The FHBA’s collaborative spirit is refreshing, everyone is sincerely rooting for one another.”
“FHBA has always been an added blessing to being a small business owner! It helps to sustain our community of thoughtful, thriving businesses. It’s a pleasure to work collaboratively with other business owners to create exciting experiences in Fair Haven!”
“The Fair Haven Business Association has been an excellent source of community building and advertising for locals. The FHBA Holiday Stroll, where all town businesses open their doors to the community with treats and crafts for kids, is always one of my favorites.”
“The FHBA is an invaluable network of individuals for me as a business owner. The experience that this group has and the advice they can provide to anyone operating a brick-and-mortar in Fair Haven is unmatched.”
“The Fair Haven Business Association has been an amazing way to meet and connect with local business owners. When I started Visual Xpressions in 1998, I quickly found the FHBA and loved that everyone shared one goal — making Fair Haven a better place to live. Since then, the group has grown to over 50 members and helped bring great events to town like the Tour de Fair Haven, Sidewalk Sale, Shop Small Saturday and Holiday Stroll. I’m proud to be part of such a caring, community-minded group.”
A few words from FHBA officers:
“How lucky are we to be part of something special. Independent businesses that attract visitors
from all over the area – in large part for our special “main street” feel. At Douglas Elliman, we
love being in the thick of the historic district, with the west side bustle minutes away. We can’t
wait for you to join us for the magical ‘Mistletoe on Main Street’ holiday events coming soon…”
“I’ve been in a leadership role for the FHBA for many years. While I am proud of all we’ve
accomplished, I could see that an infusion of new ideas and new players would help to revitalize the organization. I am so excited to see the next generation stepping up to carry the FHBA into the future.”
“Being a part of the FHBA provides a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with a thoughtful group of local business owners and community members that are truly looking for ways to better Fair Haven by empowering the local small businesses through collaboration, networking, advocacy, and various community events.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this next chapter for Fair Haven — Introducing… ‘Main Street Fair Haven, presented by FHBA!’ This rebrand invites so many new ways to collaborate with our local businesses and bring even more energy, connection, and fun to the heart of our town — marking an exciting new era.”
“I love our small-town business district, charming shops, and independently owned businesses
that help ensure a personal touch with every transaction. Park once and walk throughout our
business district. Shopping in Fair Haven is fun! You will most certainly run into friends and
make new ones!”
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