The Media Business Authority goals are to encourage economic growth, improve positive visual impact, sustain and nurture business development, and help increase Media Borough business patronage through activities and programs that enhance the community’s quality of life. Executive Director, Dave Fairman, also focuses on driving economic development in the Borough of Media, with emphasis on small businesses in the State Street District.
Dave believes in maintaining an open line of communication with business owners, citizens, and local government. Recruiting new businesses and fostering collaborative partnerships with other organizations help make "Everybody's Hometown" the best place to live, work, shop, dine, explore and retire in the Commonwealth.
Media’s events on State Street and beyond attract an estimated 75,000 visitors to the borough annually.
Fairman knows what it takes to open and run a small business. Recognized as one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s longest-running retailers in the board sports industry, he opened Fairman’s Skate, Snow & Surf Shop in downtown West Chester in 2000.
Dave joined the Greater West Chester Chamber staff in 2012 as Director of Membership and current Interim President. Fairman recruited more than 200 new members to the organization and played an integral role in the success of the annual QVC West Chester Christmas Parade, Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic and the bi-annual Gallery Walks. Fairman also served as the Executive Director of the Chamber’s Education Foundation.
We thank Dave Fairman for his commitment to Everybody's Hometown.
What in your past experience prepared you to be Executive Director of the Media Business Authority (MBA)?
Before coming to Media, I spent nine years with the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce as the Director of Membership and Interim President. I also served as a committee member for the West Chester Business Improvement District for more than two decades. Prior to joining the Chamber staff, I owned a successful small business for over thirty years.
You took the Executive Director position in 2021. What have you been able to change in the organization for the better?
As downtown Media emerged from the pandemic, there was an opportunity for the MBA to reimagine the organization and build a fresh staff and new Board of Directors. We reestablished a robust calendar of events in the State Street District, bringing back some old favorites while introducing some wonderful new experiences for residents and visitors. We’ve elevated the MBA’s status and visibility by strengthening important and valuable relationships with Media Borough Council, Delaware County officials, State Representatives, the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, and the National Main Street Center. The MBA also created the State Street District Fund in partnership with the Foundation for Delaware County, which allows anyone to make a tax-deductible contribution to support our ongoing efforts.
What kinds of services does the Media Business Authority offer?
The MBA provides advocacy and support to small businesses in the borough with a focus on the State Street District. We endeavor to recruit vibrant and unique new businesses when storefronts become available. The MBA produces
- Dining Under the Stars,
- Restaurant Week,
- Spring Arts Show,
- State Street Car Show,
- State Street Fall Festival,
- and Ice On State.
We promote all the events that attract visitors and guests to Media through our website and social media channels @VisitMediaPA. The MBA is also responsible for all the holiday lighting, decorations and activities that happen on State Street every year, from Small Business Saturday right through to the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop!
What are your current goals for the Business Authority?
In 2026, the MBA is rebuilding the VisitMediaPA.com website that will better highlight our businesses and events. We’re growing the Board of Directors and conducting a five-year strategic planning process for the long-term sustainability of the organization. We’ll continue to stay engaged with our small business owners, commercial property owners, the Media community, and all the other organizations and stakeholders that collectively make Media Everybody’s Hometown.
How would you describe the Executive Director experience?
I’ve been fortunate to have the support of a solid Board of Directors, an indispensable, multi-talented Operations Administrator, Vanessa McGuinn, and continued cooperation from all of Media Borough’s different departments.
What do you enjoy most about your position?
My favorite thing is connecting with small business owners in the State Street District. I’ve walked a few miles in their shoes and hope I can relate my experiences to theirs.
Why Media?
I grew up in Delaware County, shopped and dined in Media, and my wife and I watched our daughter participate in parades on State Street with the Strath Haven marching band. When colleagues in the Chamber/Main Street industry suggested I consider this role, I was excited for the opportunity.
Tell me something that very few people know about you.
I ran my first Media 5 Mile Race in 2025. I’m hoping to improve my time in 2026!
mediaborough.com/266/Media-Business-Authority
We continue to stay engaged with our small business owners, commercial property owners, the Media community, and all the other organizations and stakeholders that collectively make Media Everybody’s Hometown.