Town Promotion banner, Media, PA -- America's First Fair Trade Town

Town Promotion banner, Media, PA
Originally uploaded by rllayman

I don't know the details, but Media, PA promotes itself as "America's Fair Trade" town. In vacant shops (there aren't many), they fill the window with their promotional banners, rather than have the window empty.

From the Media, PA website:

What does it mean to be a Fair Trade town?

It means that a community has thoughtful and inspired retailers and consumers, who want to use their buying power to improve the lives of others. It is completely voluntary and thus retailers and consumers are always free to buy and use non-Fair Trade products. Media met five goals, as established by the British & European Fair Trade Movements, to become a Fair Trade town:

1. The Media Borough Council passed a resolution supporting Fair Trade, and committing to serve Fair Trade coffee and tea at its functions.

2. A range of Fair Trade products are readily available in Media’s shops and restaurants.

3. Fair Trade products are used by a number of local work places (such as law offices) and community organizations (such as churches).

4. Media coverage is provided and there is popular support for the campaign.

5. A local Fair Trade steering group from a diverse representation of institutions is working to ensure continued commitment to Fair Trade Town status.

Why Media?

20 years ago, the sidewalks of Media were rolled up by 6 o’clock. Today, the opposite is true. The ambiance and spark of Media is the thoughtful result of recent and current leaders and business owners. Media has become the place where surrounding communities shop and dine day and night. Media is forward thinking, and supporting Fair Trade is a natural step exemplifying the leading edge nature of this community.