For more than 250 years, Evesham was a quiet farming community and the Village of Marlton was its business center. During the last half of the twentieth century, Evesham became a very desirable place to live, work and shop. Its population doubled and new businesses moved into town as new homes, schools and commercial buildings were constructed. Many upscale stores opened in new strip shopping centers, including the Marlton Specialty Center that received the 2000 "Best of Philly" award (Philadelphia Magazine). In 1996 the Township Council established the Marlton Economic Development Advisory Commission (commonly known as MEDAC) to "assist in the development and maintenance of a positive business environment in the community and foster the appropriate and successful use of commercial land use areas through the Township" with the intent of maximizing the commercial tax ratables in the Township. The Commission's 14 volunteer members is comprised of residents, business owners, one member each from the banking and real estate communities, one Planning Board member, one Zoning Board member, and the Township's Director of the Department of Community Development.

The Commission has sponsored several breakfast meetings with the business community and has provided several workshops to assist small businesses learn about funding options. The Township Council has also sought the Commission's help in gathering factual information and providing policy-making guidance concerning electric power deregulation and cable television refranchise authorization renewal. The Commission is the official sponsor and host of the Winterfest celebration, held annually in early December, in the Old Marlton Historic Village.

As an informational gathering organization, the Commission conducts surveys in the business community to address the concerns of the business owners. The Commission provides informational packets and provides assistance to retain and cultivate new businesses in the Township. The Commission, on behalf of the business community's feedback, has made recommendations to the Township Council and Planning Board concerning allocation of additional land for commercial uses, increasing the permissible height of commercial buildings, and the relaxation of certain advertising restrictions on business signs.