From the Board of Commissioners 

In Aston, “business as usual” is not usual at all. The concept that viable and diverse businesses have a place within the community and can make a significant contribution to the community is not a new idea, but one often forgotten. Not so in Aston. The business community is alive and well and contributing to every facet of community development. 

The process of attracting new businesses and the associated economic benefits is a difficult one. New businesses review demographic data and develop feasibility studies to determine the economic benefit of any new location. In the world of business decisions, not all communities are equal, and in the eyes of competent community leadership, not all businesses are acceptable. Underlying all of that pro forma study, businesses look at a community and its leadership to determine synergistic attitudes. Community leaders look at the acceptability of a business, its ability to benefit the community and satisfy the demands for goods and services of its residents. Within the process there are strategies developed to attract acceptable and beneficial businesses. These strategies require planning at the local level, which dovetail with regional planning, and zoning initiatives, which reflect long term planning. 

business activity. That strategy is paying off – big time.  Comcast, Giant, Dexter’s, Barnaby’s, Pretzel Boy’s, All Phase Automotive, and Leary’s are a few of the recent business entries in Aston. Comcast located here two years ago and has brought Aston two hundred jobs. 

Pretzel Boy’s has been in business fortwo years, has eight locations in two states, and started right here on Pennell Road. When asked ‘why Aston’ for their first location, management echoes the general belief that their wide spread acceptance is not only attributed to their innovative products, but also to the strong propensity of Aston residents to try something a little different without hesitation. Pretzel Boy’s is now preparing to open at four additional locations. 

Giant has 150 plus employees at their Concord Road location and never ceases to amaze its customers with imaginative marketing of superior products and services. All Phase Automotive has been “pleasantly surprised” at the welcome they’ve received in Aston. The year or so that they planned as a “business building period” is past tense in six months. Dexter’s on the 5, Leary’s and Barnaby’s have also had very positive experiences far surpassing their original expectations. 

Wawa is expanding their concept of a larger version of a convenience store on Pennell Road. Providing enhanced services, while adding a total of twenty jobs to the thirty or so jobs at its small store at Pennell and Weir Roads. Wawa has always been a good

neighbor, and the expansion of their presence in Aston will enhance the service that it offers to our community. 

Planet Fitness, whose Spring 2007 startup has exceeded expectations, has won the hearts of locals. Only months after opening, the membership rolls are close to a thousand strong. Their location on Pennell Road is clean, colorful and convenient. The hours of operation are extraordinarily broad with continuous ‘24 hour’ operations during weekdays and 7am – 7pm hours on weekends. The price is right - $10 per month for a regular membership and $19.99 for a premium membership. At either membership level, group-training sessions focused on specific areas of fitness are offered without charge. Individual training and custom nutritional programs are offered for an additional fee. Tanning facilities are offered with a minimal per use fee for regular members, and unlimited tanning is offered for premium members. 

In short all of these “newcomers” have found a home in Aston, and Aston will benefit with employment opportunities and additional tax revenues with which to continue to efficiently provide the municipal services that our township residents require. 

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