Biggest Local Business Stories of 2011

If nothing else, the year was an interesting one for businesses in Marple and Newtown Townships. A new Walmart opened, and in the process, donated thousands of dollars to the Marple community; local florists merged businesses; plans for a Great Harvest Bread and Rite Aid were approved, and more. Here's a quick look at some of the most important business stories of 2011.

The new Walmart in the Marple Crossings Shopping Center held a private reception for employees and their families as well as community representatives on Oct. 11. Store Manager Anthony Deni presented a check for $5,000 to Marple Public Library, $5,000 to and $2,336 to Marple Township.

A crowd of about 50 people waited in line just before dawn Oct. 12 in anticipation of its grand opening at the Marple Crossroads Shopping Center. After a brief ribbon cutting ceremony, the store was doing business shortly after 7 a.m.

On Monday, Oct. 31, Natalie's Floral Boutique picked up their belongings and moved in with on 2620 West Chester Pike in Broomall. According to Suellen Agostini, co-owner of Leary's Florist, the move made the most fiscal sense.

About 70 volunteers from LyondellBasell in Newtown Square worked hard for four hours on April 9 to build an environmental outdoor classroom in front of as part of their annual community service day "Global Care Day."

Newtown Township Board of Supervisors approved the zoning text and map amendment applications for Della Porta and the preliminary final land development application for Rite Aid at a meeting on Nov. 14.

The Newtown Zoning Hearing Board approved Wayne's Great Harvest Bread Co. to set up their second location in Newtown Square.

Marking its fifth year participating in a German exchange program, the played host again to another group–specifically 15–of German students for three weeks. The German company in Newtown Square helped welcome the recently landed students with a dinner reception for the students and their Marple Newtown host families.