For nearly 50 years, the Newtown Square Business Association (NSBA) has been serving our community and helping build a strong foundation for businesses to thrive in Newtown Square and Newtown Edgmont. Founded in 1976 by a group of local business people, the NSBA is governed by the constitution and by-laws formed in 1983, and officers are elected annually.
The NSBA is a proud sponsor of Newtown Square’s annual tree lighting ceremony and partners with the Gather in the Circle committee to participate in and promote the Newtown Square Farmers Market and the Circle at Sundown community festival. NSBA’s recent work promotes sustainability by endorsing the Environmental Advisory Council and encouraging local businesses to join the Newtown Square Green Business Coalition. They also present a Streetscape Award annually to a business that creates a colorful, eye-catching display of plants and flowers that lasts throughout the summer.
Most recently, the association focused on ways to keep small businesses thriving, especially as they rebound and rebuild from the pandemic. They wanted to make an impactful statement encouraging residents and those who drive through our town to stop and shop here. They created a Shop the Square banner campaign that has been extremely successful and helped earn them the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Best Business Association award.
In addition to the Shop the Square project, board members have boosted their commitment to promoting their members’ businesses by introducing social networking happy hours for business owners and consistent social media campaigns designed to build community excitement and dedication to shopping locally.
Over the past few years, Newtown Township has experienced unprecedented growth in the number of businesses and residents, so working with Newtown Township officials is paramount. In an effort to educate our business community on plans and changes happening, the NSBA hosts an annual State of the Township breakfast meeting that allows our police chief, township manager and township supervisor the opportunity to provide timely and accurate information and field questions from members.
Sheila Turner-Hilliard, President
Sheila joined the NSBA as a member 20 years ago when she opened From the Top Studio of Dance. She was elected Director three years ago and Vice
President in 2023. “I am excited to announce that I will now serve as President in 2024,” she explained. “As a lifelong Newtown Square resident and successful business owner, I want to keep Newtown Square’s businesses and local events thriving. I would love to hear ideas and suggestions from you, local business owners and our community leaders.”
Paul Seligson, Vice President
Paul is a long-time volunteer for many of Newtown Square’s community groups. “In 2008, I was developing a hanging basket program when
I heard of Dick Pound, who was President of NSBA,” Paul said. “I called him, and he invited me to present to the Board of NSBA. That meeting led to a letter of endorsement and a $2,000 check to get us started.” Paul was then invited to join the Board, and when Dick retired in 2015, he threw his hat in the ring for President, serving until 2023. “I have enjoyed eight years at the helm and am extremely happy to see Sheila Turner-Hilliard take over the reins so capably.”
Rich Crowe, Secretary
Rich is the secretary for the NSBA. This is his fourth period serving on the NSBA board over the last 30-plus years. “As publisher of Press Newspapers years ago, it was always essential to have a strong business group representing our local merchants in Newtown Square.”
Paul Hostler, Treasurer
Paul is NSBA’s newly elected Treasurer. “As a banker for over 40 years, I continue to be a lifelong learner who strives daily to educate others,” Paul explained. “I have been a member of NSBA for a year and joined to build an even better community and impact lives.”
Brian McCollum, Director
Brian founded McCollum Insurance in 2002. For over 20 years, McCollum Insurance has helped local business owners and families with their
business and personal insurance needs. “I have been a member of the NSBA for close to four years,” he said. “I have met many business owners over the last few years in Newtown Square and enjoy hearing about and responding to the needs of local business owners while also offering the best
insurance solutions.”
Ken Taylor, Director
Ken has been with The Running Place since 2007 and has been the owner since 2012. Ken feels that joining the business association has allowed him
to play a more active role in the community. “I have served on the board for over six years, with a small break during my daughter’s early years,” Ken remarked. “I feel that being members of the business association enables us to make a positive mark in the neighborhoods where we live and work.”
Jackie McCormick, Director
“I joined the NSBA to actively engage with my neighbors,” explained Jackie. “As a Realtor and a resident raising a family here, I am committed to contributing to Newtown Square’s improvement.” Jackie serves as both a Board member and Social Media manager, taking pride in positively impacting our community and assisting fellow business owners in their growth.
Monica Knauss, Director
Monica is the Community Relations Coordinator at Dunwoody Village and has been on the NSBA Board for three years. She said, “Dunwoody Village has served Newtown Square and the surrounding area for 50 years as a continuing care retirement community (and as a convalescent home for 50 years before that), and it’s my pleasure to participate with other businesses in promoting all that Newtown Square has to offer.”
Dane Shoemaker, Director
Dane is the Owner/Operator of Shoemaker Films, LLC, based in Newtown Square. “I joined the NSBA in 2023 and shortly after that became
a Director, ” he explained. “As a local business, it was easy to join an award-winning group like the NSBA, filled with like-minded professionals to network, volunteer and promote my business.” Dane encourages others to join and said that between the happy hours and regular meetings, it is
an excellent opportunity for businesses and a lot of fun, too!
Anne Marie Hare, Director
“I joined the association to help improve St. Albans Circle and connect with other businesses,” said Anne Marie, owner of Bunny Hare’s Boutique and Gift Shop. She is celebrating her 19th year in business in the “circle” and enjoys volunteering to support and promote a healthy local economy. “The more businesses in town, the better we all do.”
Jack Crowley, Jr., Director
Jack joined the Newtown Square Board of Directors in 2021. “The reason I joined is because I started a business in Newtown Square in 2013 and fell in love with the community,” he explained. “Newtown Square is unlike anywhere else, the community and its residents really go out of their way to shop and support local small businesses.” Jack added that he has formed lasting relationships with residents and other business owners and is proud to serve and be a part of our Newtown Square family.
John Custer III, Solicitor
John has served as NSBA’s Solicitor since 2019, providing legal support, advice, and representation. “I am an attorney specializing in business law and estate planning & administration,” John said. “I grew up in this community and wanted to become more involved in local business.”
On behalf of our Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors, we would like to thank the Board Members and business members of the Newtown Square Business Association for their steadfast commitment to our community.
Publisher’s Note: I’m grateful our magazine Content Coordinator, Sheila Turner-Hilliard, has accepted leadership of our Newtown Square Business Association at the recommendation of Newtown Township’s all-around, and all-year-round man of service, Paul Seligson. Thank you NSBA Board Members for your service to our Newtown Square community.