Radnor Township has been voted by Fortune Small Business Magazine as the 37^th Best Place in the country to live and start a business. Fortune's "Live and Launch" selection was the result of its staff scouring the country for towns that combine a great business environment with alluring leisure offerings.

According to the magazine, the criteria used to develop its Top 100 list were "economic conditions such as local tax rates alongside natural beauty - and easy access to museums, hungry gamefish, and more." In its announcement, Fortune wrote, "Radnor and the clutch of small towns around it offer families a top-rated school system and acres of green space, including (sic) walking trails...world-class arts, culture, and dining (which) are just 15 miles west of Philadelphia."

Radnor Township is the only Pennsylvania community nominated to Fortune's top 50. Bethlehem (58), Pittsburgh (60), and State College (65) are other cities and towns in the Commonwealth found in the top 100. Fortune lists "diverse labor pool" as the main pro and "tight regulatory environment" as the main con related to Radnor's ranking.

"We are pleased to have been selected for this designation," said Hank Mahoney, president of Radnor's Board of Commissioners. "This is a feather in the cap of everyone who over the years has made our community such a desirable place to live and work - from our elected officials and professional staffs to our engaged citizens and the corps of volunteers who make up our advisory boards, civic associations, and neighborhoods."

This is Radnor Township's second major designation as a great place to live. In 1996, Philadelphia Magazine named the Township as "The Best Place to Live" in the Philadelphia Suburbs, which also used Quality of Life criteria such as commitment to schools, crime rate, public transportation, protected land, recreation, and shopping, among others.

Board vice president Lisa Paolino, added, "I am delighted by this recognition. Radnor is rich in history and full of promise for a vibrant future. We're home to beautiful parks, a dynamic downtown, award-winning schools and universities, top-notch municipal services, global companies, and nationally recognized conservation efforts, so although humbling it's no surprise we've been named."

Township Planning Manager Matt Baumann explains, "Richard Florida, founder of the Creative Class Group (and author most recently of "Who's Your City? How the Creative Economy is Making Where to Live the Most Important Decision of Your Life"), wrote recently in a Philadelphia Inquirer piece, 'From where I sit, Philadelphia's future looks very bright (sic) as a key node in the second-largest "mega-region" in the world (running from Boston to Washington, DC).'"

'"Philadelphia,' Florida continues, 'has become a place of choice in this mega-region and in the United States as a whole. It's a hot place in a hot mega-region. Philadelphia has plenty of challenges. But both city and region are well-positioned for the future.'"

Township Manager Dave Bashore reports that Radnor hopes to continue its stake as one of not only Greater Philadelphia's premiere communities, but now with Fortune's latest recognition, as one of Pennsylvania's best in the nation as well.

"Our citizens have planned well for a bright future for themselves and their children," he said. "We have a new comprehensive land use plan and a Wayne master plan, and in a few months we'll have a Garrett Hill master plan. History shows that communities that plan create a track record for success and sustainability."