The Conewango Township Police Department, Advance Auto Parts and the Warren County Chamber of Business & Industry were all parties to a ribbon cutting on Thursday for the store’s new location at the Warren Commons.

Volunteer firefighters stand to benefit from Advance Auto Parts relocating into the Warren Commons.

Thursday marked the company’s grand opening at the Commons location, a move up the road from it’s long-time location at the former Quality Markets complex on Route 62.

John Rau, district manager with Advance, said the former location was “where the retail customers were” when the company located there over 30 years ago.

The move to the Commons is a matter of “getting where we could be better connected with the customer base,” he said.

The change has already shown a “significant” increase in traffic, Rau added, noting that they are “seeing a lot of new customer base with the new location.”

Part of the grant opening was a $2,000 donation of gift cards to the Conewango Township Police Department.

“Our local volunteer fire and EMS (departments) are in some cases struggling financially and in membership,” Chief Jason Peters said. “The gift cards will be distributed to the 15 volunteer fire departments in Warren County and that distribution will be facilitated by the Conewango Township Police Department.

“The cards can be used at the VFD’s discretion,” he added. “Be a Volunteer and make a difference in your community!”

The store is also hosting a collection of dish soap and laundry soap for the Paws Along The River Humane Society. Those who donate will be entered into a June 15th drawing for gift cards and other prizes.

Approximately 15 people are employed at this location.

John Papalia, director of chamber operations and tourism with the Warren County Chamber of Business & Industry, said the WCCVI “appreciates you being in the community,” especially in their “great new facility.”