MAUMEE, OH (WTOL) – Maumee officials predict nearly 250 jobs will be added to the community after a recent burst of economic development. Several businesses have decided to either make Maumee their home or expand since November of 2011.
Twelve businesses have 12 different stories.
The Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity opened up their restore earlier this month after watching it burn down in Toledo in 2010. Now the business is starting over in Maumee.
"It's super exciting for us. It's very exciting. We've been drifting a bit for about a year," said Christian Powers, retail manager of the Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity.
Powers said Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity has been very busy since the new restore opened its doors about two weeks ago. The organization is mostly volunteer-based, but if it stays busy, more paid positions could be added.
"If the need is justified through donations levels, and revenue levels, and things like that, then that may justify other positions," explained Powers.
The restore joins 11 other businesses ranging from an engineering firm to a pilates studio, plus expansions at The Shops at Fallen Timbers.
Many of the businesses are working on moving into their renovated spaces.
"It's nice to see activity in all these sectors, non-profits, as well as business. It's a positive. So we're excited to be a part of that," Powers said.
The city estimated the economic development could mean 241 new jobs in Maumee.
"We've worked hard, I think, in terms of a number of things to attract business, or facilitate a good business environment over here in the city. We've kept our taxes low. We've kept our services up," said John Jezak, Maumee city administrator.
The city also worked with realtors and offered grants, but Jezak thinks the biggest factor might be an improving economy.
"It just seemed like we were on a downward spiral that we couldn't break out of. Yet, there seems to be some green shoots and a ray of sunshine breaking through, in that people are feeling confident once again," Jezak said.
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