MAYOR'S MESSAGE

Craig A. Stough 7/27/2006

"Economic Development Update"

The City of Sylvania has received some promising economic development news in the past few months. Several businesses are choosing to locate in Sylvania. Sylvania remains a desirable business location, attracting new jobs into our city and increasing the number of products and services available to our residents.

Root Learning, Inc. announced their planned relocation to Sylvania during Sylvania City Council's meeting on Monday, July 17, 2006. Root Learning is a nationally recognized firm specializing in business seminars. They are planning to occupy two floors of 5470 South Main Street, the attractive office building across Ten Mile Creek from the Wingate Hotel. Seminar attendees are expected to stay at the hotel and enjoy our downtown and Harroun Park. Root Learning will bring more than 70 jobs and many visitors into our downtown, and will add new life and economic diversity.

Another company coming to Sylvania is Regency Health Care, who is building an acute care hospital on Alexis Road west of Whiteford. Once construction is complete on the new facility, over a hundred jobs are anticipated. The facility will provide acute care to patients whose primary hospital benefits have been used up, but still need acute care, only at a lower cost than primary hospital care.

Two food retailers are also coming to Sylvania. Claudia's Natural Food Market is relocating from Secor Road in Toledo to the former appliance store and pet supplies outlet on the north side of Monroe Street east of Starlight Plaza. Claudia tells me she is tripling the size of her old store by coming to a new home in Sylvania.

Aldi Foods has also announced a new store to be constructed on the south side of Monroe just west of Whiteford Road. There are also plans by Waterford Bank to build a new headquarters building on the south side of Monroe a little further to the west near Skelly Drive.

Hudson Gallery has relocated to the west side of Main Street in downtown Sylvania into a beautifully restored downtown building. We wish them success in their new home. Although some downtown storefronts remain empty, there is considerable interest in the spaces. I believe these spaces will be filled as the downtown transitions into new types of businesses.

The City of Sylvania remains a desirable location for business. Despite slow economic times, businesses with new jobs, products and services for our residents are choosing to locate in Sylvania. Sylvania is a great place for business, as well as a great place to live and raise a family.