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Local businesses help Findlay economy grow

Store owners in downtown Findlay say they hope signs of a growing economy could mean a boost in business for them this summer.

FINDLAY, OH (Toledo News Now) - Store owners in downtown Findlay say they hope signs of a growing economy could mean a boost in business for them this summer.

"I think the economy is getting better," said Barry Niswander, owner of Niswander's Jewelers. "I don't think it's getting real, real good, but I see a small improvement."

According to Niswander, there are good days and bad days for business, but on the whole, he says people are stopping by and spending their money at businesses on South Main Street.

"We're fortunate that we have a very viable downtown," he said.

That downtown could be helping turn things around for Findlay. Six months into the year, income tax revenue is up 13.5 percent over what city leaders expected to collect.

"It's outstanding news," said Paul Schmelzer, director of Findlay Safety Services. "It's reflective of the fact that our local economy is doing a bit better than national."

City leaders say the success of small businesses like Niswander's and major Findlay-based corporations like Marathon Petroleum are behind the uptick in the economy. They hope the turnaround continues.

"As the person responsible for managing the expenses, I'm going to make sure that this is not just a blip in the radar," Schmelzer said.

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