Economic investments continuing to be made in Brunswick as local economy remains stable

BRUNSWICK — Businesses are still looking to invest in the Brunswick area, Brunswick Economic Development Director Grant Aungst told City Council on Monday. He said the overall economy of Brunswick is still stable and strong, but interest rates and certain commodities need to be watched. "World conflicts remain out of our control," he said. "However, those conflicts do affect our community members' daily decisions. Oil jumped today. Food costs continue to increase." There is a "K-shaped economy," where people who are doing well continue to do well and those who are struggling keep struggling, Aungst said. Some community members rely on organizations like the Brunswick Food Pantry, Feeding Medina County and local churches to supplement food and other necessities. "Consumer credit was flat in May, suggesting households may be becoming more cautious," he said. "Mortgage applications on a national level fell, and home sales decreased as well. With all that information, Brunswick and Medina County as a whole continue to buck the national trend in new homes and consumer spending." Some of Brunswick's industrial businesses are growing, Aungst said. For instance, Columbia Chemical is adding 20,000 square feet to their business along with new employees. Other long-term businesses in Brunswick's industrial park are also considering making additions to their facilities. "We're in a wonderful period of time," he said. "We're a growing county with great people and businesses coming to the city that are engaging and being part of that success. Don't forget to support those businesses." A number of local and national investors are looking to Brunswick to make investments, Aungst said. Commercial real estate site selectors are specialists who help companies decide where to put a new facility by considering factors like zoning, infrastructure, power requirements, water, utilities, costs and benefits. "I want folks to understand that we're talking to these folks on a regular basis, but they're looking at investing tens of millions of dollars for sit-down restaurants, a brand new build, plus all the material inside, plus training of the employees, plus the professional kitchen outfitting," he said. "You're looking at anywhere from $20 to $25 to $35 million. That's a lot of money, so these restaurants take these things very seriously, and they look at them in great detail." Bringing a new business to the city takes time, resources, effort and patience, Aungst said. "Remember, 10 years ago, we didn't have (state Route) 303 the way it is, and I had told people to be careful what you wish for at times because things change," he said. "The new folks want to see all the development. The folks that have been here a long time like to have it a little quieter, but it's going to need to be a balance somewhere in between." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.