![\"Paintings](\"https:\/\/www.thevwindependent.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/Artrageous-photo-from-2011.jpg\")
<\/a>Ries noted that, in 2013, nine new businesses opened or moved into downtown Van Wert, adding to a healthy and growing mix of downtown businesses. These new businesses, along with existing business growth, resulted in 21 new jobs created.<\/p>\n
In addition, building renovations and improvements large and small resulted in more than $1.3 million reinvested into downtown. This reinvestment is the result of property owners tackling the improvements and continued maintenance to make sure their buildings are serving today\u2019s business needs. At the same time, they are preserving the buildings that are essential to the unique character and charm of downtown Van Wert.<\/p>\n
New retail businesses in downtown last year included The Embroidery Coop (embroidered apparel and gifts, as well as custom screen printing services); Smith & Sons Firearms (specializing in modern tactical firearms and carry pistols); Once I Was (an artisan style boutique with a wide selection of gifts, home d\u00e9cor, jewelry and women\u2019s clothing); RedNeck Pickers Variety Store (which boasts a large selection of lightly used furniture, clothing, and electronics); and MOD Boutique, offering on-trend women\u2019s clothing and fashion accessories.<\/p>\n
Not a bakery, but a cakery, new business Cakecrazy offers a daily selection of unique flavored cupcakes and provides custom-ordered special occasion cakes.<\/p>\n
Other businesses to move downtown include R&R Employment, a Decatur, Ind.-based training and employment services company; 540 Martial Arts, which moved its studio to the downtown area, with classes for youth and adult karate and tae kwon do; and Wassenberg Art Center, which moved into the former Van Wert Armory building. The nonprofit community art center presents an average of eight admission-free exhibits annually, as well as classes, workshops and activities for adults and children.<\/p>\n
Milestones for the MSVW organization in 2013 include a successful June ArtRageous event, as well as an expanded weekly Market on Main through the summer months. Many new retail promotions were organized and are planned again for 2014.<\/p>\n
The organization\u2019s program manager\u2019s position was returned to full-time status, thanks in large part to the many new financial supporting partners that have allowed the organization to grow. In turn, MSVW strives to offer more to serve businesses downtown and fulfill state requirements as one of only 22 Ohio Main Street<\/i> designated communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cMain Street Van Wert Inc. is committed to serving the community by stimulating economic growth while preserving the historic buildings and promoting downtown Van Wert as a great place to shop, visit, work, and live,\u201d Ries said.<\/p>\n