• New business - Sultan's Mediterranean Cuisine 4749 Central Park Drive.

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - New restaurants, stores and services continue to pop up in Meridian Township. Not only does this mean more food and shopping options, it means more jobs and a stronger economy.

Whether they're seasonal, temporary or full time... job expansion is now trending in Meridian Township and looks as though it's here to stay.

Paint splatters, dust, concrete, and closed doors will soon turn into new jobs and new opportunity for Meridian Township and its residents.

More than six construction sites have sprung up around Meridian Township providing jobs now and for the future.

"It's good news to see this, suggesting maybe a little rebirth in this area," said Nick Colovos a Lansing resident.

It's a rebirth that includes 20 new businesses including a doggy day care, three grocery stores - one being Hannah Market, a hotel called Home 2 Suites, several restaurants including: New Thai Kitchen, Boiling Points, and Sultan's Mediterranean Cuisine...just to name a few, and the 19,000 square foot department store, Gordman's, located in the Meridian Mall.

"As a shopper I appreciate more alternatives and a good competitive environment, expanding tells me more possible new brands and businesses giving me better alternatives to shop at," Colovos said.

Statistics show that 70 percent of Meridian Township residents have a bachelor's degree or higher and between education and work experience, experts say it's those demographics that are attracting businesses.

"If they're going to open a company here they know that we have the people ready, educated and trained to take on those positions," said Peter Menser, Meridian Township Associate Planner.

These positions could soon bring tax dollars, tourists, direct investments and spin offs to new businesses.

"New jobs, more jobs in any form is certainly good. Money accelerates through the economy and starts with people earning it so that they can spend it and the cycle begins. That feeds the growth, tax base and business environment it all benefits," Colovos said.

Along with all of the other expansion, Delta Dental plans to add 300 new jobs to their Okemos Road headquarters soon.

The Township says that residents are excited about the upcoming change and are ready to see if the economy makes a turn.