Chamber of Commerce hears insurance presentation
Chamber learns about insurance issues
Marion Chamber of Commerce members gathered Friday for their regular monthly meeting, where they heard a presentation on specialized health insurance plans, tailored to small businesses.
Dan Whitney, president of Medova Health care, detailed issues small business owners face in providing health insurance to their employees, including cost.
"From 2000 to the present, health insurance rates have increased over 80 percent," Whitney noted.
Whitney provided an overview of "Chamber Health," a specialized program offered through Medova, that provides both health insurance and an incentive program for promoting healthy lifestyles.
Laura and David Yates, owners of Superior Liquor, were presented with the Chamber's "first dollar of profit" award.
Marion economic development director Jami Williams provided comparative statistics showing 2006 city sales tax collections are up over prior years. She indicated this was evidence that promotions to shop locally are having a positive effect.
Williams also reported Marion Advancement Campaign has received a donation of 200 theater seats from the new owners of the former Warren theater complex in Newton.
Lee Leiker, USD 408 superintendent, provided Chamber members with an update regarding the district's building project.
Leiker showed floor plans of the sports and auditorium facilities, as he described how the USD 408 school board and architect collaborated to develop final plans.
