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County ED council provides annual report

Staff reporter

Marion County Economic Development Council Chairman Tina Groening presented an annual report Feb. 20 to Marion County Commission regarding activities in 2006 and goals in 2007.

Groening said the 28-member council, with representation from most of the incorporated cities, focused on the areas of business recruitment and retention, tourism, and leadership development.

Through the county's micro-loan program, 10 loans have been dispersed for a total of $94,000. Two loans have been paid in full which leaves $60,568 in loan principal.

Currently there is nearly $40,000 available for loans for business start-ups and expansions.

Other projects and goals:

— The council would like to start a SCORE chapter in Marion County. The chapter is comprised of retired business professionals who provide counseling services to small business owners.

— A labor survey that was conducted in 2004 will be updated.

— Members of the council will participate in the Kansas Sampler Festival at Garden City. The council continues its affiliations with Prairie People Tourism Association and Flint Hills Tourism Coalition.

— Updates continue on the marioncountyks.org web site. In 2006, each community in the county was given a web page with pertinent information.

— The council is a member of KEDA (Kansas Economic Development Alliance) which permits county economic development secretary Teresa Huffman to list commercial properties on a state web site.

— The council also is a member of the Marion Lake Association which is affiliated with Marion Reservoir. The council also supports campsite expansion plans at Cottonwood Point and the WRAPS program.

— Leadership Marion County class of 2007 has 12 members.

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