Developer keeps busy with leads, prospective businesses
Staff reporter
It's a delicate balance — keeping the public informed of possible development and compromising confidential information.
Jami Williams, economic development director for the City of Marion, is learning the ropes "first hand" since being appointed to the position the first of January.
She already has had various leads on businesses interested in expanding and some wanting to relocate to Marion.
Williams was hired by the commission for a one-year term.
"If we can accomplish great things the first year, that's fine," said David Mayfield, city administrator and Williams' supervisor. "The commission has committed to a minimum of five years or longer to see results. We don't expect miracles overnight."
Williams' goals are simple and direct — business retention and expansion for a strong economic base, and filling the city's business and industrial parks with businesses.
When businesses approach the city, there are specific requirements — such as a business plan — before incentives are considered.
"If the businesses are not bringing in new jobs or contributing to sales tax, why would we be wanting to offer incentives?" asked Mayfield.
Specific incentives are contingent on commission approval, added Williams.
"There are a broad list of options for the commission to consider," she said.
Williams said she has been impressed with the large number of individuals who have contacted her since the first of the year.
"Jami got a lead on a company, and she and I went to visit them," said Mayfield.
This all came about when a local resident contacted Williams with the lead.
Williams' background is in finance and computers, which will come in handy with her new position.
She has a bachelor's degree in finance and computer information systems, and a minor in accounting from Emporia State University.
After graduation, she was a credit administrator at a bank in El Dorado. In October 1991, Williams was hired as comptroller at Western Associates, Marion, where she worked until hired by the city.
Williams will attend classes in April, offered by Heartland Institute at Blue Springs, Mo., that will assist her in her position.
Kansas Department of Commerce field representative for the Marion area, Rod Weinmeister, encouraged Williams to attend the training.
"This training will provide me with various resources for the job," Williams said.
She also will attend a legislative session and meet officials at the state commerce office.
An advisory board has been appointed to assist Williams with potential businesses. Members of the community bring various backgrounds to the board which will be an asset to Williams.
Board members are Don Bredemeier, Marion Die & Fixture; Alex Case, Case & Son Insurance; Hilary Dolbee, St. Luke Hospital; Andy Hansen, Western Associates; Max Hayen, city commissioner; Jim Hefley, Marion National Bank; Ralph Kreutziger, Hett Construction; Nick Nickelson, retired business owner; Stan Reed, former development board member from another city; Tim Richmond and Tom Stout, Marion Manufacturing; Anita Seacat, Seacat Hardware; Tim Stevenson, Deer Trail Implement, Inc., Margaret Wilson, retired teacher; and Mayfield.
"Ultimately, I want to divide the members into groups," said Williams, "to assist with financing, business retention, etc."
Both Williams and Mayfield are appreciative of local residents and business professionals coming forward to serve.
"When a business is interested in our community, there are members on that board to cover every area," said Mayfield.
Williams added she was pleased there were members with experience serving on the board.
Since being hired, Williams has assisted Seacat Hardware in acquiring high-speed Internet service from SBC/AT&T at the business park.
She also has been assisting businesses wanting to expand and change locations.
"I think I'm the ambassador for businesses," said Williams, citing her assistance in getting the word out for various goods and services offered by local businesses.
"I hadn't had people contact me before Jami was hired," said Mayfield. "And now, there is plenty of activity."
"Timing was crucial," Williams added. "People are ready for changes."
Williams also sees her job as supporting other efforts within the community such as new buildings being proposed by USD 408.
If the bond issue passes, said Williams, it would be a huge boost to the community and school.
"Schools are an important part of economic development," she said.
Williams said she recently gave the wife of a candidate for the hospital administrator's position, a tour of the city.
"The wife wanted to see the schools," said Williams.
Day-care options also are important to Williams and Mayfield. They said in order to attract new business and families to the community, there has to be adequate day-care.
"We're not trying to take jobs away from day-care providers," said Williams. "This would be for those providers who want to work with a community day-care instead of in homes."
A feasibility study is in the works to provide city leaders with necessary information to move forward with the project.
The former SRS building at Main and Cedar streets has been viewed and determined to be acceptable as a possible site. Kansas Department of Health of Environment also has inspected the site and location, and made recommendations for licensing.
"If we get some of the overflow from Fort Riley, we'll need a community day-care," said Williams.
The city also has support from current day-care providers.
"We encourage home day-care providers to continue their services," said Williams.
"The city is not interested in making a profit," Mayfield said, "but does need to break even."
Williams has lived in Marion County for the past 19 years and Marion for 13 years.
Husband Stan is a truck salesman at Williams Service, Florence. They have three children — Chase, a junior, Kayla, seventh grade, and Colin, kindergarten.
Williams, an avid community and school volunteer, took the position because she believes she can "do some good things for the town."
"No one has a right to complain about things unless they are ready to step up," said Williams.
Anyone with development leads are encouraged to contact Williams at the city office.
