ARCHIVE

Hannaford is 'top chili dog' at chamber meeting

Chili gourmets had a chance to show off their talents Friday at the monthly Marion Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Six contestants participated in a chili-cook-off. Members sampled each entry then voted on their favorite.

Three prizes were awarded. Roger Hannaford III was first and received a $25 chamber check from Central National Bank. Nikki Case came in second to receive a $15 chamber check donated by Marion National Bank. Debbie Buchholz was third and received a $10 check from Tampa State Bank.

Other contestants were Casey Case, Diana Costello, and David Mayfield.

Eloise Mueller, a member of the Marion Economic Development Advisory board, told members there had been about a seven percent return on the business surveys sent out in October.

"About 2,000 went out," Mueller said. "And we got about 150 back. That's about a seven and a half percent return."

Preliminary results showed that Marion residents would like to see another doctor, eye doctor, and dentist come to town.

Other new business ideas included a shoe store, clothing store, YMCA for swimming and walking, indoor pool, theater, and teen center. Residents also would like to see a Wal-Mart, Target, and Lowes come to Marion.

Ideas for improvements in local businesses included friendlier and more knowledgeable clerks, stores with longer hours, lower prices, and more selection.

"The surveys are still being tabulated, and results will be published in the Marion County Record," Mueller said. Business owners and merchants also will be given copies of the comments listed on the surveys.

Marion High School students Tedra Eis and Michael Brookens provided a preview of "Seussical the Musical," which opened Friday night.

MHS students Sarah Williams, Katie Zogelman, Whitney Wear, and Eric Steiner presented a business plan for an indoor pool for Marion.

The plan was a class project and included deciding a location, cost estimates, researching different kinds of pools, ways to make it pay for itself, and presenting and selling it to business leaders in the community.

Nadine Iseli of Country Sentiments reminded everyone her store now is featuring Christmas items. She will have weekly specials until Christmas and a drawing for a Christmas fairy.

Melissa Parmley reminded everyone about the "Holiday Happenings in Marion," scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving.

She also told members that Marion Auto Supply would be offering "Ladies' Day" from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday to help women shop for those hard-to-buy-for men.

Roger Hannaford III said the farm-city steak fry is set for Monday night. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. and Jim French of USDA Rural Development will speak at 7 p.m.

Chamber luncheon prices will increase to $7 per person, beginning next month.

Quantcast