Team effort required for successful development
By SUSAN COOPER
Staff writer
It takes a village to raise a child so it makes sense that it takes a community to develop a town.
During a meeting April 25, when representatives from various organizations met to discuss development plans for Marion, the message was loud and clear — economic development is not the responsibility of one person or one group. It has to be a community effort.
The real challenge is "How do we start?"
Todd Heitschmidt, president of Central National Bank and a member of Marion Economic Development Advisory Board, shared information that he had used as a member of various boards while a resident of Leoti.
"I'm new to this town," Heitschmidt said. "I have no preconceived notions."
He suggested there be one not-for-profit economic development organization. The group would determine goals and direction, and assist the city-paid economic development director.
Representation from tax-based entities and the general public would make up the board, for a total of 24 members. Heitschmidt said this board would replace the city-appointed advisory board which could resolve some issues.
Marion Economic Development Advisory Board chairman Hilary Dolbee said an independent organization would remove the politics from the appointments.
The 13 permanent board members would be selected by their respective entities — Marion City Council, Marion County Commission, Central National Bank, Marion National Bank, Tampa State Bank, USD 408, St. Luke Hospital and Living Center, Marion Planning Commission, Marion Chamber of Commerce, Marion Economic Development Association, Marion Advancement Campaign, city economic development director, and county economic development secretary.
The remaining 11 board members would be elected by those who reside in Marion, own and/or operate a business within Marion, and who has an interest in economic development.
Andy Hanson, a member of the city's economic development advisory board, said he always thought a joint effort would be better. He said there was a sense of urgency and was concerned that some companies may outgrow Marion.
Hanson told the group of 14 people, that included Marion Mayor Mary Olson, about past experiences he had with the city.
Dolbee said what had happened in the past is "water under the bridge" and it was time to move forward.
Hanson made the suggestion that since the city was not chosen to receive a new call center, perhaps contract manufacturing could use the city's new speculative building.
Heitschmidt said the advisory board has not been effective and the group wanted to find another way to increase the number of businesses in the town.
Mike Powers, a member of Marion Economic Development Association, said the group was formed because something needed to be done to help with economic development. However, this group may be willing to combine efforts and merge into one group.
Powers, who also is a member of Marion Advancement Campaign, commented that that community foundation would probably remain on its own.
Marion Economic Development Director Jami Williams expressed her concern about who she would answer to. The response was the city council and the newly-formed corporation.
"Everyone has the same goal," Dolbee said, "to make Marion grow."
"Here's an organization that will give everyone a chance to participate, not just city council members," Heitschmidt said.
Hanson asked if collaboration would be possible with other cities.
Williams commented that in her traveling and attending workshops and meetings, she has yet to meet another city economic development professional. She has only met county-supported directors.
Don Noller, vice president of Marion National Bank, said the mindset of job creation needed to be changed. Heitschmidt said part of economic development is educating the leadership.
Hanson suggested targeting the types of jobs.
"We don't need any more service-based businesses," Hanson said. "We need factories to produce jobs. How do we pursue this?"
Heitschmidt said the first task is to fill the building with a manufacturer. Retail will take care of itself and typically follows manufacturing.
"Find a niche that needs to be filled by several companies," Hanson suggested.
Roger Schwab, chairman of Marion Planning Commission, said the group needed to look at the area work force of skilled workers.
"We need to shoot for higher paying jobs," he said, like $12-$17 per hour.
All agreed that manufacturers will want to know "what's in it for me if I relocate to Marion? Who's going to give me the best deal?"
An attractive incentive package has to be created, Heitschmidt said.
It was suggested that a marketing plan, at a possible cost of $25,000, should be made that would look outside of the Marion area.
USD 408 Superintendent Lee Leiker said that residents will continue to go in different directions unless there is a focus.
"The community has to be united," he said.
More education to the general public also was suggested.
Other ideas were shared and at the conclusion of the meeting, it was decided that representatives from various groups will gather and figure out the next step.
