Staff writer
He considers himself a public servant — here to serve the residents of Marion.
Marion Economic Development Director Doug Kjellin told Marion Chamber of Commerce members Friday that he wants residents to come to him with suggestions and concerns.
Since taking the position about six weeks ago, Kjellin said he had one or two clients looking at locating businesses at the city’s industrial park and one or two clients interested in developing at the city’s business park.
It has been an adjustment period for Kjellin, he said, coming from the private development sector to the public side of development but he is adjusting.
He reported that construction for the Safe Routes to Schools program will begin construction in April or June 2009. By the beginning of the 2009 school year, most of the project will be completed.
The project includes new and improved sidewalks to provide a safe walking area for parents and students to Marion Elementary School.
Kjellin also told members that the outdoor spray features at USD 408 Sports and Aquatics Center will be installed within the next two weeks and the walking track above the gym floor will be ready by the first of September.
Personal goals
Although the focus remains on the development of the city’s industrial park and continued expansion of the business park, Kjellin said it also was important to him to keep the downtown area vibrant.
“The downtown area is the center of the community,” he said, and emphasized the importance of the Main Street businesses. “My first focus is using downtown buildings.”
Another goal is to keep businesses in Marion and help with expansions.
“We’ve already lost two businesses because they couldn’t expand here,” Kjellin said. “The show horses are the development parks.”
A program that Kjellin currently is working on is a tax credit program where donors can receive a 75 percent tax rebate. The application for the program was due Friday.
If Marion is chosen, funds can be used for business development.
“It would be a tremendous opportunity if we are chosen to receive it,” he said.
If Marion is a recipient of the program, Kjellin said the community will have 30 days to raise matching funds.
The application is for the maximum amount of $100,000.
There are plenty of opportunities here, he said, and all it takes is someone to get involved.
“I don’t want to just hear complaints. I’m also looking for solutions,” he said.
So, what types of businesses does the city want along the highway?
Some franchised retail businesses funnel in local dollars and then the profits go elsewhere, Kjellin explained.
“I would rather see industrial development with investment in personnel with those payroll dollars staying in the community,” he said.
Youth center
Recently Kjellin received a telephone call from a couple who was interested in opening a youth center.
During the chamber of commerce Friday Night Fever promotion Friday evening, Kjellin said a group of interested people will meet at the former Brenda’s Bloomers & Gifts store at 329 E. Main, Marion, to discuss a youth center. He emphasized that this was not necessarily the location of the youth center but that evening’s meeting place.
A community center also could be included with the youth center, Kjellin said.
The city auditorium is an under-utilized facility, Kjellin said. He would like to see the floor leveled to make it conducive for seminars and meetings.
Servant philosophy
“I am paid with public funds. I am a public servant,” Kjellin said.
However, he knows there’s a fine line between economic development and community development.
“Community development factors in with economic development,” Kjellin said, noting that developers look at the entire community when considering investing money in a business.
“Economic development is building buildings and bringing in businesses but the community has to entice people,” he said. “The downtown area is a crucial part of selling this town.”
He then congratulated the community on the sports complexes, pool, and auditorium which are signs of progress.
To date, Kjellin said he has visited 40 percent of the local businesses.
“If you don’t like what you hear (my ideas), let me know,” he said. “I work for you — the public.”
Kjellin’s office is at city hall and he can be contacted at (620) 382-3703.