New Marion economic developer Terry Jones spoke to 14 Kiwanis members on Tuesday, giving background on himself and what his goals are.

He grew up in Topeka and received an economics degree from Kansas State University. He and his wife, Chelsea, have a 17-month-old son, Dawson.

Jones said his son is his motivation to do well in his job. He wants Dawson to have as good of a childhood in Marion as Chelsea had.

His goals for Marion include some population growth, more manufacturing jobs, and a full downtown. He’s still researching how to accomplish those goals, but he plans to track things like assessed property values, building permits issued, and school enrollment to gauge how successful efforts are.

In other business, club members will help set up for a blood drive Monday at Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Gene Winkler told the club about a food bank truck coming to Marion Senior Center on Tuesday, with distribution to begin at 9 a.m.

Kiwanis will have a hospitality reception after Memorial Day services May 26. The reception, with doughnuts, coffee, and juice, will be in the Marion Elementary School cafeteria.