Marion Economic Development Inc. board members on Tuesday morning discussed ideas for businesses to try to attract to the Harris Heights Business Park on the north side of U.S. 56.

Ideas included an independent car dealership, recreational vehicle or boat dealership, steakhouse and sports bar, ice cream shop, and variety store. Members agreed that businesses in the business park should be ones that can attract people driving by on the highway and that complement each other.

None of the ideas discussed is actually in the works at this point, but Roger Holter said having specific ideas and planning builds credibility with investors.

Holter said he is actively trying to attract a truck stop along U.S. 56, hoping to take advantage of expected changes in traffic patterns that would accompany construction of a roundabout at U.S. 56/77.

Board members also filled out surveys about their interest in new restaurant possibilities. The group plans to survey people at the Marion Classic basketball tournament in December, so it can inform people interested in opening a restaurant of what demand is out there.

USD 408 Superintendent Lee Leiker suggested having a drawing to give people attending the tournament incentive to take the survey.