Business leaders want to assist with development
Staff reporter
A group of business professionals want to see Marion grow and they're taking matters into their own hands to make sure it happens.
Greg Carlson, Kevin Fruechting, Paige Schneider, and Don Noller attended Monday's Marion City Commission meeting to inform the commission of their intentions.
Fruechting, spokesman for the group, said business owner Greg Carlson asked business leaders to meet to discuss ways to assist Marion's business community.
"Greg said he wanted his business to be worth something when he retires," said Fruechting.
The group wants to promote new businesses and assist existing businesses in keeping their doors open.
Fruechting said the group also wants to assist the city with economic development endeavors, including the selection of the next economic development professional.
City administrator David Mayfield said the developer position encouraged interaction with community-based groups with development efforts, and this group was a perfect fit.
Mayfield asked Fruechting if this was going to be an investment group, where funds would be contributed by members of the group to assist with starting up new businesses or assist existing businesses with expansion.
Fruechting responded he wasn't sure and the group was going to determine its purpose.
The commission expressed their appreciation and approval of the group's efforts and suggested two members of the group be included in a city strategic planning meeting in the coming weeks.
"We appreciate your input and efforts," said Tice.
"Some positive things are going to happen," said Fruechting.
In other business:
— An electrical license for Joel Troyer doing business as Electricraft Inc. of Wichita was approved. The electrician has been contracted to do residential work in the city.
— Warrants for $82,336 were approved.
— Mayfield reported he will attend a public relations and accounting workshop Sept. 8 and 9 in Great Bend. The workshop is sponsored by Kansas Municipal Utilities and will provide information pertaining to customer service, city issues, fraud, employment law, and accounting.
The next commission meeting will be at 4 p.m. Monday in the city building.
