Businesses spotlighted at monthly chamber meeting
Thirty people attended the regular monthly midday meeting Friday of the Marion Chamber of Commerce. It was held in the city building basement. Pizza Hut of Marion provided the food.
Susan Cooper, director of economic development for the City of Marion, told the group that they — business owners and employees — are the best ambassadors the city and area have for added development and economic growth.
She also reported the assisted living facility planned for Marion should break ground sometime next month.
The business spotlight for the month was on D&J Liquor and on Animal Health Center of Marion County.
Don Vinduska, of D&J, said the store will soon celebrate its fourth anniversary under ownership of him and his wife, Jeannie.
"Our goal was to have the best liquor store possible," he said. They wanted to be able to offer low prices on high-quality products, with excellent service.
They will carry out items purchased, help customers with ice, do just about anything to provide A-plus service, he said.
He and his wife are both Marion County natives. The store is "all computerized" now.
He said they want to make customers' experience "a good, pleasant one at our store." Fun, even joy, have been a part of operating the store for the past four years, he said.
"We've been accepted by the community." He said young people (in their 20s or so) have even sort of adopted them as "their grandpa and grandma or whatever.
"We're a part of so many lives in this community."
He said the couple has accomplished a lot of their goals in regard to the store. Their inventory, selection, and service amaze many people who come in from out of town to shop.
Dr. Jessica (Tajchman) Laurin, DVM, spoke on behalf of Animal Health Center. She is a native of rural Tampa. She graduated from veterinary medical school in 1993, practiced in Western Kansas for a while, then came to Marion in 1996, opening the AHC at that time.
She likes it here, and wanted to have a practice she could be comfortable with, she said. Most vets go to the bigger cities such as Wichita, but she "likes the small town," she said.
Most people consider pets truly part of their families, she said surveys have shown.
The clinic at AHC is modern, with two examination rooms for small animals and a dedicated surgery room. Drugs, by law, are kept under lock and key.
She treats small animals — pets — but also farm animals such as cattle, horses, sheep and goats. There are three full-time staff members at the clinic, in addition to her.
Jim Hefley, president of Marion National Bank, was introduced as a guest. He began working at the bank on July 7.
The chamber will serve a school breakfast at 8 a.m. Aug. 12 in the Marion High School/Marion Middle School commons area.
Members are asked to attend, and volunteers are needed to help serve and make egg casseroles. Contact Gene Winkler or Margo Yates, chamber executive director, to volunteer.
Organizations, businesses and individuals who want to take part in this year's Art in the Park Food Court are invited to a brief meeting at 9 a.m. July 30 in the chamber office.
It is on a first-come, first-served basis, i.e. food items to be sold will not be duplicated — one vendor of each type item.
If you can't attend this meeting but want to participate, call Yates at 382-3425. This is a good opportunity for chamber fund-raising.
Also, volunteers are needed for this year's Marion chamber booth at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson, Sept. 6-15. Contact Yates if you can help with this.
