Development council discusses task force
Staff reporter
Marion County Economic Development Council met Jan. 14 and discussed the economic development task force.
Howard Collett, Marion County Commissioner, was in attendance and clarified the role of the task force.
The task force's main objective is to create a job description for a Marion County economic development professional.
The council discussed the reasoning for regionalized efforts.
Governor Kathleen Sebelius is making the "big push" for rural development. She believes to achieve success, the state needs to be divided into regions.
Marion County is one of 13 counties in region seven, the south-central district. Each region meets and discusses strategies for development. Marion County is the only county in the region that is not professionally represented at the regional meetings.
Carolyn Koehn, council member, city clerk of Burns, and a member of the task force, said that regional development is the future of rural development.
"We can either get on board and participate in this or we can be left behind," said Koehn.
With the job description, direction for economic development will be discussed.
The council determined that it could be a contact for the county economic development person to report information on a monthly basis.
In other business:
— Leadership Marion County (LMC) reported that the eight class members will do a project.
Joanna Brazil, council representative, LMC board member, and Peabody Main Street director, reported that the Kansas Health Foundation has given a $3,000 grant, $1,000 per year for three years, for an annual class project.
The project needs to benefit the youth of Marion County.
— Marion County Microloan program has $23,000 remaining in loan funds.
Six loans have been given to Marion County businesses. The deadline for the dispersion of the grant funds is March 31. A six-month extension can be obtained if needed.
— The council will have a booth at the Sports, Boat, and Travel Show at Wichita. Volunteers are needed to work the booth Feb. 18-22.
The next council meeting will be at 11:45 a.m. Feb. 10 at Hillsboro City Hall.
