Grand marshal is a community ambassador
Staff reporter
Margo Yates is not one to toot her own horn.
She believes her successes with the numerous jobs she performs for the community are not possible without community volunteers.
Yates was chosen by Marion Kiwanis Club as grand marshal for this year's Old Settlers' Day parade Saturday because of her dedication and service to the Marion community.
This year's theme is "Marion: Thriving in 2005." When the theme was chosen, the first person who was considered was Yates.
"Margo epitomizes our theme to a 't'," said Jeannine Bateman, club president.
So, how many jobs does Yates have?
She's the executive secretary of Marion Chamber of Commerce, director of Marion Recreation Commission, Marion County Community Service work coordinator, recording secretary of Marion County Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Appeals, the city's tourism representative, and president of Prairie People Tourism Association.
If that isn't enough Yates also serves on numerous committees, boards, and councils.
Serving as an ambassador for the community, Yates often is the first contact people have with Marion.
"I have an ambassador role," said Yates. "When people contact me, I try to help them whether it's my job or not. I try to go above and beyond for people."
Keeping a sense of humor is important to Yates.
"You have to have fun," Yates said with a laugh. "I know people think I'm a loon but I find I have more energy when I'm having fun."
Dealing with the public on a regular basis, especially during busy times like Art in the Park, can test anyone's patience.
"I deal with fussy people at times and find humoring them does help," Yates said.
Yates said there are times she's stopped on the street by someone who has a question or a concern that isn't necessarily related to any of the jobs she performs.
"I try to help them the best I can," she said. "I'm glad people feel they can talk to me."
Yates moved to Marion County in 1992, and has been with the chamber of commerce for 12 years.
She also has worked for the Marion County Record and Hillsboro Star-Journal.
Yates' experience with the chamber has taught her patience when it comes to business development.
"Things don't happen overnight," Yates said. She sees it as a process.
"You have to plant the seed, then you go back and water it and weed it and tend to it until it grows and flourishes," she said.
Of course, there are times when success does not occur. She has learned to keep moving forward.
"Retail cycles never discourage me," Yates said. "I don't worry about who's closed their doors. Don't get me wrong, I don't like to see stores close but you have to move on."
Yates doesn't get discouraged because she enjoys the rewards when things go right.
The key to continued success for Yates is not being too proud to pitch in and help with efforts.
"You can't be above rolling up your sleeves, digging in, and doing the job," Yates said.
Yates grew up in McPherson and graduated in 1977 from McPherson High School. She graduated from Butler County Community College, attended school at the University of Missouri of Columbia, and graduated from Wichita State University with a degree in journalism.
Her son Michael lives in Marion and recently graduated from BCC. He works in Wichita.
