Lt. Gov. Moore says 'work together'
'Get involved,'
Cady tells members
"Marion is a good progressive community," Lt. Gov. John Moore told members attending the annual banquet of Marion Chamber of Commerce Monday.
He advocates cooperation between city, chamber, school, and county in what he termed "public/private partnership."
Moore said the highest priority of the chamber is to retain business already serving. Moore also serves as Secretary of Commerce and the Department of Housing. He told the nearly 100 people present "take care of your existing business first, and help local businesses expand."
He also urged to "recruit externally to grow the economy."
Moore, a former Cessna executive, said he will ask for a federal policy change to help Boeing compete in a tough marketplace, especially foreign builders who receive subsidy.
He also will ask for the restoring of normal relations with Cuba in order to sell more Kansas agricultural products as well as being a market for manufacturing.
Moore noted he had been driven to "one of your own, Trooper Eric Pippin." He said Pippin is a good booster for his home town. He told Moore about many of the town's assets.
Moore said "Tourism is economic development," and the state will be doing more to promote tourism in Kansas. "Marion is a town driven by tourism," he noted.
Cady seeks volunteers
Chamber president Jeff Cady presented Moore with an original sculpture from Trace of Copper. He also presented a plaque to past president Kevin Fruechting.
Cady introduced Mike Zamrzla who represented Congressman Jerry Moran.
He also thanked Margo Yates for her dedication and thanked "outstanding volunteers" who keep the organization vital.
Cady explained the objectives of the chamber for the coming year, "to focus and promote chamber of commerce members."
He said credit will be given where credit is due, "to those who pay their dues."
Cady told the members, who had just enjoyed a bountiful meal catered by Country Dreams, "we need your ideas."
He asked that two members present a short bio of their business at each chamber meeting. Troy Leith and Gerry Henderson were asked to do so Monday night.
Leith said his auto repair and service business has diversified and expanded into auto glass and chain saw lines.
Henderson said the school system is concerned about children and said "communities become a better place to live as they take better care of their children."
He also urged members to volunteer to help children through the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization. "We have children who need you," he told the audience.
Cady reminded, "We have to work together, share ideas, projects, and reap the benefits of a better community."
He said, "We've got to keep our kids in town. We've got to keep our money in Marion. And we've got to encourage outside interest in Marion."
He summed it up by saying, "We've got to get involved."
Mayor notes cooperation
Mayor Eloise Mueller spoke to the group, saying the chamber and city will work together. She noted that the city provides $7,000 each year for promotion of tourism.
Other efforts are for beautification, eliminating debris and junk cars, and making the town more attractive.
She noted that city crews help with the clear light bulb program at Christmas and put up holiday season decorations.
She said infrastructure is in place at the industrial park and retail park on U.S.-56.
She asked the public for citizen participation to support local business and suggested downtown revitalization, a bike trail, more volunteers, and that all Marionites "be involved."
An auction was held following the speakers with Gene Winkler as auctioneer and Jami Williams as his assistant. Many useful items had been donated, with the highest bidders buying them. Total proceeds of the auction were more than $1,000.
Board members introduced by President Cady were: Chris Costello, vice president; Donna Bernhardt, secretary; Gene Winkler, treasurer; Kevin Fruechting, past president; and members Mitch Carlson, Roger Hannaford III, Linda Carlson, Jami Williams, and Woody Crawshaw.
