Marion businesses experience positive growth
The year 2001 saw the city of Marion gain at least three new businesses and lose two.
The Exception, a used clothing store, opened at 200 E. Main; River Mill Woods, furniture and frame shop, opened at 206 E. Main; and Highway 56 Car & Truck Wash opened at Marion Business Park.
Mike Jeffrey purchased the former Smitty's Service Center at 1220 E. Main. Lyn Slifer established Linco Electrical Services and Contracting..
The Boyer Law Office in Marion was discontinued and Marion Mini Mall shut down.
A number of relocations occurred. Shawmar Oil & Gas Co., formerly located in Marion Business Park, moved to a remodeled building at 1116 E. Main, where the company renovated the building and attractively landscaped the grounds. Marion Auto Mart moved from 1116 E. Main to Marion Business Park. Seacat True Value Hardware, formerly at 301 E. Main, built a large, new store at Marion Business Park offering expanded merchandise and services.
Work was begun on a $700,000 project to develop the former Santa Fe Depot into an expanded Marion City Library. Superintendent Tony Upshaw, project superintendent from Sunflower Builders, Manhattan, said good progress is being made. Completion is expected this summer.
Several businesses plan to expand this year.
Brenda McGinness, owner of Kraft Korner, will be opening a mall on the site at Fourth and Main for selling antiques and collectibles. Spaces will be for rent.
Great Plains Computers and Networking is hoping to expand its computer classes to include daytime hours.
Central Services and Technology is seeking a larger location to provide more office and classroom space.
Shane Holub and Troy Dawson have purchased the former Becker Tire Co. at First and Main and are calling it Marion Tire Co.
Merchants generally are optimistic about the new year.
